About the Author

Paul Danckwerts

Alumni Ranger

Zambian-born, Paul grew up a fisherman, a birder and a lover of all things outdoors. Following his passion for wildlife he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Rhodes University before heading for the lowveld. Paul boasts a number of years guiding ...

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19 Comments

on The Nkoveni Female and the Quintessential Ambush

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Marinda Drake
Master Tracker

It is true Paul. No matter how many times you see a leopard it is always exciting. If it is a fleeting glimpse or sspending an hour with the animal it is so special. Leopards are probably the most beautiful of the predators and almost mythical.

Darlene Knott
Master Tracker

Leopards are my favorite! Beautiful, strong, and smart! Loved the photos, Paul!

Andrew and Daniel Bolnick
Digital Tracker

Paul always like to hear about the stealth of these great predators. Would really enjoy pictures of the kill when you can take them. Perhaps even footage of the their feasting on the prey. Great work!

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

Thank you Andrew and Daniel. As and when it happens again I will have my camera ready so watch this space 😉

Betty-Lou Luijken
Senior Digital Ranger

Wow, you a quite a photographer. Thanks for sharing these amazing images.

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

Thank you for the complement Betty-Lou

Joan Schmiidt
Master Tracker

Paul, wonderful blog. I have never seen a leopard make a kill, have seen them in trees with a kill. Maybe next time we are there!

Bob and Lucie Fjeldstad
Guest contributor

Paul, isn’t their something about leopards when they are stalking prey, that they place their rear paws on top of where their fore paws touched the ground to minimize the sounds of leaves and twigs rustling on the ground?

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

Hi Bob and lucie. Yes they can do that if the situation calls for it. I have also witnessed them using thunder to muffle their approach!

Ivy Wilensky
Digital Ranger

Simply Beautiful!

Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

I love your blog Paul. It takes me back to my first real encounter with a leopard, heart pumping, excitement building, shaky finger on my shutter and it was all glorious. At the end of the day, no matter how many blurred shots, I watched this young male
and his image was imprinted quite clearly forever. Some beautiful photos here!!

Dina Petridis
Senior Digital Ranger

if we compare our first safari’s in the 1980 -ies , you were the luckiest people to see a leopard in day-time !
Now there is no safari without leopard sightings , from mating till cubs … I still need to see an aardvark……

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

That makes two of us Dina. Thank you for commenting!

Dina Petridis
Senior Digital Ranger

speaking of an aardvark : we have now one in the garden , I sent the picture to James Souchon !!!

Suzanne Gibson
Guest contributor

We came to Londolozi in the hope of seeing a leopard in the wild. We weren’t sure if it would happen, but on our 1st game drive we saw Vomba – as you say, Paul, it’s such a special experience and never forgotten. But as far as their elusiveness, I particularly remember on our next trip we were trying to find the Makhotini male. Byron and Judas tracked him to a dense thicket where he snarled at them. Byron said “he doesn’t want to be found today” so we left him in peace. The next day, he was lying on a rock in the open, and I’d swear he was posing!

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

Thank you for sharing Suzanne. They definitely have a grumpy side too!

Michael and Terri Klauber
Guest contributor

Paul, You told the story beautifully without the need for a camera! They are such beautiful creatures and the rare glance with them eye-to-eye is ethereal.

Christa Blessing
Master Tracker

Dear Paul. Yes, I have exactly the same feeling you are describing in such a wonderful way that leopards “leave an indelible impression on those of us lucky enough to see them in their natural habitat.” Seeing a leopard is just so wonderful. And I have really already seen so many at Londolozi and am very grateful for it.

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

Thank you for Commenting Christa! Long live the leopard!

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