I live for being out on safari and my favourite time of the year is between mid November and mid December. There is the most incredible explosion of life at this time of the year. From the new impala lambs being born in their thousands, to piles of rhino dung literally boiling with activity of the dung beetles rolling off balls of precious dung to feed, mate and lay eggs within. The explosions of flying termite alates, erupting from their mounds, the eagles, jackal, marabou storks, frogs and snakes which gather to feast on the bounty of protein rich termites. There is a feeling of excitement in the bush, the migrant birds have returned to feast and breed on the summer bounty, they call endlessly, creating a loud cacophony of ear-piercing calls and the herbivores have a new bounce and energy in their step as there is finally a salad bowl of fresh green leaves and grasses to feast upon. The massive thunderstorms that roll in over the bush after a blistering day, cool and refresh the landscape, may affect an afternoon safari but is a small sacrifice to make to experience this amazing time of the year.
Marthly Male drinks from a rain filled puddle.
A vervet monkey and her youngster, a well recognised scenario around camp at the moment now that most of them have been born.
White faced ducks swoop past a hippo.
A female rhino with a new generation.
The usually unrelaxed Short tailed male looking up at us before quenching his thirst.
The Short tailed male with Ximpalapala young female before another bout of mating.
A Tawny eagle takes to the air as it starts warming up.
A female elephant and her calf enjoying the fresh green leaves of summer.
A Pair of male giraffe in a dangerous dance.
I love how giraffes flick their heads up when drinking, in turn, spraying the water in front of them. A great photographic opportunity.
A young elephant trying to cool down in the Sand River during a hot afternoon.
Older siblings responding to a distress call of a young elephant.
Hyena mother yawns after a long night of hunting.
It is always a huge risk for these flap necked chameleons to be in such an open space. This one was crossing the road in front of us as quickly as he could.
As vultures pass overhead, the Marthly Male makes sure they know who’s boss.
As much as we avoid having baboons in camp due to possible room break-ins, they are fascinating to watch when in their natural environment. I can often watch them for hours going about their daily business.
A dazzle of zebras standing out from the Drakensberg mountains as the backdrop.
A journey of giraffe keep a watchful eye over the Tsalala pride lying only metres away.
A hyena on evening patrol.
Written and Photographed by Lucien Beaumont
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Beautiful images this week.
What is the story of this short tail male?
What is his name in the other reserves?
LOVE the babies, thank you Lucien!
Once again Goose, you have shared your artistic eye with us mortals. Your pictures are absolutely amazingly wonderful. I guess I like them. Thanks.
Lucian you have excelled in portraying what is Londos at this time of year. I imagine a person who has not been fortunate enough to experience this wonderful time at Londos but be able to gather an idea through your lens and words ….. What an enticement to visit. Great job.
Indeed Trevor, I live for the blogs from Londolozi, they make my day, especially this one. Lucien, you have excelled yourself, the pictures tell 1000’s of words & are outstanding. I look forward to more, thank you
Amazing photos Lucien. David & I are so looking forward to returning to Londolozi in 2 months…. certainly one of our favourite places.
Well written blog and really beautiful images Lucien, thank you so much for sharing! You just transported us all to Londolozi with your wonderful description and photographs of all the fantastic events unfolding there now. Thanks for a great week in pictures!
Love the ‘week in pictures.’ Great photos, Lucien. I enjoyed the giraffes. Who is this short tailed male leopard? It does not look like the Tugwaan male (aka Bicycle Crossing male), who was sometimes called Short Tail male. I’m not always so good at identifying leopards, though, but its fun to try. Could this be the male also known as Treehouse male on Mala Mala? Whoever he is, I am glad he is mating with the lovely Ximpalapala Young female!