The fascinating lion dynamics continue at Londolozi and its enthralling future holds no relent. The enormous territory and sporadic movements of the current territory holders, the Majingalane males, are constantly keeping a watchful eye on the Matshipiri, Fourways and Styx coalition. Despite the vast distances travelled by the Majingalane to cover their territory, their presence at Londolozi certainly does not go unnoticed by the rangers, guests and most of all the ensuing males trying to stake their claim. The marauding lions can often be heard throughout the night and as the mist rises on a cold winter’s morning, it presents us with the unknown and the excitement of what a new day has in store.
This week has once again shown us the amazing potential that the bush can offer and has provided us with the opportunity to view some spectacular animals, both big and small. Here I have compiled a range of diverse pictures that encompass all aspects of life in the bush, I hope you enjoy.
Have a great week…
The Mashaba young female strategically eyes out a way to hoist her impala kill out of reach of the ever present hungry and prying hyenas.
It is always a rare and inspiring event being in the presence of the Wild dogs. Personally my favourite animal, these endangered species are often at the top of the list for many guests. ISO 1250, f.5.6, 1/100
It didn’t take long for the Wild dogs to realise that this dazzle of Zebra were standing firm in the face of an imminent attack and soon made a hasty retreat. ISO 1000, f5.0, 1/2000
This beautiful male Cheetah uses a fallen over Knob Thorn as a vantage point to scan the horizon for potential prey. ISO 1000, f4.6, 1/8000
A huge Rhino bull quenches his thirst on a warm winter’s day after patrolling and scent marking his prized territory. ISO 400, f5.6, 1/60
An opportunistic Tawny Eagle waits patiently with a pair of White-backed Vultures for its turn to scavenge on the remains of a Zebra killed by the Sparta pride. ISO 800, f5.6, 1/5000
Frantic territorial calls and mobbing behaviour by a Crowned Lapwing led us to the discovery of this perfectly camouflaged ground-nest. ISO 800, f5.6, 1/1600
The Piva male and Tamboti female will hopefully be the proud parents of cubs in the near future. ISO 1250, f5.6, 1/1600
One of my favourites birds, the Saddle-billed Stork, heads down to a dam in search of food.ISO 1250, f5.6, 1/5000
The Mashaba female nervously brings her adorable cubs to a kill for the first time. She was understandably very cautious as they moved away from the relative safety of their den site. ISO 800, f4.5, 1/500
One of the cubs affectionately greets her mother after scurrying off to the safety of a Guarri tree once the unusual figure of a Giraffe had moved off. ISO 800, f4.5, 1/500
Giraffes are generally very nervous around watering holes so this was an amazing opportunity to sit patiently and watch them drink. ISO 800, f5.6, I/8000
A sub-adult Sparta male yawns and stretches in preparation for a long night ahead. The Sparta Pride had been relaxing and conserving their energy in the cool sand along the river bank throughout the heat of the day. ISO 800, f5.6, 1/100
The wild dogs gracefully trot back to their eagerly awaiting young pups on the adjacent property after successfully making an impala kill. ISO 1000, f4.5, 1/2000
Written and Photographed by Londolozi Ranger Callum Gowar
Stunning pics Callum. Love the Mashaba female and cubs. Great image of the wild dogs.
Those Mashaba cubs are so beautiful.
I love to see the Piva male so confident and dominan, being a Don Juan with the ladies.
Great pics Callum.
Now that her mother has a new family, we await a new name for Mashaba Young Female.
Stunning pics Callum. Particularly the final shot of the wild dogs.
Amazing pictures! Love the wild dogs and the leopard cubs!
One of the best grouping of pictures I have ever seen. Thank you so much.
Amazing photos Cal! I really like the dogs walking away and the one of the cub looking up lovingly at its mom. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
Wow, Callum. You are seriously talented! Your photos take my breath away. Looking foward to experiencing more of Londolozi through your eyes.
Beautiful photos of lion, cheetah, birds. But the pictures of Mashaba interacting with her cubs are really wonderful to see. Also the photo of the wild dogs stands out.
These are all really stunning images Callum! I especially love your Cheetah picture and it’s great to see Mashaba with her cubs. I didn’t realize just how big the Piva male is until seeing him next to Tamboti! I’m hoping for some cubs for Tamboti very soon as well! Thanks Callum for a great end to my week and I hope everyone at Londolozi has a fantastic weekend!