April delivered some exceptional wild dog activity around Pom Pom, with three different packs operating in the concession. A pack of 11, a pack of six and a smaller pack of three all moved regularly through the area, creating constant movement and action around camp and the floodplains.
One morning the airstrip became the centre of activity when a pack of six scattered general game before launching several hunting attempts on impala. Later in the month, the same pack chased impala directly through camp near First Hippo Pool, narrowly missing a kill as the antelope disappeared into thicker cover.
Another memorable sequence unfolded between the staff houses and Room 9 where a pack of 10 wild dogs was found feeding on an impala kill inside camp itself. The following morning guides responded to distress and contact calls heard overnight near camp, eventually locating the packs of 10 and six wild dogs fighting close to the concession boundary. The smaller pack split into groups of two and four while retreating from the confrontation.
Hyenas remained close behind much of the wild dog activity throughout the month. Around Ditwene Island, approximately 15 spotted hyenas were found feeding on an impala carcass believed to have been stolen from the dogs after repeated hunting attempts in the area.
The alpha female from the larger pack appeared heavily pregnant and continued moving regularly between Pom Pom and Nxabega, suggesting denning season may begin soon within the area.
Lions return to the floodplains
Lion sightings remained strong throughout April, with several prides and coalitions operating across the concession.
Early in the month, a pride of eight lions was located resting during the heat of the day, while another sequence involved guides tracking five males for roughly 30 minutes before eventually locating them on a small island near Marula Island feeding on a male red lechwe.
The coalition of four brothers remained highly active across the concession and was regularly encountered moving through the airstrip area and surrounding floodplains. On one particularly productive afternoon, three of the brothers were located together with two additional males resting near Pom Pom Airstrip.
Elsewhere, two males were followed crossing Shine Bridge before continuing towards Aluminium Crossing, while another sighting near Ditwene Island produced four lions resting openly on termite mounds. Several mating pairs were also recorded during the month, adding to the continued territorial pressure across the concession.
Leopards steal the spotlight
Leopard sightings were outstanding throughout April and regularly featured during both morning and afternoon drives.
One male leopard was located walking along Aluminium Crossing, while another was found resting beside Bushman Baobab before climbing into a leadwood tree where an impala kill had been stashed. At Mochimbamo Island, both male and female leopards were encountered on different occasions, including sightings of a female resting in an African mangosteen tree and another feeding on a red lechwe kill.
A particularly memorable sighting unfolded near Rebecca’s Field where a male leopard fed openly on an impala kill while another female leopard nearby fed on red lechwe. Guests also enjoyed several excellent elevated sightings around Kessy’s Lagoon and Matswiri Crossing, where relaxed males remained draped across large leadwood branches.
Towards the end of the month, guides located a female leopard with a very young cub estimated at around six weeks old near Xhinega Area. The female remained cautious and mobile while keeping the cub concealed within thicker cover.
Floodplains full of movement
General game remained excellent throughout the concession as floodwaters continued spreading through the area.
Large concentrations of zebra, tsessebe, wildebeest, impala, warthog, giraffe and kudu were regularly encountered across the floodplains and islands, while elephant, buffalo and hippo remained widespread throughout the concession.
The changing water levels created particularly productive wildlife viewing around the lagoons and crossing points, where animals congregated along the remaining dry ground and open grazing areas.
Cheetah sightings were less frequent than the other major predators, although a female was located near Pom Pom Airstrip resting on a termite mound while scanning the surrounding plains. Another sighting came from the Letswai area, with spoor regularly confirming continued movement through the concession.
Calls from the den
Spotted hyena sightings remained excellent throughout April, with the animals regularly encountered during both day and night activities.
A den near Shine Bridge continued holding at least four cubs and became one of the more reliable stops during drives. Adults and subadults were frequently seen moving around camp and surrounding roads, particularly during the early mornings and evenings.
Several memorable encounters occurred around camp itself, including hyenas passing close to the dining area during breakfast and dinner service.
Night drives also continued producing strong smaller mammal sightings including African civet, aardwolf, serval, African wild cat, porcupine, spring hare and scrub hare.
April brought particularly beautiful conditions across the concession as floodwaters expanded through the channels and lagoons. Palm-lined floodplains, green grasslands and open water created excellent photographic opportunities throughout the month, especially during sunset stops around Xhinega Area.
Birdlife remained exceptionally active along the river systems and floodplains. Wattled cranes, saddle-billed storks, goliath herons, grey herons, little egrets, pied kingfishers and ostriches were all regularly encountered, together with strong raptor activity including bateleurs, tawny eagles, brown snake eagles and several vulture species.
Owls also featured prominently during night drives, including Verreaux’s eagle owl, African barred owlet, African scops owl and pearl-spotted owlet.
Reptile sightings included Nile crocodiles, water monitors, tree snakes, striped skinks and black mambas, while butterflies, grasshoppers and other insects remained active throughout the greener sections of the concession.
Sundowners around the lagoons remained one of the highlights of the month, with guests often watching wildlife spread across the floodplains while the late afternoon light reflected against palms and open water.
