The weather has changed dramatically from being scorching hot to comfortable. The clouds have been gathering almost every day but with little or no rain. We are still waiting patiently for the teasing to end and the heavens to pour down some decent rains, even we have had a small amount of rainfall during the month. The temperatures have been quite varied this month, with a high of 39° C and a low of 19° C.

What an eventful month, from finding painted reed frogs on our coffee mugs to sitting by in the main area and watching a male lion walk across the open floodplain while we are having breakfast, not to mention the African paradise-flycatchers nesting in a nearby tree - what a great way to start your day!

We have been very lucky here at Jao, since over the last month we have had three new intruders, the kind you hear roaring in the distance looking for new territory or even a new partner perhaps... I am speaking of three young male lions on the prowl. The resident male had better beware, as there is some competition! We have also had the lions in camp on a few occasions which has made moving around back of house a bit tricky.

The Jao floodplains are full of lechwe every evening. During the heat of the day there are only a few territorial males to be seen on the floodplains, while the big herds move to the waterways on the edge of the floodplain.

As the water level drops in the Delta, different species move into the concession - we have seen zebra and giraffe throughout the month, with the buffalo herds returning to the area towards the end of the month.

The first of the broad-billed rollers have arrived and are showing off with their bright colours and flashy flight. The resident little bee-eater eggs have hatched and the chicks are growing quickly. They are now being fed full-sized dragonflies by the ever-vigilant parents.

Guests have regularly been spotting rosy-throated longclaws out on the floodplains. As the water recedes, fish traps have formed on the peripheries of the floodplain, attracting huge flocks of waders and water birds.

The avian highlight for the month was the arrival of no less than 60 wattled cranes, which have taken up residence around the Jao Hippo Pools. It is fantastic to watch the males perform their elaborate dance in a bid to attract a female.

Managers: Theresa Fourie, Bryan Webstock, Neuman Vasco, Retha Prinsloo, Phil Ngisi and Marina Lungu.

Guides: Cruise Mollowakgotta, Alberto Mundu, Simon Tshekonyane and Johnny Mowanji.