“Like the seaweeds that cling to each other after each passing boat separates them, so too a family will come together with the passing of each crisis” Indonesian Proverb
2020 held something so different for each of us but one thing that stuck out for me is that it brought a lot of people closer together. Here at Londolozi I have seen an industry that has been affected immensely by the COVID-19 pandemic. One thing prevailed; a family that has remained together. I witnessed this not only within the Londolozi family but within my own family, guests I have driven recently and the friends I surround myself with. I think if we all take a close look at the people around us, this is quite apparent.
A sense of Ubuntu.
I am, because you are. In fact, the word ubuntu is just part of the Zulu phrase “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, which translates to a person is a person through other people.
As I wish all our blog readers a Happy New Year, I applaud every single person on showing a sense of ubuntu in tackling 2020.
I like to think wildlife creates a sense of ubuntu, a sense of belonging and a sense of enjoyment. As we all look forward to an optimistic 2021, I hope these images kick start that off for all of you.
Heres to the memories of my final week 0f 2020 and the beginning of TWIP’s 2021.
Enjoy this Week in Pictures…
I had to capture this, as one of the Birmingham male lions evidently roars to mark his and his brother’s territory whilst a dazzle of zebra observe from a safe distance.
We have had some of the most impressive sunsets lately, after some stormy days. Here a white-backed vulture sets the perfect seen as the sun slowly descends to the plains below.
It is always a great time of the year to watch impala lambs as they energetically run around their mothers.
The Xinzele females stares intensely into the distance as she uses the shade of a marula tree to rest on a hot summer’s afternoon.
I think this image is my favourite image of 2020; we all waited patiently for the moon to rise into the perfect position to capture this Lappet-faced vulture against the night sky.
A bull elephant feeds slowly on the fringes of the airstrip, passing a giraffe that was staring into the distance which eventually helped us in finding a leopard that morning.
Recently a large herd of buffalo has been spending time in the south-western parts of Londolozi, where we – and they – are seeing green grass and lots of filled water sources.
Crossing the Causeway is one one of my favourite things; the birding activity is always plentiful, Yellow-billed storks and Hamerkops fill the path in front of you whilst you are scanning for any crocodiles trying to catch fish in the flowing waters.
After surprising us with quickly stalking and killing a scrub hare, this female leopard had to drag it up tree as hyenas came to investigate its distress calls.
A zebra scans the plains around him; being in an open area like this can be a massive safety net for zebra as they are able to hear and see if any predator is around.
A silhouetted giraffe scans the surrounds as the nights sky slowly draws closer.
After a stormy night during which we presume this wildebeest died of natural causes, hyenas and vultures filled Londolozi airstrip with every scavenger trying to get their share.
Although the oldest leopard on Londolozi, the Mashaba female still provides some of the best viewing; here she looks out after dragging an impala lamb up a tree.
With filled pans around the reserve, many hippo bulls have taken to resting in them for the day before they go off to feed at night.
One of the Ntsevu pride has a drink at a pan before contact calling to the other females. The dynamics of the pride are somewhat in flux at the moment but rather interesting to observe as the older cubs reach independence.
A slight flick of the tail against the contrasting bark of a marula tree where this leopard lay up on a hot afternoon.
A Vervet monkey enjoying the lush green leaves of a buffalo thorn tree.
After chasing a herd of impala, a pack of wild dogs cooled off in a pan before finding some shade to rest during the midday heat.
My guests and I waited patiently for the Xinzele female to descend a tree; watching leopards go up and down a tree trunk is one of the most incredible sightings but patience is often needed. It’s always worth the wait.
Red-billed Oxpeckers feed on ticks and parasites from the face of a female giraffe.
One of the local packs of wild dogs cautiously scans the water’s edge before drinking as the night draws close.
The impressive Othawa Male watches a herd of wildebeest.
We only see about three pairs of these birds around Londolozi; a pleasant surprise between the months of September and April. The broad-billed Roller.
![Ntsevu Pride, Wild Dogs And Rhino (6) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/12140043/Ntsevu-pride-wild-dogs-and-rhino-6-RCB-280x178.jpg)
Lovely blog Dean. Stunning pics. All of the best this new year to the Londolozi family.
Mashaba female has such a distinctive look. She may be the only leopard I can instantly identify.
Thank you Dean, what a lovely TWIP to kick off the New Year. Great to see Mashaba again, haven’t heard much about her lately. And I totally agree with you about watching leopards climbing/descending trees- I’ve seen this a few times and their elegance and power always takes my breath away. Which is the female with the scrub hare?
Some real gems, especially the vulture photo
wishing all at Londolozi a happy, healthy and gentle 2021
Dean, I loved all the photos, especially leopard in the tree🤗
What in the world has Xinzele been doing to her ears? We saw her in July 2019 and both of her ears were perfect then! Looks like she has been having to fight a bit to claim her territory!
What a great start to 2021! Loved the Othawa male, the Xinzele Female Leopard, the Vulture against the moon and so many more. Wonderful!!
Great photos. I would like to know what is going on in the Ottawa male’s mind at the moment when the photo was taken.
Superb photography , wonderful memories of past visits. Waiting to re visit again as soon as allowed. Your daily blogs and photos give me hope for a better future. Stay Safe
Hi Dean, love the selection of photos especially the Mashaba Female! Is she showing any signs of having another litter of cubs? Where is she spending her time these days?
Words are not enough, absolutely magnificent photos!
Dean, what a beautiful post to begin 2021! You’ve some exceptional photos, especially the giraffe portrait, Xinzele female and the face of the mighty Othawa male. 👍📷❤️
Hi Dean.thanks so much for a stunning “week in pictures”…Every picture was incredibly beautiful…….such a joy to wake up in the morning to look through them…..have a safe and Happy New Year…..
Stunning, stunning photos!!!! So wonderful of you to share these and we appreciate you all. Happy, healthy and hopeful 2021!!!
Really enjoyable images this week, Dean!
Is the Xinzele female the daughter of a Londolozi resident or does she come from elsewhere?
Wonderful set of images, and a terrific end to 2020 and beginning of 2021. And that vulture photograph is absolutely stunning!! Bravo Dean, and happy new year to you and all the greats at Londolozi!!❤️🎊💫🙌🏼🎈🎆
How old is the Othawa male? I am guessing 7 or 8??? Beautiful TWIP! Love the leopard pics, the Lappet faced vulture, the Birmingham male, etc! I have never seen the broad billed roller, very interesting!
Happy New Year! Gorgeous pictures! For Christmas I watched a documentary on a leopard female and one on a giraffe calf. They both showed how many difficulties these animals have and their struggle to survive. Let’s hope for a positive year to come for both animals and us
Also wanting to wish everyone at Londolozi
Happy New Year🥳May it be filled with strength and courage, love, laughter & good health, and mostly a lifetime of new adventures and memories! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing piece of heaven with the world ♥️
A really nice TWIP Dean. I especially liked the vulture with the full moon behind it and the giraffes at sunset, although all the pictures were great. I wish all at Londolozi a safe, happy and healthy 2021 and trust you will rebound from this dreadful virus that has devastated the tourist industry and lodges.
Thanks Dean, happy new year to you and the Londolozi family
What a fabulous tribute to a turbulent year and beautiful photos to start the New year Dean 👌❤️. Following the Londolozi blog has certainly given me a sense of Ubuntu and I thank you all 🙏❤️. Wishing you all the very best wishes for 2021.
Dean you’ve presented outstanding and picture perfect images this week. So many are wall hangers! Good job!!