The Mhangeni pride has been spending quite a lot of time in the Sand River to the west of Camp. Access has not always been easy but we have had some wonderful sightings on their hunting excursions both north and south of the waterway.
The rains we had recently – unusual for Winter – have lent a green flush to everything, so despite the proper rains still being a month or two away, it really feels like they are imminent. The first migrant birds have started to fly in, as Wahlbergs Eagles and Yellow-Billed Kites have both been seen in the last week or so…
We are wondering which species will be next to arrive, but for now, enjoy this Week in Pictures…
A buffalo bull moves through his herd on the banks of the Sand River. f3.2, 1/3200, ISO 320
The young male cheetah is coming into his own, chasing everything that moves as the lessons learnt from his mother start to bear fruit. He is yet to learn that adult zebra are too big to go after, and here he can be seeing in pursuit of one near the Tugwaan drainage line. f5.6, 1/500, ISO 1000
A typical cheetah shot, which we are so fortunate to be able to capture at the moment, with the four resident animals still being found on a regular basis. f5.6, 1/1600, ISO 400
The female cheetah and youngsters were hungry on this morning near Tugwaan Sheet Erosion. They were out of luck, however, as the area was seemingly devoid of impala or steenbok that day! f5.6, 1/1250, ISO 800
One of the Mhangeni lionesses reveals her claws as she stretches out her tendons on a Tree Wisteria. f4, 1/800, ISO 800
A pre-orbital gland of a young male wildebeest who had died from unknown causes. We found the carcass one morning ironically near Carcass Crossing. These glands are more pronounced on males than females as they are the ones who hold and defend territories, using the glands to leave their scent behind. A Macro lens was used for this shot.f8, 1/640, ISO 2000
This morning had seen a clan of hyenas chasing off the Tsalala lionesses from a kill, when another rival clan arrived and full-scale battle ensued, with over 15 hyenas involved in the conflict. After it had all died down, four of the females from one of the clans headed for a drink at Nanga Pan. f2.8, 1/5000, ISO 800
Four stately kudu bulls move across Sasekile Ingwe clearing in line astern. f4.5, 1/1000, ISO 800
A breaking branch nearby catches the attention of one of the Mhangeni lionesses as she was dozing on the banks of the Manyelethi. It was only an elephant feeding nearby. f2.8, 1/500, ISO 640
With the rest of the pride following close behind, one of the Mhangeni females yawns before leading the way through the Southern Cross Koppies on the way back to the pride’s cubs. f3.5, 1/800, ISO 800
A young elephant enjoys a mud-bath on a warm afternoon at Shingalana Dam. A number of different large herbivores – namely elephants, rhinos and buffalo – make use of mud as a protection from the sun and to help with parasite control. f4, 1/1250, ISO 400
Four of the Mhangeni cubs express their displeasure at the abrubpt departure of the lioness that was nursing them. f5, 1/640, ISO 800
Two of the Mhangeni cubs find a comfortable spot to rest their weary heads after the excitement of their mothers returning from the hunt. f4, 1/1600, ISO 640
One of the young males of the Sparta pride casts a wary eye in our direction as he stretches out his leg. Stretching and yawning are generally a good indication that lions are about to get moving, as the pride did about 15 minutes later on this evening. f3.5, 1/640, ISO 800
Another amazing day at Londolozi winds down as some rangers and guests enjoy the sunset from a hilltop overlooking the reserve. f5.6, 1/5000, ISO 320
Photographed by James Tyrrell
Thank you James, for another weekly update on the most magnificent place on this planet–Londolozi
Incredible photos!! Have to teach me!!!
Thank you for another wonderful glimpse into the special world of Londolozi
SO special, thank you.
The shot of the 4 cubs is perfection.
Although the cubs are beautiful it was lovely to see a rare photo (on the Blog) of the Kudu
Beautiful shots..
The jubilation in the photo of the end of the day brings back memories of how I feel when I’m at Londolozi. Thank you, James.
An interesting week in pictures JT, wonderful to see the new cubs getting some much exposure. rich
Another fascinating week!!! The sunset & all cub pics win hands down on my scale – really special. Thanks for sharing as always
Hi James, love to follow your blog amazing photos. The group photo of the lion cubs is among our all time favorites.
Thank you for sharing.