After a roundtrip in Namibia my husband and I returned to Londolozi for the third time in the hope of seeing more leopards .But what happened during those three days was unimaginable; if someone had told me what would unfold, I’d have told them they were lying.
On the 15th July, a Sunday afternoon, we started our drive with Ranger Nick Kleer and Tracker Advice Ngwenya. I was very happy about this, because two years ago I had the same guide and had an unbelievable sighting of the Tutlwa female leopard.
The Flat Rock male, as it turns out, was the first leopard to venture in front of my camera, as he had been found very close to the Londolozi camps. He was very relaxed and it was great to see him.
The Flat Rock Male rests in the dry grass of winter.
A dominant male leopard over the majority of the north. He originally took over the 4:4 Male's territory when he died.
The next morning we were far down in the south-east of the reserve when all of a sudden a group of impalas started sounding the alarm. After searching around for a short while we found the Ndzanzeni female and her male son with the kill, and amazingly the Inyathini male was also in attendance! Three leopards in one spot; father and son together with the mother. Wow!
The Inyathini male
The Ndzanzeni young male warily looks towards his father.
The Ndzanzeni young male is already significantly bigger than his mother (foreground).
Another leopard who originated in the Kruger National Park, he has established a large territory in the south eastern areas of Londolozi.
This female is a success story all in herself, being born as a single cub to the Riverbank 3:3 female in early 2012.
To be with them for most of the morning, hearing their communication and calling, and most enjoyably watching the 2-year old male’s behaviour on the brink of independence was fantastic.
A highlight for me, and at that point I didn’t think I could possibly expect more.
On the afternoon drive that day two American guests, Bill and Suzann from Florida, joined our vehicle, and we were lucky enough to see a sleeping lion who was not concerned about us and clearly still dreaming about his next kill.
A sleepy Birmingham male lion.
Fast forward to the next morning and after being called into the area by another ranger hearing impalas alarming, we found two male leopards hanging in a tree – the Anderson and Thamba males. This was the sighting in which the Anderson male’s eye injury was first recorded and which has been documented on the Londolozi Blog over the last month. I have read a lot about the Anderson male and seen many pictures of him, so was shocked to see his face with this serious injury. I hope he will manage it – but I’m sure he will.
Unofficially the biggest leopard in the Sabi Sands, the Anderson male is an absolutely enormous individual in north western Londolozi.
The Thamba looked very uncomfortable in his position; he had to urinate from the tree as the much bigger Anderson male wouldn’t let him down. This was something I’d never saw before.
The Anderson male’s injured left eye can be seen here.
The Thamba male waits for an opportunity to slip down from the tree.
We left them alone, to head straight to another incredible scene: 20 lions on a kill. Eating, sleeping, all together. Apparently it was two prides that had joined over the same buffalo kill.
The Nkahuma pride and Mhangeni sub-adults share the spoils of a buffalo hunt.
Now, I was sure, that was the highlight, not knowing,what was waiting for another surprise in the afternoon.
We were on quite a long drive to the west of the camps and there – oh my Word! – a leopardess with two cubs, one hanging up in the tree, the other relaxing with its mother on the ground.
The Schotia female keeps watch over her cubs
One of the cubs up in a Bushwillow tree.
With the sun setting and night approaching we left them in pace, and I was so overwhelmed by that scene that I shed some tears to myself. To see these beautiful animals, sharing time with them is something that can’t be described.
Once more I thought we’d seen it all, but what can I say? The next morning, our last drive, was the most impressive scene.
The Nkoveni female with her cub. Just walking down the road, relaxed, the cub with all the pleasure in playing with its mother. Not confused or perturbed by the vehicle at all.
Nick and Advice anticipated the scene, and they knew where the leopards might want to go and rest. As luck would have it they were spot on: a big rock in the Sand River. We positioned the vehicle on the bank so that we could watch the leopards for a long time; relaxing, playing together and the cub nursing.
The Nkoveni female and cub.
A gorgeous female who is found to the east of camp. Easily recognised by her 2:2 spot pattern she is often to be found in Marula trees.
I was absolutely blown away by all the amazing scenes we had witnessed over my stay. Surely the stars aligned perfectly during those few days.
Thanks a lot for these very special moments – they are deeply embedded in my heart. 11 Leopards in three amazing days, a never-repeatable, unique stay. Thanks a lot, Londolozi.
Apologies to all other beautiful animals, but I was in leopard fever, and I think Nick must have been as well!
Amazing experience and great sightings Jutta. Beautiful photos.
Thanks a lot. I was absolutly impressed to had that moments.
Thank you so much for sharing those amazing experiences with the Londolozi leopards, Jutta.
Your account was especially wonderful for Tom and I, because in May, with Alfie and Terrence, we saw the Nkoveni female pick up that gorgeous cub, when it was absolutely tiny ….
And we saw her, ever so gently, move it some distance.
The (very poor) photograph I took, of her with the cub in her mouth, is still the lock screen on my phone!
How the cub has grown in three months. A reminder that all life moves inexorably on, and that every moment spent in the bush, in the presence of these incredible animals, is to be savoured.
Thanks a lot Melanie, for the comment. I had the real biggest luck, to made some pictures, but I think thats not esential. To see and remember the most beautiful animals , thats the absolutly special moment.
What incredible sightings and superb photos to match
Thanks for the compliments, I had luck to take the pictures.
Sorry to disagree, but the photos are very good and clearly you are very skilful.
Jutta Mielke Nestle, what a great experience. I thank you for your documentation and how your experience captured the feeling we had on our trip last November. You easily managed to remind me just how awesome Londolozi and its great people are. The guides and trackers are fantastic. Thanks again.
Thats Londolozi , looking forward for next visit. Thanks .
What an incredible trip. Leopards are such magnificent animals, and to see that many and also that many lions at once!!!! Victoria
Yes, I am very lucky to saw that, never expecting it in this impressive days. wonderful. Thank you
Really enjoyable reading and images
What a trip thats what you call a trip of a lifetime .
Thank you Andrea, thats true, not repeatable
What a trip you had, Jutta! Some lovely photos of some of my favorite friends! Yes, leopard fever for sure! ?
Thank you Mary Beth for your comment. Leopards are really the best.
Genuinely happy for you and your husband, Jutta, in seeing and photographing the exceptional leopards at Londolozi. Although you have taken stunning images, seeing them live will be forever scored on your heart. No one could ask for more! What a truly exceptional experience!
Thanks, Joanne , it was really exceptional. I thought a long time if i could write about it, but it was so fantastic, that i would share it.
Wow what an incredible safari, love the picture of the Nkoveni female and her cub.
Thanks a lot, I was able to make a lot of great shots, to remember the scenes with pictures is fantastic.
What an amazing 3 days!!!
That`s true, never expect that, a lot of emotions, cause of leopards.
Wow! Your spirit animal must be a leopard! Thank you for sharing your amazing 3 days.
Yeah, I am really happy to had this great days. With all that pictures…
Wow what a trip. Really nice little post and photos too!
Thank you Lachlan.
Awesome Jutta!
Thank you Alessandra, I am happy about it