Leopard viewing in the last few weeks seems to have justified many peoples view that August is prime bush time. At least fifteen different individuals allowed us to spend some time with them over tha past two weeks. These are just some of the shots enjoyed during this time. We hope you enjoy this next installment…
Camp Pan Male is looking as good as ever these days and has shaken off the limp he was carrying around for some time. Covering many of his old areas and even mating with the Maxabene Female, he seems to be making something of a comeback.
The King of Londolozi in his day; an enormous male whose offspring still inhabit the reserve.
Dudley Riverbank 3:3 Young Male Leopard
The Dudley Riverbank 3:3 young male was seen a number of times lately. Despite what appeared to be a severe limp, he was seen with and adult impala ram hoisted in a tree, so despite the injury he seems to be getting by and will hopefully heal soon.
Incredibly, the 5:5 male was adopted as a cub by his grandmother, the 3:4 female, and raised by her to adulthood.
Unknown Female Leopard
This unknown female was seen mating with Short Tale Male for a number of days. She seems quite young and this is possibly her first time mating.
Nyaleti 3:3 Young Female Leopard
Crazy Eyes! The Nyaleti Young female remains a firm favourite amongst many of the rangers. Half way through a yawn, this shot gives her a slightly mad glint in the eye!
A large devastating hunter, this powerful leopard was a descendent of Saseke Female, a territorial female who resided north of Londolozi
Nyaleti 4:2 Young Male Leopard
In the absence of their mother, the “Nyaleti’s” (her offspring from her previous litter!) have moved in on a more permanent basis. This is the 4:3 Young Male perched on a fallen log
He was born in 2009 in a litter of three, with his siblings being the Nanga female and Nyelethi 4:3 male.
The Short Tail 5:4 Male Leopard
“Shorty” as he is more commonly known, strides confidently down the road in morning light.
The process of leopards mating can be quite agressive at times. In an attempt to avoid a pending swipe from the unknown female, Short Tale springs out of the way as quickly as possible.
After a bout of mating, Short Tail male heads off for some well earned rest.
It has now been established that the Tutlwa female has two cubs, not just one. Seeing her though remains a diffucult task.
An enigmatic female not often encountered, this leopard lives to the north of the Sand River.
Vomba 3:3 Young Female Leopard
Vomba young female was heard giving her first territorial call this week-her strange expression here is after just sniffing another leopard’s scent mark.
Vomba Young female drinking from fluffy’s pan.
The Vomba female was a leopard with an instantly recognisable rich golden coat. She spent much of her life around the Londolozi Camps.
We arrive August 30. Can’t wait! Hope the activity keeps up at the current level.
Great stuff Mary, looking forward to having you here with us. Usually the game viewing is outstanding all the way through August into September.
I arrive next week. I am beside myself with excitement looking at these pictures. They are fabulous!
Wonderful to hear Sandy, lets hope these beautiful creatures continue to provide us with such great game viewing.
Love the photos…love the photos. Can’t take the cold weather there at this time of year. 25 years living in Hawai’i….my blood has really thinned. Planning a November 2012 return.
Smart move for the warm weather Judy, you will have no worries about being cold during that time of the year. So pleased that you love the pictures and thanks for your comments. Rich