NG/27A Pom Pom Concession

NG/27A Pom Pom Concession is a protected area in Botswana.

NG/27A Pom Pom Concession at a Glance

Location
Okavango Delta & Moremi, Botswana, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-19.523700, 22.855106
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for the Okavango Delta floods and wildlife. November to March for birding and green season rates.

Getting to NG/27A Pom Pom Concession

Nearest airport: Kanana Airport, 4 km away.

Big Five in NG/27A Pom Pom Concession

4 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, Leopard Tortoise.

Wildlife in NG/27A Pom Pom Concession

Home to 107 recorded species including 36 waterbirds, 24 birds of prey, 23 iconic birds, 5 big herbivores, 4 big five, 4 tropical birds.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in NG/27A Pom Pom Concession

5 safari lodges available.

luxury

Other

Similar Parks in Okavango Delta & Moremi

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

NG/27A Pom Pom Concession FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit NG/27A Pom Pom Concession for wildlife viewing, and what unique experiences can I expect?

The dry season, typically from May to October, offers the best wildlife viewing in Pom Pom as animals congregate around permanent water sources. During this period, you can expect exceptional sightings of predators like lions and leopards, large herds of elephants and buffalo, and a high chance of spotting rare African wild dogs. The concession's private nature allows for off-road tracking and night drives, enhancing your chances for unique encounters.

Beyond traditional game drives, what specific activities are offered at NG/27A Pom Pom Concession that differentiate it from public safari areas?

As a private concession within the Okavango Delta, Pom Pom offers a diverse range of activities not typically found in national parks. Guests can enjoy thrilling night drives to spot nocturnal animals, guided walking safaris for an intimate bush experience, and traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions through the Delta's waterways. These activities provide unique perspectives on birdlife and smaller creatures, allowing for deeper immersion.

What kind of accommodation is available within NG/27A Pom Pom Concession, and what is the general cost expectation for a stay?

Accommodation within Pom Pom Concession typically consists of luxurious tented camps or lodges, offering an intimate and high-end safari experience. These camps are generally all-inclusive, covering accommodation, gourmet meals, drinks, and all safari activities. While specific prices vary, expect a premium cost reflecting the exclusivity, personalized service, and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities inherent to a private Delta concession.

What specific safety considerations should I be aware of when visiting NG/27A Pom Pom Concession, and how is access typically arranged?

While general safari safety precautions apply, such as listening to your guide and not approaching wild animals on foot without permission, the camps in Pom Pom maintain high safety standards. Access to Pom Pom is primarily via light aircraft transfers from Maun or other major hubs, landing at a private airstrip within the concession. This ensures a seamless and efficient journey directly into the heart of the Delta.

What makes the wildlife viewing at NG/27A Pom Pom Concession particularly special, and are there any notable conservation efforts in the area?

Pom Pom's diverse habitats, including permanent waterways and dry land, attract a remarkable array of wildlife, making it a prime location for seeing both aquatic and terrestrial species. It is particularly renowned for its healthy populations of African wild dogs, a highly endangered species, and excellent big cat sightings. The concession actively participates in low-impact tourism and anti-poaching initiatives, contributing directly to the preservation of this vital ecosystem and its inhabitants.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Bradt Guide: Botswana by Chris McIntyre - Gold standard for Okavango Delta and Chobe planning - self-drive routes, camp reviews, and detailed maps. Essential for anyone planning a Botswana safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Cry of the Kalahari by Mark & Delia Owens - Riveting account of wildlife research in Botswana's Central Kalahari. An adventurous tale of two young researchers living among the wild animals.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.