Leopards will always be one of the most sought-after animals here, for guests, rangers and trackers alike. Their beautiful rosettes blended into the changing vegetation, dappled light whether it be morning or evening, shining through the trees or scrub adding to their method of “blending in”. When one thinks of a leopard and a scene you might find it in, most would picture it to be in a beautiful big tree. Even though we do see them in trees, it’s not the typical scene but merely a highlights package of a sighting we dream and hope for. They actually spend far more of their time on the ground.
Sunrise over and ever-changing landscape. The break of a new dawn holds endless possibilities ready for us to unfold and discover.
If you weight up what leopards do in trees versus the ground you can quickly realize that the list of activities on the ground far outweighs that in trees. A leopard needs to eat, drink, mark territory, mate, defecate as well as hide away from other predators. These activities can’t be done in trees, or at least the most of what’s mentioned can’t. Trees are used by leopards for hoisting that recently killed impala, they act as a vantage point to scan the surrounding bushveld for threats or prey, or for a short period of time they serve as an escape from other predators, to rest in. So again, seeing a leopard in a tree is less likely than one would think, and to see one in a tree with perfect colours soaking the landscape at sunset, now that’s a dream, a highlight, and one that stays in the memory bank for a long time!
Whilst many people think seeing a leopard in a tree is common, it’s the exception rather than the rule., as the Nanga female demonstrates.
I recently drove a lovely couple from Australia and their dream was to photograph a leopard in a tree. Easier said than done.
Yet one late afternoon game drive we were lucky enough to experience exactly that.
While driving in the north, we heard over the radio that a young female leopard had been found in a beautiful Marula tree, and it was only a stone’s throw away from where we were driving.
Being winter, the Marulas’ leaves had fallen and the only colour in the now stark tree was that of the Ingrid dam young female leopard and her golden coat with black rosettes. The sun was fast setting and the colours were as vivid as we could have wished.
The sky was a deep blue which only deepened as the sun neared the horizon. It was an evening that held a typical African sunset with shades from yellow to red which only intensified the scenario. By positioning the vehicle accordingly and adjusting settings of the camera as the light changed, it was sure to become that dream photo that had been envisioned. At first the young female leopard was huddled in, but then she began yawning, stretching and in a flash descended the tree and scuttled after a herd of impala that ran by.
Upon arriving at the sighting we were left speechless and in awe. The Ingrid dam young female leopard, daughter of the Ingrid dam female, huddled in a perfect position in a stark marula tree as she scanned the landscape below towards the setting sun. The golden rosettes contrasted well against the blue sky and brown/grey bark of the marula.
She is occasionally seen around the far north west corner of Londolozi, and is generally quite relaxed around vehicles.
A big stretch while eyes remained locked on the impala feeding below. A sure sign she could easily rush down the tree and head on the hunt. This female leopard is about a year of age and will be able to bring down a medium sized antelope, yet no one has witnessed her doing so yet. Anticipation and excitement were mounting within us.
Our predictions were not correct. She scrambled further along a horizontal branch to rest up once more as the blue sky deepened in colour and the sun began to set.
Shades of yellow turned gold as the sun reached the horizon. Her head bobbed up and down as she continued to fix her eyes in the direction of the impala and sunset. Her restless nature kept our hopes up as to what could possibly happen next.
In a matter of seconds the herd of impala were spooked by something and ran in her direction. In no time she scrambled down the marula and onto the ground in stalk mode. Hoping one impala would walk closer.
A missed attempt as the young female looks back in hope of one last impala approaching. The sun dipped below the horizon and night sky set in as she slipped through the grass and out of sight.
It was a scene that won’t be forgotten. A beautiful young leopard in the perfect tree with the perfect light. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Amazing sighting. The best sunsets are definitely experienced in the African bush but to have a leopard in the picture is amazing.
Sunsets are the most beautiful in Africa and to enjoy one with a leopard perched in a Marula tree is stellar. May you experience many more extraordinary moments like this.
Oh wow!!! Lucky, lucky guests!.. A beautiful leopard posing , on a clear branch against the sky and the sunset! Fantastic photos!
No, Alex, it doesn’t get much better than that. Thanks for sharing the magical moments, the absolutely glorious photos of this young female in all her surroundings. Next best thing to being there.
Loved these pics – all of them! Well done.
Have taken another Screensaver! Wendy M
Excellent!
Wonderful Blog. These have to be right up there with favorite leopard photos. Love the one where he is curled up in the tree. Thanks for sharing
Simply said…..exceptional images!
Oh my she has become big! And she hasn’t lost her posing skills I see. Pretty girl.
I’ve dreamt about that scenario before!