At the conclusion of another memorable week at Londolozi, I look back and consider myself extremely fortunate to have witnessed such incredible sightings and to be exposed to such a fascinating environment on a daily basis.
On a personal note, this week has made me recognise and appreciate the significance of contributing to the Londolozi blog and the satisfaction it may bring to a number of people around the world. Be it repeat guests, those that follow the blog after one visit to Londolozi and those that have never had the pleasure of visiting yet, it’s an incredible thing to be able to remain connected to this amazing place. This week I have had the pleasure of driving the full spectrum of such guests. Furthermore, it brings great fulfilment to know that they constantly follow the lives of the extraordinary animals and continue to build a ‘relationship’ with them from numerous countries around the globe.
As the morning air begins to chill and the days become shorter, we have realized that winter is making its imminent approach. Misty mornings and dew-covered grasses are met with the warm rising sun penetrating through the haze, providing a somewhat mystical backdrop to this unique and dynamic landscape.
Enjoy this Week in Pictures…
A rare sighting of African Wild dogs. Here these endangered animals obtain a vantage point on a termite mound in the hopes of finding the rest of the pack after they had split up during a hunt.
A relatively small crocodile lies in wait, hoping for an easy meal to fall into its mouth.
The Xidulu young female (foreground) stares intently at a herd of impala as her larger brother watches their mother feeding on the ground nearby. It was amazing to see all three of the leopards together again after yet another extended period of time apart.
A rare opportunity to photograph an African Scops Owl which presented itself whilst driving back to the lodge late one evening.
It is every Londolozi ranger’s dream to see the Tsalala pride resting in this beautiful Jackalberry tree which overhangs the Manyelethi river in the Northern parts of the reserve.
The infrequently seen Tatowa female climbs down from a Marula tree. This was only the fifth time I have seen this beautiful leopard in two years.
Patience paid off after waiting for a long time for this European Roller to take flight…
Dew-covered grass on a chilly misty morning as the sun began to rise provided us with an opportunity to take this unique photograph.
It is always a pleasure to see leopard cubs, no matter their age. Here, the Nkoveni female’s two beautiful cubs came down to play with their mother for a short while before scampering back into the termite mound where she is now denning them.
A magical sunset two evenings ago. The presence of a few clouds often makes for a more beautiful setting…
After climbing down from the Jackelberry tree, the Tsalala pride proceeded to walk together towards the causeway. We positioned the vehicle at the bottom of the hill hoping for an eye level photograph of them as they crested the hill.
An incredible long distance spot from Freddy Ngobeni led us to view the Tatowa female as the sun began to set.
Not too often seen at Londolozi, an African Moon moth camouflages itself in a Buffalo thorn tree.
The Xidulu young male peers back at a herd of impala alarm calling at his presence.
An opportunistic hyena takes advantage of an injured zebra, chasing it through a number of open clearings but to no avail. An open wound on the upper parts of the zebra’s front leg was suspected to be caused by a crocodile as the zebra went down to a watering hole to have a drink.
A magical morning with the Tsalala pride culminated in them crossing the Sand river at the causeway. It is something that I have wished to see since arriving at Londolozi!
I look forward to the Londolozi blog every morning. I have my first coffee and the blog every day . Thank you.
Fantastic pictures from the week! Thank you for keeping us connected to beautiful Londolozi. We look forward to the blog every morning with our coffee.
Love reading this blog, I look forward to it daily.
I too am one repeat visitor (about seven times) we were lucky enough on our first visit to meet and become friends with Les Hes. I live vicariously through the Londolozi blog daily. We will be visiting again with Lex and my family in June. Really looking forward to it.
Great to see you are well Callum and taking such amazing photographs, all of them picturing a moment which is new and unique and make me long to visit Londolozi again soon!
Stunning images Callum. Love the Tsalala’s xrossing the causeway.
Just as you are anticipating the arrival of autumn and winter – here in the northern hemisphere we are in the early stages of spring with lighter mornings & evenings and summer to look forward to. We are enjoying the spring flowers in our garden at the moment. Like others have said I really enjoy reading the Londolozi blog – usually at lunch time in the office with a sandwich!
Great photos especially the roller so difficult to catch
Thanks to all who who contribute to the blog and keep the global community
connected to Londolozi. The stories fill my heart and lift my spirit each day. I love the diversity of content which beautifully reflects daily Londolozi life: the respect, love and challenges embedded in human and wildlife families, the gorgeous and evolving landscapes, humor, friendships, grief, hope, energy and relaxation. Magical.
Wow, Callum, photos are fantastic!
And a lovely, reflection about the importance of the blog to many in SA and around the world.
Despite of having been in Londolozi twice I’m always amazed by the wonderful pictures and in-depth comments coming on your blog.Can’t wait until visiting Londolozi again!
Wow, these are all incredible pictures Callum! I love reading the Londolozi blog every day here in (very cold at the moment) Canada and dream about when I will be able to return to magical Londolozi once again.
Callus, beautiful photos! I love seeing the older leopard cubs are doing well – we witnessed the male cheekily chasing a young hyena after drawing attention to himself by also chasing around a herd of impala! I’d hoped he’d calm down a bit. Did Freddy find the moth as well? We saw two on our last visit! As always, love seeing a week in pictures. I don’t always comment, but it’s a lovely way to start a weekend.
Absolutely magical photos! Russell and I wish we were back there with you and Freddy. So grateful for this blog and the opportunity to be transported back to South Africa via your photos.
Beautiful images of your part of paradise that keeps us home bloggers glued to the screen to see our special weekly fix! I have to say that the picture of the dew covered grass & the sunset are spectacular! Thank you Callum
This was an extremely well written blog with outstanding photographs! Great job Callum!
Great pictures Callum. I nice memory for me as I was often along side you on many of these sightings.
Your blog is always something I look forward to and as always your photos are magical.
We had the privileg to witness most of the sightings mentioned in this blog. Callum and Freddy, thank you so much for these 4 unforgettable days. We will stay connected to “our” animals thru your blog until our next visit to Londolozi
Peu de Français sur ce magnifique blog. Il est temps de réparer cela! Nous avons observé tous ces animaux lors de notre séjour au Varty Camp en mars 2015 (sauf la chouette) et photographié ,et filmé. Depuis, on rêve avec ce blog!
I love the photo of the Tsalala pride on the causeway.