Tracker, Bennet Mathonsi, is known as one of the most passionate individuals amongst the Londolozi family. Everything he does is done at 150% and there are no half measures. He has a connection to the bush that runs deeper than most of us can imagine and with that he is able to understand and interpret an animals behaviour. This ability is key in wildlife photography and is why he has a natural talent for taking some superb pictures. Today, he has shared with us some of his best images from the last few months…
An amusing expression on one of the Tsalala females, taken just after a big yawn.
The Dark-maned Majingilane has been known to be one of the most affectionate male lions towards his young. Usually the males don’t have anything to do with the cubs and can often show animosity towards them. Bennet managed to capture a tender moment here.
An elephant grazing in the winter afternoon sun.
At Londolozi, it is not unlikely for a leopard to walk right past the vehicle without even bothering about who might be staring down at them. This can be incredibly nerve wracking and there are not many of these moments captured on camera due to the nerves. Bennet, was obviously able to read the situation and knew that the cub would not be worried about him taking this shot and gave a little look into the camera.
Last week James Tyrrell mentioned that the cheetahs might be back, although this photograph was taken when they were being seen more regularly, keep a close eye on next week as there have been some whispers amongst the ranging team regarding a more frequent sighting!
A side-striped jackal attempting to scavenge off this kudu carcass in the hope of not being chased off by the vultures. The kill was made by the Sparta pride and they had moved off by this stage which the jackal would’ve made sure of before getting involved.
The wild dog pack have been seen on and off for a while now and the excitement is palpable when they are on the property. They are possibly one of the more difficult animals to get a good picture of as they are constantly moving around. Bennet took the opportunity at the perfect time here to take the shot!
Motherly love is seen as mother and cub play. These games are often the mothers way of preparing her cub to hunt alone and be solitary.
On the prowl, leopards will walk their territory, scent marking and making sure that there are no competitors attempting a take over.
I know my favourite, which is yours?
Photographed by Bennet Mathonsi
I love all of them,
but the Majigilane and his cubs is my absolute favorite
The male lion with the cubs is my favorite and the cheetah is a very close second. They are all great, thanks for sharing.
Fantastic photos Bennet 🙂 My favourite is “motherly love”! Keep them coming…
Hard to pick a favourite among these . Forced choice : leopard cub.
Our Londolozi game drives (2012) were in the incredibly capable hands of Bennet and Alfred ,so I am aware of Bennet’s ability as a tracker . I still try to relate stories of his sightings .
Add to that his carpentry , photography and burgeoning grasp of , and interest in , technology , and you indeedhave a renaissance man .
Thrilled to see Bennet and his photos highlighted in the blog ; one more push to return to Londolozi ASAP!
The lion cubs are definitely my favourite – such a beautiful moment captured. 🙂
Love the photo’s Bennet – my favourite has got to be the dark mane Majingilane.
Fantastic moments. Can’t pick one as a favorite because they all are.
Really FABULOUS photos! Hard to pick a favorite, but…I LOVE the Dark-maned Majingilane, then the cheetah! Thanks for sharing!!
Beautiful pictures Bennet. My favourite is the Dark Maned Majingilane with the family along with all the others. I believe the Male Cheetah was seen at Sabi Sabi today, they are also hoping to see the female & 2 youngsters. Not sure how far apart your parks are?
Thanks again & hope to see more soon 🙂
Loved the Cheetah shot Bennet. We will be returning to Londolozi Founders camp on the 29 August and really hope to be able to have you and Alfie as our team. Missed you last year, although it was nice you were able to stop by and say “hello”. Keep up the great photography, hope to see you in August!
Incredible photos Bennet! They are all so beautiful and I loved them all but my absolute favorite is the Dark-maned Majingilane with the cubs…you managed to capture such a tender, sweet moment! I look forward to seeing more!
Excellent photographs Bennte, I really like the cheetah!
I remember going out with Bennet one day, and from a single scuff mark on the road where the ground was basically as hard as cement, Bennet tracked down the female cheetah and her two cubs on a kill.
The man is quite simply a tracking machine and his value cannot be overstated!!
James T
And his photographs are pretty epic too…
Awesome photos!!
We were lucky to have Bennet as tracker in December…. He is great! Favourite: leopard cub
Well done Bennet, wonderful pics. Hope to see some more soon.
Kate Imrie
Bennet these pictures are amazing, you are one incredibly talented man and tracker…
Looking forward to seeing many more!
The leopards are always my favorite.. But they are all quite special..
Bennet Mathonsi, indeed has an eye for what will look amazing in a photogragh..
Thank you for sharing!