October produced strong and varied wildlife activity across the Pom Pom concession, with shifting predator dynamics, high levels of general game, and continued changes in the floodplain and woodland habitats as the season progressed.
African wild dogs featured prominently and provided some of the most dynamic sightings of the month. The resident pack, previously denning in the southern section of the concession and largely inaccessible due to high water levels, returned to the area. Initially numbering twenty-two individuals – eighteen adults and four pups approximately six months old -they were first encountered hunting successfully near the Pom Pom airstrip, where they killed a male impala within camp boundaries. The pack was later located resting under a jackalberry tree at Mokoro Station, making use of shade during the hotter hours.
Further strong sightings followed at Hamerkop Crossing, where the pack successfully killed a male impala. After feeding, they displaced a female leopard from a red lechwe kill on the ground, demonstrating their position within the predator hierarchy. As the month progressed, the pack was noted to have lost one member, reducing their number to twenty-one, possibly due to lion pressure. The reduced pack was later found resting near Tent 9 before becoming active in the afternoon and successfully killing a female impala at First Hippo Pool.
Leopard sightingswere excellent throughout October. The concession continued to support multiple resident and dispersing individuals. Mosadimogolo was located at the Zipa area feeding on an impala hoisted into an ebony tree. A young female leopard, approximately one year and eight months old and known to be a previous cub of Mosadimogolo Nkwe, was encountered at Baboon Palms while actively hunting; she successfully caught a tree squirrel. One evening during dinner, a male and female leopard passed directly in front of the dining area, followed by roaring and growling, confirming mating behaviour.
A female leopard was found resting in a leadwood tree at Baboon Palms Island, whilst another our relaxed resident leopardess, Bonolo, was observed mating with a male at Matswiri Crossing — a particularly notable sighting. A young male leopard, estimated at around two years old, was tracked near Shine Bridge moving across the floodplains. He was actively territorial, scent-marking through urine spraying and rubbing his face and neck against vegetation. Additional sightings included a female resting in a strangler fig at Morfate Fig, a male and female together at One Man Crossing, and another female scanning the area near a termite mound close to the concession boundary.
Lions were seen frequently throughout the month, although pride structure shifted noticeably. The resident pride of eight lions, comprising three lionesses and five subadult males, split due to continued pressure from intruding males moving through the area. Early in the month, four lions, three subadult males and one female, were located resting on Dikolobe Island, conserving energy during the heat of the day before becoming active at night. Later, four subadult males from the Bonga Pride were seen near Shine Bridge, positioned on a termite mound and watching red lechwe in the floodplain. Observing these males together provided insight into the formation of a future coalition, strengthening their ability to defend territory against intruders.
A pride from the Kanana area, consisting of four lionesses and four cubs estimated at around one year old, was found resting near Mokoro Station. Further movements from the Bonga Pride were recorded at Rebecca’s Field, where seven lions were located with bloodstains around their mouths, suggesting a recent kill that had likely been contested by spotted hyenas. On another occasion, eight lions – four lionesses and four cubs – were observed resting under a common apple tree. During a tracking course, a mobile pride of six lions, made up of two lionesses and four subadult males, was encountered east of the Manonthotho area. That same day, four male lions were located resting under a jackalberry tree on Ditwene Island. Later in the month, a large pride of eleven lions – two adult males, five lionesses and four cubs under a year old was found in the mining area on the floodplains.
Spotted hyenas were frequently encountered and remained centred around a known den near the Bushmen Baobab area. The den held approximately ten adults and four cubs estimated at four to six months old. Hyenas were observed feeding on a zebra carcass at Mosadimogolo wa Phiri, which appeared to have been initially wounded by lions. A female was seen carrying an impala carcass towards the den from Marula Island, and two adult males were located resting on Dikolobe Island.
General game viewing remained consistently strong. Species recorded included zebra, blue wildebeest, impala, red lechwe, warthog, greater kudu, tsessebe, African buffalo, hippopotamus, steenbok, chacma baboon, vervet monkey, elephant, giraffe and bushbuck. Behavioural observations included widespread thermoregulation, with elephants, buffalo and warthogs frequently mud-bathing to cool down and reduce parasite load. Territorial behaviour was regularly observed in male wildebeest and tsessebe, with scent-marking through pedal and pre-orbital glands. Red lechwe continued to move through shallow water, their specialised hooves clearly adapted to swamp conditions. Elephant activity remained influential across the landscape, reinforcing their role as a keystone species shaping vegetation and habitat structure.
Smaller mammals were recorded primarily during night drives. A relaxed serval was seen at Kessy’s Field actively hunting small prey. An aardwolf was located at its den near Ryder’s Crossing, while an African wildcat was observed moving through Elephant Skull Island. Additional sightings included scrub hare, small and large spotted genets, and porcupines.
Reptile sightings included Nile crocodile, water monitor lizard, rock monitor, flap-necked chameleon, striped skink, spotted bush snake, vine snake, puff adder and boomslang. Insect activity included dragonflies, damselflies, harvester termites, grasshoppers, locusts, assassin bugs, blister beetles, ground beetles, mosquitoes, and various fruit and leaf chafers.
Birdingthroughout October was exceptional. Species recorded included common ostrich, wattled crane, African fish eagle, violet-eared waxbill, African and lesser jacana, Dickinson’s kestrel, African pygmy goose, coppery-tailed coucal, saddle-billed stork, slaty egret, black heron, spur-winged goose, lappet-faced, hooded, white-backed and white-headed vultures, pied, striped and malachite kingfishers, African stonechat, marabou stork, great white and pink-backed pelicans, little and swallow-tailed bee-eaters, glossy ibis, kori bustard, giant eagle owl, barn owl, African barred owlet, black-collared barbet and crested barbet. Migratory arrivals included southern carmine bee-eater, yellow-billed kite, black-shouldered kite and yellow-billed stork.
The landscape remained visually striking. The concession’s mosaic of termite-formed islands, riverine forest, woodland, grassland, floodplains, seasonal swamps and permanent wetlands remained clearly defined. Riverine and floodplain vegetation stayed green, while dryland grasses remained desiccated. Many tree species, including baobab, rain tree, knob-thorn and sausage tree, were in leaf and flower.
Night skies and astronomy continued to form part of the guest experience. Guides shared star of stars and constellations, including the Coal Sack between Alpha and Beta Crux. Visible constellations included Scorpius, Crux, Corvus, Canopus, Orion, Taurus, Pleiades, Gemini, Leo and Centaurus, with planets such as Mars, Venus and Jupiter also observed. Seasonal channels continued to recede gradually.
Activities such as mokoro excursions and guided walks focused on education and interpretation. Guests learned about aquatic plants, waterbirds and traditional subsistence practices while paddling through clear channels. Red lechwe moving through shallow water added visual interest, and nature walks provided close-range encounters with elephant, buffalo and other species under carefully managed conditions.
