Today was an unbelievable day. It was a day I have been waiting for since the first time I lay a foot on the soil of Londolozi. For some, this time will never come and for others it is an opportunity that repeats itself, and in each case it poses different threats and troubles. For me, this was a first, and hopefully, a first of many more to come. I have been through some of my Bucket List before on the blog, Pangolins, Leopard Cubs, Pythons etc. However, there are a couple I failed to mention.
I remember when I fist arrived on Londolozi, more than a year ago now, and being told that it was some sort of right of passage to see a high profile animal on Plaque Rock. Be it a Lion or a Leopard, you were not accepted in the team until this was fulfilled. Well lets just say that deep down, I now feel accepted. Possibly the most beautiful setting on the reserve and our Sand River frontage. Plaque Rock also holds many memories, happy and sad, where there have been ashes spread and rings exchanged. Today, I had the privilege of seeing a massive male Lion, lounging, and roaring on this iconic granite rock.
The Dark Maned Majingilane Male rests on Plaque Rock.
Amazing colours in this image as the male turns to listen for a reply to his roar.
Certainly a tick off the list.
I mentioned troubles could be experienced too, whilst fulfilling one of these bucket list sightings. The rain began to fall heavily on the already well groomed coat of the Dark Maned Majingilane, as this happened, he roared one last time, listened, and to our ears had no reply, then set off along the river toward the causeway. Could this be the moment I had been waiting for? A male Lion crossing the Sand River? Our senses were excited and electrified. Camera settings ready and hearts beating, we followed the male as he made his approach to the crossing. Just before he reached the crossing he turned south away from the river, in this brief moment we managed to get past him, reached the causeway and reversed the length of the crossing and waited patiently. Like a ray of light bursting through the eye of the storm, he appeared from the dense thickets and walked directly toward the strong current flowing over the causeway. Patient and cautious at first, then without hesitation and as proud as a male Lion can stroll, he entered the water, faced off with Hippo and a Crocodile and made his approach directly toward our lenses, which were now working in overtime. A few hundred frames later and the clear memory of this occasion is now strongly imprinted in my mind! What a feeling!! Now I wait eagerly for the next time I see this rare sighting.
The male approaches the waters edges with slight hesitation.
I certainly know which side of the river I preferred.
Certainly not the first time he has crossed this river, off to patrol territory in the North.
Hopefully this is not a once in a lifetime experience.
Proudly passing a pod of Hippo.
A true privilege to watch.
Has anyone experienced this before on Londolozi or elsewhere?
Written and Photographed by: Mike Sutherland
Mike, your photos are superb!!!!!! I could actually picture myself there as I read your description. My heart skipped a beat or two just appreciating the sense of the moment and the magnificent images that portray why you were so excited. Thank you.
Once again, Mike, awesome!
I will be there in less than two months. I hope to have the privilege of this amazing sight. Extremely well done!
Mike, What a great gift you have given us!!!!!!!! Thank-you so much!!!Although my heart loves all the African animals, I must admit it is the lion that holds 1st place for me!!! I am so happy for you that you got to experience this feeling and sighting!!! I KNOW the feeling I get when I see our wild animals here in Tennessee…. So I can closely feel what you felt!! I do pray this is only one of many more for you!!!! Thanks again!!! Suzanne
How lucky! So special. Thank you.
Love this story and hope to be with you when you have that experience the next time!
Ugh I am so jealous! I wonder what is in-store for me when I return in 80 days! What an experience you had!
Well done!!!
I hope Simon has seen it, too. One of his favorite pictures came true.
And on Plaque Rock …… Thank you!!!
Marg said it all! What a magical experience – I do so envy you!
That would have been amazing to see! Your pictures are fantastic Mike and I loved your description!
Stunning photos Suthers!!! The last two in particular. That front paw up adds an extra something to the shots!
Still waiting to see this happen in the day. 3 years and counting so far…
Excellent work for having the vision to scoot past him and wait on the far side!
Beautiful pictures as always, but the colours of that magnificent Male on the rock and the splash from his front paws in the water is something else, as we all know cats, do not like “getting their feet wet”!
I need to make a plan to get to Londolozi so that I can appreciate these blogs even more 🙂
Incredible photographs. reminds me of one of my first encounters with the Tsalala pride crossing the river – http://blog.londolozi.com/2011/08/tsalala-cubs-brave-sand-river/
Way to go
DEAR MIKE,
THANKS FOR THE GREAT SHOTS, WELL DONE!
PLEASE MAY I REQUEST THAT YOU CONTACT ME ON MY EMAIL ted@avipharm.co.za
IT IS WITH REGARD TO MY TRIP TO LONDOLOZI FROM 27TH SEPT TO 06TH OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
I AM A REGULAR VISITOR AND AN AMBASSADOR OF LONDOLOZI. BYRON WAS ALWAYS MY RANGER IN THE PAST NUMBER OF YEARS. HE HAS NOW LEFT AND HAS RECOMMENDED I CONTACT YOU REGARDING MY VISIT LATER THIS YEAR.
I HOPE THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH ME.
KIND REGARDS,
TED.
Hi Mike, You never cease to amaze me, your pictures are out of this world, top drawer, I really am so proud of you – you are a natural and were made for this, what a wonderful blessing to have such an amazing talent and you can nogal write, miss you
What an amazing sighting and the pictures are out of this world, congratulations, i would like to experience this ONE day —a definate bucket list……. proud Mom
Thanks for the lovely story and the stunning photos
I was there with you Mike in your vehicle to witness this !
Sorry for the delay in responding and thanking you but we were all too excited and busy relating the story to friends back home in Sri lanka on our return .
Your photos have captured the moment almost in motion. You were fantastic. You made our holiday !
Your photography amazing.