February 2026

Pamushana

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Pamushana: February 2026

As we move towards the end of the rainy season, grasses and forbs will begin to wilt. Bushes will follow later, gradually opening the landscape and giving us a clear vista to view game. There is plenty of food available for all herbivores and birds now, contributing to healthy and active wildlife on the reserve, and hopefully the forage will sustain them for the rest of the year until the next rainy season. The promise of winter approaches as we feel the slight drop in temperature now.
An overview of the month’s sightings follows:
Lions
  • Three sub-adult lions, two males and one female, that split from the Nduna Pride have been moving between Hwata and Banyini. Banyini has become an ideal hunting ground for them due to the abundance of plains game.
Leopards
  • We had a remarkable eye-to-eye encounter with a female leopard drinking from a small water body right beside the road.
  • Leopards continue to appear at permanent water points, where they take advantage of prey species that frequently come to drink.
African wild dogs
  • Wild dogs have been seen three times this month. The packs remain stable and in excellent condition, with all individuals appearing healthy and active. Their movements have been concentrated around areas with water points, likely due to the excessive availability of water during this period, which influences both prey distribution and their hunting patterns. With the extreme heat they have been seen sitting in the water to cool down, while also taking the opportunity to quench their thirst whenever possible.
  • This month, the sightings of a pack of wild dogs around the Nyari area have been nothing short of spectacular. We have frequently caught glimpses of the pack as they chase impalas, showcasing their remarkable hunting skills and teamwork. The number of wild dogs in the pack has decreased to thirteen. Each sighting is critical not only for appreciating the beauty of these animals but also for understanding the pressures they face in their natural environment.
Elephants
  • Breeding herds of elephants were particularly active around Chikwete and Mubangweni. Their presence is evident from scattered broken trees and branches left across the area, a clear sign of their feeding movement patterns.
  • Additional sightings from other game drives reported the herds crossing Binya Road, heading toward Chikwete, an area well-known for its abundance of acacia trees. The groups included small calves, indicating heathy breeding activity and strong family structure within the herds.
  • Chiredzi River and Sosiji Dam have been popular spots for elephants. The Chiredzi River is especially favoured because of the abundance of Vachellia tortilis trees, which elephants feed on heavily.
Buffalo
  • Big herds of buffalo are still frequenting Hwata Pan and Nduna Dam. Their presence is helping to open up thick grass areas, as the large numbers continuously trample the grass, creating clearer paths and improving visibility.
Rhinos
  • White rhinos are currently less exposed compared to the dry season when the bush is more open. With the vegetation still thick, they tend to remain within cover for most of the day. Sightings are most likely around waterholes, particularly during the heat of the day and again in the evening when they come to drink.
  • Black rhinos are predominantly concentrated around Banyini, where they are taking advantage of sprouting wild cucumber plants and a variety of seasonal forbs. Most sightings have occurred in the morning and again in the early evening.
Spotted hyenas
  • Twenty hyenas were sighted at a buffalo carcass along Orphan Road - an impressive and uncommon number for a single feeding site. The clan was fully active, mingling among themselves as they fed, accompanied by their characteristic giggling and whooping vocalisations. The interaction showcased the complex social behaviour of hyenas, with constant movement, shifting ranks, and competitive yet coordinated feeding.
Brown hyenas
  • Later on a brown hyena was likely moving within the radius of the buffalo carcass when it picked up the scent and tracked it down with precision. After locating the carcass, it remained on the periphery as lions were now feeding, keeping a cautious distance yet fully alert. This rare and solitary visitor added a special highlight to the day, offering an excellent contrast to the earlier activity of the spotted hyena clan.
Plains game
  • Banyini is thriving with plains game! The open and seemingly-safe environment, together with the abundance of wild cucumber plants, is inviting a wide range of species into the area.
Unusual sightings
  • Between Buffalo Fence Road and Hwata Pan there is a breeding colony of quelea birds. Birds of prey have been observed congregating in large numbers in this area. This includes both migratory and endemic species, taking advantage of the abundance of chicks as a food source.
Birds
  • The Narina trogon mentioned in last month’s journal has still been seen around Malilangwe House and Paumushana Lodge, which is quite remarkable. Normally elusive and confined to dense riverine woodland, this individual has remained within the area, likely due to stable food availability and suitable roosting spots.
Photographic hide
  • The photographic hide is not used during heavy rainfall periods. But as the rains are coming to an end, natural water points begin to dry up, and wildlife activity will shift. All major game species will soon return to our prominent and well-known waterholes, increasing viewing opportunities – especially from within the hide.
Rock art
  • Rock art carries an endless and fascinating history. People find it hard to believe the level of skill and detail in the ancient artwork. It is such a privilege to be able to share the abundance of rock art on the reserve with our guests.
Boat cruises
  • The boat cruise is a relaxing activity where guests enjoy their drinks from the comfort of their cruising couches while watching game along the shoreline. Several hippo pods have been observed, including the formation of new territories due to the high-water levels.
Fishing
  • Water levels are high, and efforts have been made to find new hotspots. Tigers are biting among dead trees, possibly because small fish are feeding on algae in those areas, attracting the predators.
By Jenny Hishin
Author / Field Guide