From our first visit to Londolozi in 2011, we have been captivated by the Londolozi leopards. While we had been briefed that the wildlife viewing would be fantastic, there was no way for us to comprehend how connected we would become with this magical place! Now after many visits, we look through the thousands of images and videos we have from all of our time there, and realize that the leopards have always been on our mind – long after we had headed home.
Mashaba Female Leopard (Our vehicle in the eye reflection! – Michael Klauber
Londolozi Leopard at sunset – Terri Klauber
Inyathini Male, Ndzanzeni Female and her cub on a tree having a family discussion! – Photo by Michael Klauber
The guidance we have gotten from our rangers and the team at the Photography Studio have taught us so much about wildlife and nature photography over the years for sure. Our motto of “pixels are free” has kept the cameras clicking (we both have our own gear), however, we have learned to also be in the moment and understand that the sorting through our images when we get home can be quite a project!
Leopard watching bird – Terri Klauber
Piva Male Leopard next to our vehicle (weeks before he was killed) – Michael Klauber
As we have learned to keep track of our favourite leopards and lions through the Londolozi Blog (we look forward to its arrival each morning!), we have noticed that certain leopards have shown up more than others over the years. We feel like we know “our” Mashaba female so well know and hang on to our hearts each time we hear that she has cubs. Probably one of our most iconic images of her is the one from 2013 with her and her daughter the Nkoveni female. They had been arguing as mothers and daughters sometimes do, and had laid down to rest. Terri kept clicking away as their tails flicked back and forth – and presto – she captured their tails in the shape of a heart! That image became the naming inspiration for our All Heart Fund in the US which continues to support the Good Work Foundation!
Mother & Daughter Leopard Heart – Terri Klauber
Mashaba female with an impala kill directly in front of our vehicle. She is saying “Don’t even think about it!” – Terri Klauber
In the end though, it is the people of Londolozi that keep us coming back. The magical experiences the Londolozi Family creates for lucky guests every day is truly unique – anywhere in the world!
Safari dreams,
Michael & Terri Klauber
Anazing picture of the Mashaba and Nkoveni females “heart”.
Thanks Marinda! Terri had the hot hand on that one for sure! It was the inspiration for our US All Heart Fund which supports the Good Work Foundation!
So true about leopards of Londolozi – I have been 4 times now (our first visit was in 2011 – like you), we will return in 2020🤗
Thanks Marinda! Terri had the hot hand on that one for sure! It was the inspiration for our US All Heart Fund which supports the Good Work Foundation!
Sorry Joan, pushed send too fast! Hope to run into you at Londolozi some day!
We will be there sometime in July 2020. We always book through
Anywhereinafrica.com
Kirsty Gordon
She is an amazing woman, we have been to Rwanda and hiked with the gorillas (3x), been to Kenya, Tanzania, Cape Town (where she lives), wine country – she never screws up – we are always met in every country and transported to our hotels without a hitch.
Yes, it is the people at Londolozi who make me feel like I’m at home.
Mahalo to all of you.
Judith, you are so right! There is a feeling when you arrive that you can just be in the moment. It is also so nice to see many the same faces each time we return!
Nice blog about Londolozi. The viewing was great but the people made the experience. All things were to perfection. I felt so welcome. Cannot wait to get back
Andrew, There is no doubt that the Londolozi family truly understands the word “Hospitality”!
I think that they are correct, the animals and especially the leopards are all fantastic, but it is the rangers and trackers who make the bush come alive. It is the staff who welcome like a long lost friend and who takes care of you when you stupidly do not watch where you are going and fall down the two steps to the Varty deck. I often tell our friends that Londolozi is a magical place and it is then perfect mix of people and adventures in the bush, like the Christmas Day we found ourselves in the middle of a fleeing herd of impalas chased by the wild dogs. Greg and Equalizer just said stand still be the side of the Jeep and we watched amazed. The day you leave you want to come back. Thank you all! Victoria
Victoria, Thanks for your comments! We find that every day we look forward to hearing the friendly hellos and seeing the smiling faces of the staff. The game drives are never the same, so we hate to miss a minute!
Very happy for you both that you’ve had the privilege of revisiting Londolozi over the years. Superb accommodations and staff coupled with their wildlife creates one word…..priceless. Enjoyed your images and your blog!
Joanne, Thanks for your comments! We do feel that it a privilege and special gift that we have discovered and fallen in love with Londolozi!
Great photos! “An amazing combination of tails” always my favourite. Thanks Michael and Terri!
Ryan, Thanks for your comment! We can’t wait to see you on our next visit!
We completely agree with your love for Londolozi & the opportunities they give to those of us lucky enough to travel there! And “yes” post processing is tedious but what fun to relive all the experiences!!!
Bob & Lucy, Thanks for your comments! Sometimes when we scan through the 1000’s of images, something will hit us, something we missed when we first scanned them. That is sometimes the image that makes it to the top! Hence the reason why we have such a hard time hitting the delete button! 😉
Michael and Terri–Thanks for introducing us to this incredible place and these wonderful people in 2013. We look forward to returning with you for our 4th visit in 2 weeks!
As recently as last evening, a guest to our home marveled at the beauty of an image of the Ndzanzeni female drinking from a pool surrounded by rocks, and bathed in morning sunlight.
Vin, “our wingman”! We can’t wait to meet up with you again at Londolozi! Your image of Ndzanzeni is truly remarkable and you should be proud of it! So glad you have it on your wall!
Safari Dreams are the best dreams!!
Callum, You are absolutely right!
Could have written it myself. For me the most important element when I visit a wildlife destination is one hundred percent primarily the wildlife experience. I don’t need silver candlesticks on the table or various selections of wine. I’d be fine with a bucket shower and a simple tent if it was on a Concession with a reputation for outstanding wildlife viewing. But I have to admit there’s a level of professionalism and going above and beyond by the staff of Londolozi that I can’t deny adds to the overall experience as an exception to my statement above. It’s a special thing when an individual or an organization has it all figured out, and the Varty’s certainly figured it all out quite some time ago, continue to figure it out. From the guides and trackers to the cooks and lodge hosts, it’s a pleasure to rate their service as excellent. Between morning and afternoon drives I enjoy walking the walkways between the five lodges spending time with Vervet Monkeys, Nyala, Monitor Lizards, and birds, so tame and such a part of the camp that you have to remind yourself that these are still wild animals…that I could walk less than a hundred yards north or south and be at the mercies of the African wilderness.
Phil, Thanks for your comments and we couldn’t agree more. What we see on each visit is an amazing family and staff that continues to reinvent and improve the guest experience – keeping an amazing balance of professionalism with a seemingly endless eye on every guests’ personal experience. Plus, don’t forget the fabulous food from Chef Anna and her team! Together it is all a recipe for success!
Beautiful Blog! I can’t wait to see more of your photos from this trip! Looks like you are already having a blast in Cape Town
Irene, We had an incredible stay (12 days this time!) and are weeding through to 10,000+ photos that we took! Dave, Boyd and James are coming for Safari Sarasota this year October 24-26, so we hope you will be around for that! Let’s get together in Sarasota some time to compare notes!