One of the more dramatic sightings this month unfolded near the airstrip, where two lionesses were repeatedly challenged by hyenas over a carcass. The interaction carried on for some time, with the hyenas constantly pressuring the lions before eventually managing to push them away from the remains.
Spotted hyena activity around camp remained particularly strong throughout April. Around 30 individuals were seen moving between the airstrip and surrounding floodplains, with calls often heard throughout the night. One afternoon, a large group was located feeding on the remains of a giraffe carcass close to the airstrip, while smaller groups were regularly encountered during evening drives.
Lions moving through the floodplains
Lion sightings remained consistent across the concession, particularly around the floodplain edges and open grassland systems where prey species were concentrated.
Several successful hunts were recorded during the month, including sightings of lions feeding on zebra and buffalo. One memorable sequence involved a lion using thicker cover to stalk impala before eventually making a successful kill.
Fresh tracks, alarm calls and roaring during the night often led guides back to the prides the following morning, with much of the movement concentrated between the drier islands and floodplain edges.
General game remained excellent throughout the concession, with large concentrations of elephant, buffalo, zebra and hippo spread widely across the floodplains.
Impala, warthog and other plains game continued to utilise the greener grazing areas, creating steady predator activity throughout the system. The floodplains around Moremi Crossing remained productive and full of movement, particularly during the cooler hours of the morning and late afternoon.
Although African wild dogs were not encountered during the month, predator activity overall remained strong across the concession.
River life and evenings around camp
The landscape remained green following the rains, with water still spread across parts of the floodplain system and channels around camp. Conditions created excellent photographic opportunities, especially during early mornings and sunset stops along the islands.
Reptile sightings included crocodiles and water monitor lizards, particularly during mokoro activities along the riverbanks where several large crocodiles were encountered.
Birdlife continued to perform well throughout April. Marabou storks, brown snake eagles, little bee-eaters, lilac-breasted rollers and African fish eagles were all seen regularly around the waterways and treelines.
Evenings around camp remained lively with the sounds of hippos, hyenas and frogs carrying across the floodplains long after dinner around the firepit.
