As always, the Londolozi blog contributors have managed to capture some truly amazing images this month. Looking back I am struck particularly by the quality of the photographs of leopards in some of their most startlingly vulnerable moments. Some of these images are from recent sightings and some from old but one thing is for certain, the Londolozi Leopard’s legacy lives on. Having said this, I think my favourite image is Sean Cresswell’s silhouette of the Land Rovers parked and ready for safari as dawn breaks. For me, it captures the essence of safari, which means journey. When I look at this photograph I can’t help but wonder what amazing adventures we’re going to find ourselves in today.
Take a look at some of the adventures we experienced this last month…
The Tamboti female carries one of her tiny cubs as she moves them from one den site to another. Trevor McCall-Peat was lucky enough to capture this image as she crossed a clearing and with the use of a long lens, he was able to capture this stunning image without having to get too close. Photograph by Trevor McCall- Peat.
A close up of a Mhangeni lionesses’ eye. A powerful photograph by Sean Cresswell
A young elephant feels brave and decides to show off how big he can look when his ears are spread out. After only a few paces though he decided to scurry back to his mother with his tail between his legs. Photograph by Kevin Power
A flap-necked chameleon caught in the act of moving across the road, something they normally do when they’re looking for a mate. These animals have independently rotating eyes that allow them to see in an almost 360 degree arc. Photograph by Simon Smit
The Tamboti female rests on a fallen tree as her two cubs peer out from the safety of the root system. This was only a temporary den site and the perfect combination of timing and photographic skill here makes for a superb image. Photograph by Don Heyneke
As day breaks, the newly risen sun silhouettes the vehicles readied for game drive in Varty Camp car park. This scene is one that greets guests and rangers every morning before they set out for the morning’s adventures here at Londolozi. Photograph by Sean Cresswell
Two Majingilane male lions cross over the Sand River, in unison. The timing in this photograph is what makes it so extraordinary. Photo by David Dampier
The Mashaba female leopard grabs and hoists an impala kill as her youngster prepares to launch herself onto it. There is great contention as to whether this photograph or the next one taken by Lucien Beaumont is better. Personally I think this image has such great movement in it and has really captured the energy and strength required by a leopard to hoist a kill. The cub preparing to launch itself at the kill also adds to the suspense of the image. Click on this link to view the blog itself and to see which photograph you prefer more. Photograph by Lucien Beaumont, Private Guide.
A vervet monkey scans the tree tops as it’s youngster watches others in the troop. As she looks skyward, she catches some dappled light in her eye, creating this beautiful image. Photograph by Simon Smit
The Maxabene female snarls at a hyena, the backlight illuminating her breath in the cool air. This photograph was taken many years ago and this leopard was last seen in 2012 but it still remains one of David’s favourite photographs to date. Photograph by David Dampier
Photographs by Trevor McCall-Peat, Simon Smit, Sean Cresswell, Kevin Power, Don Heyneke, David Dampier and Lucien Beaumont
Compiled by Amy Attenborough
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Don Heyneke’s photo of the leopard cubs is award-winning in my opinion. Kudos to all the photographers – great stuff. It makes me want to be back at Londolozi.
Stunning shots! Thank you…
All stunning images Amy! Every one of them shows the beauty of the land and the creatures and gives a sense of peace.
Paging through these awesome images, takes me back to my first visit to Londolozi in 1978 as a then 22 year old photographer, commissioned to do a brochure shoot of the Tree Camp.
I remember doing a breakfast shoot on the deck of the Tree Camp, overlooking the luscious bush scenery in the background, as well as guests on a game drive.
My camera at that stage was the then, “top of the range” Hasselblad.
I’ve been a photographer since, and it would be a dream come true to visit Londolozi again, nowadays equipped with photographic gear to support my passion for wildlife photography!