Extremely wild safaris

03/09/2026

The Chronicles of Nxai Pan – Part 2

Just a quick recap, Day 2 at Nxai Pan..
This morning commenced with a simple cup of coffee, after which we proceeded directly to the water hole. There, we encountered the lioness we had seen the previous day, reclining at the water’s edge.

It was a striking scene: the lioness and her pride refused to allow the thirsty herd of Blue wildebeests to drink. Each time the wildebeests approached, the lions shifted position, effectively preventing them from quenching their thirst. It appeared to be a deliberate strategy — to intensify the beasts' desperation by withholding access, hoping that eventually they would abandon caution and attempt to drink despite the imminent danger.

In a rather somber update regarding the jackal we mentioned in our last communication — the one that was killed in a fit of frustration and subsequently abandoned by the same pride — sadly the other jackals have taken advantage of the situation and feasted upon the carcass. Such is the stark reality of nature’s balance here in the wild.

Sadly it is our last game drive here this morning as we had to proceed to the Makgadikgadi salt pans..

02/09/2026

Subject: The Chronicles of Nxai Pan –
From Nxai pan on our ongoing safari expedition allow me to share a vivid reminder of the raw and untamed beauty of nature.

We spent our night serenaded by the majestic roar of lions, the haunting cry of the Kalahari, and the distant calls of jackals. Each morning began with a fresh cup of coffee, accompanied by the comforting ritual of dipping Ouma rusks to soften them—a simple pleasure that perfectly complemented the wild surroundings.

Our curiosity was piqued by the nocturnal sounds, compelling us to uncover the source of the nightly commotion. Determined to find the lions, we embarked on our search at the periphery of Nxai Pan, our eyes scanning the dense woodland intently. Initial efforts bore no fruit, yet just as we contemplated abandoning the quest, we discovered fresh lion tracks imprinted on the soft Kalahari sands, leading steadfastly towards a nearby water hole.

Wasting no time, we followed the tracks to the water's edge, where we observed two lionesses and a cub patiently awaiting their chance to strike a poor jackal trapped in the muddy shallows. Surrounding the scene were herds of thirsty wildebeests, giraffes, and springboks, all wary of the lurking predators as they approached the water.

In a display of both nature’s cruelty and its unforgiving reality, the small jackal, attempting to reach the water, was swiftly chased and killed by the lionesses in the very vicinity where the jackal had become ensnared. Remarkably, the lionesses did not consume their prey. Instead, they moved closer to the edge of the water hole, near the mud-trapped jackal's remains, refraining from entering the thick mud themselves, undoubtedly to avoid the risk of becoming trapped.

We remained patient, observing this haunting tableau, captivated by the unfolding drama. The resilience and rawness of the wildlife around us were profoundly humbling, a stark reminder of the delicate balance and inherent brutality within the natural world.
A few minutes later still here the 2 cruel crows are eating the mud stuck Jackal alive right in front of the lioness!

27/08/2026

25/07/2026

Casting eyes to the endless marsh...
Savuti #

25/07/2026

Makgadikgadi salt pans sundowners

04/06/2026

Budget participation mobile camping safari..

21/04/2026

Makadigadi pans..Meerkats visit

13/04/2026

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12/04/2026

Herding to the water source after a successful meal..
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