March turned out to be a fabulous month for game viewing at Kalahari Plains. The Kalahari really is the gift that keeps on giving!

Excellent cheetah sightings prevailed. The highlights in this regard include cheetah chasing a flock of ostrich, and later the cheetah themselves being chased by two oryx (gemsbok) bulls. In the first case we found ourselves searching for cheetah in the dawn of another gorgeous Kalahari sunrise. We were fortunate to find the three Kalahari Plains males in repose on the great plain in front of camp. What a regal sight they presented as the skies glowed with the pre-birthing of another day. The plain was littered with scattered herds of springbok, oryx and red hartebeest. But it was a large flock of ostrich upon which the cheetahs' attention were riveted, and in particular upon a group of medium-sized chicks. We positioned the vehicle in a situation from which we could best view the action. The cheetah skilfully stalked into a position from which to launch an attack upon the blissfully unaware chicks. What was amazing was how obvious it was that the cheetah had selected the ostrich chicks totally to the exclusion of any other potential prey which was also so obviously available. Getting into position without attracting the attention of the other animals on the plain was also a lesson in consummate skill. The stage was set, and we awaited the action. One of the cheetah launched the attack and the three torpedo-like forms streaked onto the plain. The peace and harmony was instantly shattered and hundreds of animals fled willy-nilly in all directions, with the ostrich leading the mass exodus.
The cheetah had launched the attack too soon and were unable to catch up with the ostrich. The now wide-awake plain glared at the crestfallen cheetah who walked shamefacedly through the herds of peeved springbok to the edge of the area. They knew that they had blown it and that they would have to keep a low profile as it would be hours before the plain returned to its carefree and trusting demeanour of moments previously. Though the cheetah had failed, the guests and I were pumped with adrenaline and excitement at having witnessed such a spectacle.

Later in the day, we decided to return to the spot at which the cheetah had disappeared. Sure enough, at dusk the cheetah reappeared from the scrub on the edge of the plain. In this instance they were given even shorter shrift and were driven off by two huge oryx bulls. A memorable day in the lives of the Plains coalition for sure.

Another highlight for the month was the sighting of a pangolin in camp. While sitting at the bar with guests after a game drive we were called by a staff member to see a pangolin in the staff area. We all rushed there to find Willy, one of our guides, pointing excitedly at this rare find. The pangolin was sleeping in a small bush a few feet from his tent. Everyone was extremely excited, as it's incredibly rare to see pangolin - especially this close up. Willy was fortunate enough to spot the same pangolin again a few evenings later while on game drive.

One more highlight was the spotting of two aardwolf on the great plain in front of the camp. It was on a cool and overcast day and we were treated to a lengthy display of them play fighting and being investigated by an extremely curious springbok ram.