Leopard activity produced several memorable sightings, often unfolding close to camp. On two separate evenings, leopards moved directly through the dining area, passing quietly while guests were at dinner. During one morning drive, a female was followed from camp towards Room Nine, where she was observed stalking impala. The hunt was successful, but the carcass quickly became contested. A hyena arrived shortly afterwards and displaced the leopard, only for a pack of six African wild dogs to arrive minutes later and take over the kill.
Lion activity during March reflected shifting dynamics within the concession, with the resident pride adjusting to pressure from four incoming males. These intruding males were encountered on several occasions and were observed mating with three lionesses from the Pom Pom pride, confirming their growing influence in the area. Despite this disruption, they demonstrated strong hunting success. On one occasion, they were followed during a buffalo hunt north of camp, where they stalked and brought down an adult male.
The following afternoon, the males remained on the carcass, holding their ground against approximately 15 spotted hyenas that gathered around the kill. The lions maintained control throughout, feeding while the hyenas waited for an opportunity that never fully materialised.
African wild dogs were highly active, with three different packs moving between Pom Pom and neighbouring areas. A pack of 11 was seen regularly, with the alpha female appearing heavily pregnant and moving consistently between Pom Pom and Nxabega, suggesting denning decisions were imminent. A second pack of six was followed during an afternoon hunt near the airstrip, where they caught a scrub hare before continuing to hunt.
Later, the same pack encountered a leopard feeding on a young wildebeest. The dogs displaced the leopard and took over the carcass, although they did not finish feeding. Once they moved off, the leopard descended from a nearby tree and recovered the remains, taking it back up into cover.
A smaller pack of three was also seen moving through the concession, contributing to constant movement and interaction across the area.
Hyenas at the centre of the action
Spotted hyenas remained closely tied to predator activity throughout the month.
They were regularly seen moving through camp at night and were often encountered during night drives. A den site was identified approximately three kilometres northwest of camp.
One of the more notable interactions occurred near the den, where hyenas and wild dogs were observed in direct conflict for close to an hour. The dogs eventually moved off and continued hunting, leaving the hyenas to hold the area.
General game remained well distributed, with good numbers of red lechwe, zebra, impala, wildebeest and giraffe seen across the concession. Elephants were particularly active, with large herds moving between feeding areas and water.
Buffalo were present in smaller groups, while chacma baboons were regularly encountered throughout the area.
Smaller sightings, birdlife and time on the water
Night drives continued to produce a variety of smaller mammals, including African civet, serval, African wild cat, porcupine, aardwolf and scrub hare.
Water-based activities added another dimension to sightings, with crocodiles and water monitor lizards regularly seen during mokoro excursions and boat cruises.
Birdlife remained strong, particularly around water systems, with species such as African skimmer, collared pratincole, Pel’s fishing owl and slaty egret present. Migratory species including woodland kingfisher, southern carmine bee-eater and yellow-billed stork were also seen.
The landscape remained in good condition, with green vegetation and fruiting marula trees attracting elephants into the area.
Nature walks produced several notable sightings, including encounters with lions and a leopard on foot, while mokoro excursions included sightings of giraffe crossing channels and elephants moving through water.
