The sound of the rut cuts the silence of the now cooling autumn mornings. Our ears prick up, as do those of any carnivore big enough to take advantage of the lapse of concentration. Clashing impala horns and a roar more suited to a large feline are a constant. Gaurds are dropped as raging hormones fuel the insatiable need for dominance and the will to further the species. The most weary antelope suddenly becomes one of the most vulnerable over these short few weeks, and also becomes the most predated species in the bush at the moment.
Other than all the exciting predatory activity taking place around the equally riveting impala rut, there has been some incredible soft winter light splashing gold over the bush, igniting the untimely fresh shoots and warming the cool winter mornings. As we take it all in here is our share of the Week in Pictures, ENJOY!
What was once a strange face now becomes familiar, a Fourways male sets his gaze on the horizon.
A warm glow in a sea of black, a buffalo calf amongst hundreds of bodies.
Untimely clouds produce interesting light.
Fire in the sky.
Making the dash, a chameleon crosses a path on an overcast morning.
Growing in confidence, the Tamboti young female.
Grooming and looks are appaerntly important… even for vultures.
Its black or white when it comes to buffalo bulls, a good idea to stay on the favourable side.
Winter magic, the rising sun brings hope.
One from a few weeks ago before the relief of the new rain, two young waterbuck males spar for future preparation.
The beginnings of a mane, a young male from the Tsalala pride quenches his thirst.
The week comes to an end for us but there is no end to the struggle for survival out here. Any image that catches your eye in particular?
Written and photographed by Simon Smit, Londolozi Ranger
Stunning images Simon. Love the vultures. Beautiful pic of the sun in the clouds.
I love reading about and viewing the spectacular animals that call Londolozi home. Your magnificent pictures and beautiful descriptions bring back all the wonderful memories I have and make me yearn to return.
great, Si…always a pleasure to see your work
Simon, you made my heart sing this morning. Love young Tamboti.
They are all very good! But…will rank 🙂
1. The Fourways…love the closeup and him looking over shoulder
2. Fire in the sky
3. chamelon…(great shot!)…
4. the muddy buffalo bull..he is not playing around!
4. And, of course…love leop0ards…the Tamboti female is a great shot
I enjoyed all of them, as usual!! Thanks
I hated leaving last week! Your pictures are so good. Is there any forum for guests to post their Londolozi photographs?
Incredible images Simon, but I absolutely LOVE the close-up of the Tamboti young female. I also really like the shot of the Giraffes, showing the beautiful Londolozi landscape as well. Every one of these photographs are stunning though. Thank you so much for a great week in pictures!
Thank you Simon! Beautiful photos – happy to see the cub is doing well. We were fortunate to see this little cub on its first adventure out of the den! Beautiful!
Surprised not to see a pangolin photo! Had a great visit and will be back Sept 5.