Ranger Grant Rodewijk and I had set out one afternoon for a drive, not looking for anything specific, just bumbling around for anything we could find. Not long after we had left camp, James Tyrrell got hold of us on the radio and asked if we would join him and the three new trainees in searching for a leopard in a riverbed just west of camp; James had been following some tracks at the time and we agreed to join in searching for the leopard.
Crossing the Sand River
Making our way there, James had notified us that he had found a female leopard lying up on a rock in the riverbed and confirmed that this was in fact one of the Nlanguleni young females. James added that there were signs of two more leopards in the area and was going to track them heading upstream; this was a good sign that the mother and sister were nearby.
The Nlangluleni young female observes us from a distance.
Approaching the last position that James had given us we found his vehicle and knew the leopard was nearby. We had looked for some places to access the riverbed but was too steep for the vehicle.
Grant suggested we go off on foot looking for the cub, so we started to scan the area and cautiously made our way down into to the riverbed, trying to be as quiet possible. As we are making our way down a steep embankment Grant suddenly lifted his hand in indication for me to stop. He pointed upstream in the river bed. He had spotted her lying up on the rock that James had mentioned. She had spotted us too. We remained still and observed her from a distance making sure not to disturb her, and Grant meanwhile scanned the river bank to see if we could approach using the Land Rover. Seeing a route down, we decided to head back to the vehicle and drive in from further downstream.
Being in the vehicle allowed us to get a shot at eye level.
After some excellent off-roading skills from Grant we finally made it back to the rock and were approaching the cub, who remained completely unfazed by the vehicle we were able to capture some amazing photographs and spend a good couple of minutes watching her. She later gave two big yawns, stood up and came down from her rock pedestal and crossed the river, disappearing into the bush.
A yawn often indicates that a leopard is about to get up and move.
Those whiskers could go on forever,
The cub looking for the easiest place to cross the flowing water.
Stunning images Matt. It must have been an incredible experience.
Thanks Marinda, was one of my favourites.
Lovely photos, the penultimate photo would grace any wall
Thank you Ian!
Absolutely beautiful leopard, stunning visuals. Awesome sighting, thank you.
What a beautiful and majestic animal, the leopard.
Matt, what an amazing story, I loved all the photos🤗
Thank you Joan!
What a beautiful and exciting view of this gorgeous leopard. You are all such wonderful writers. You transport us to your vehicle or walking side by side with you as you explore the beauty of Londolozi. Thank you all so much.
Fantastic yawn & whiskers photos!
Thanks Vin! Hope to see you back soon with the rest of the GCCC!
Planning our 5th visit in 2021.
Meanwhile, Safari Sarasota is scheduled for 10/24-26. Dave and Boyd V will attend as well as Anna, James, and Kate Groch. Goal is to raise $200,000+ for Good Work Foundation.
She’s so pretty. Will the sisters stick together for awhile before eventually separating, or is it likely they’ll have back to back territories?
Each of these images are pure perfection. Poised and relaxed, she graciously gave you some perfectly composed images. She’s a beauty!
She certainly did. Thank you Joanne!
What a fun sighting! And, what a beautiful leopard. Your photos show those eyes so well! Thanks for sharing your find!
Nice story. Leopards are beautiful cats!
Your images reflect what an amazing experience you had that day. In awe of the long whiskers photo- she’s a beautiful juvenile!!
Nice storytelling Matt … we felt like we were there with you.
Thank you, I wish you had been there too!
What a wonderful-beautiful young leopard lady, fantastic images.
Amazing!!
We sit in our offices with glass windows. Sliding back and forth on cement floors in our typist chairs. Glancing at the clock we watch it tick by till the hand announce end of day. We rush in our cars through traffic and tarred roads to get to our wall clad homes. Your office is unsurpassed beauty. Your home is veiled with trees and tall shadows. Africa….you Beauty!!