Come for the Leopards stay for the Lions and all the other amazing wildlife and people you will meet during your stay at Londolozi. This was my second visit of what I am hoping to be a yearly tradition. It is not just the leopards but the tracking and the hunt to find them. I was teamed up again with tracker Solly Mhlongo and ranger Adam Bannister. The excitement builds as we get on the jeep in the morning never knowing just what we will see but i can tell you it is more than you would ever expect.
Adam and Solly on our first game drive
Solly smiling for the camera.
My first trip I stayed at Varty camp – I saw seven leopards in seven days– this trip I stayed at Founders camp for four days and guess how many leopards I saw ? Yes, you guessed it four -I saw four leopards. I would say that is a pretty good record.
The very shy Tutlwa young male
The Dudley Riverbank Female lying in the early morning sunlight.
Kashane- a leopard from the Western side of Sabi Sands never seen by Adam and Solley before. We were able to stay close by as he walked and finally settled in until she was startled away by something he heard…three hyenas
The Vomba Female Leopard rests in the shade
The Dudley Riverbank Female, a descendant of first generation Londolozi leopard from 1978. Her distinctive ears torn and tattered from years of fighting and playful cubs.
Adam saved the best for last- afternoon tea overlooking the beautiful Sand River with elephants meandering through and a drive to another new area of this picturesque reserve teaming with wildlife. What was awaiting us on this afternoon – a large male lion resting, waiting to mate with a female lioness from the Tsalala pride.
The excitement is in the total experience-the ride of a lifetime every day twice a day.
Baby Elephant imitating mom
A smiling zebra
White Rhino and baby a bit shy at first becoming relaxed with a little bit of patience
Curious baby vervet monkey
Group of eight giraffe
Dwarf mongoose digging in their burrow
Hyena Pups staying close to the den until they hear mom’s footsteps getting closer
Giraffe drinking at one of the many pans throughout Londolozi
The Scar-Nose Majingilane Male Lion
One of three of the splintered Tsalala pride hunting nearby wildebeests as the sun fades
Shaking it off before continuing the mating ritual
All I can say is after four trips to Africa, five different countries, fifteen camps, forty nine days and ninety-eight drives-Londolozi remains top of the list. I know this because it the place where I take thousands of photos-I never put my camera down-ok maybe to have sundowner. So pack up your camera and your safari hat and come see it for yourself!
The thrill of Londolozi is infectious-so much so upon my return I decided to share my experience in a new way. Please feel free to stop by at my website or contact me at Admiral Travel International and begin planning your safari adventure.
Wonderful photos, “shaking it off” is fabulous, the swish of the lion’s mane and the shape of the palms makes such a brilliant composition –
I can not fail to agree with you that Londolozi and all who work there, are inspiring and unforgettable.
Thank you Sheena. This was ne of my favorite photos and sightings as well. I have more photos posted on my travel journal tab of my website at picturethissafari.com
Awesome photo`s,Irene I agree Londolozi is the place to be,looking forward to coming back soon next year!!
Tony,
Maybe someday we can coordinate a trip and actually visit at the same time 🙂
Wonderful blog & photos. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you Syl it is my pleasure. i hope to share some again in the near future
I would be there every year except that it’s halfway around the world from Hawai’i…but we’ll be there in about 2 weeks. Can’t wait.
Awesome to hear Judy, looking forward to having you with us. 🙂
Judy-I am aiming for once a year .I would live there if I could. Enjoy your trip! I hope you will post some photos upon your return!
When we return, we hope to get our own photo of the giraffe bending over getting a drink…with the fabulous reflection. We have a few “special” photos we want to add to the many fantastic ones we did get on our first visit. Thanks for sharing yours.
Merle-my pleasure to share my bucket list photos. My list just seems to keep growing :). I hope you get it next time!
Awesome to see Solly looking so strong! Great shots..
Thank you John. Londlozi is always a great place for great shots! Solly is absolutely wonderful to photograph-he has a great sense of humor and loves telling stories. I had the opportunity to hear him sharing few with a young 9 year old boy named Edmond.