Having previously shared with you a selection of top 5 sightings at Londolozi, I would like to continue the list and present the final five. As mentioned in the previous post, I would have liked to have kept to it a simpler top five but couldn’t resist adding an additional five.
Once again, in no particular order, the last five bucket list sightings at Londolozi…
Leopards Mating
There are few places in the world that you can view leopards in the way you can at Londolozi and to be honest, this whole list could be filled with different leopard sightings; all rather unique to this area. Elusive, shy, and strictly solitary by nature, leopards are seldom seen with one another. So having two, just a few meters from you, engage in something so seldom seen by humans, with an electric atmosphere of aggression and passion taking over; it’s difficult to beat.
Leopards mating can be quite an aggressive affair, adding to the theatre of the entire experience.
A Pride of Lions Walking Past the Vehicle
The Ntsevu Pride, at its strongest numbered 21 lions. Imagine having 21 lions walk right past the Land Rover, so close that you can hear their paws scuffing the coarse sand beneath their feet as they take their steps. A pride doesn’t wander aimlessly. They move with a great deal of purpose and intent that can be felt as they pass you by. As a unit, they look unstoppable. The lionesses will be scanning the surroundings for potential hunting opportunities while the younger members maybe stalk and tackle one another between the adults legs. And aside from the occasional glance, they do this all without even paying us the slightest bit of attention; completely undisturbed by our presence and going about their activity as if we weren’t even there; an illustration of the harmony we have with these animals.
An Elephant Herd at Finfoot Crossing
A small breeding herd of elephants crossing through the sand river, just downstream from Finfoot crossing.
Elephants love water. They drink and shower themselves in mud and water nearly every day, sometimes twice a day. Each individual, from the oldest matriarch down to the youngest calf, visibly gets excited when the herd approaches the river. Finfoot Crossing is a point in the Sand River, less than a kilometre from camp, where large herds of elephants can be seen enjoying this age-old pastime of theirs. This crossing point of the river can, on its own, be an amazing place to spend time and if you are lucky enough to encounter an elephant herd there and spend some time with them, you’re bound to have several other animals wandering into the area too.
A Leopard Hoisting a Kill into a Marula Tree
Strength, power, balance, ingenuity, instinct – the essence of a leopard. Watching a leopard pull a carcass, that can often weigh more than themselves, into the branches of a tree is quite simply jaw-dropping. It is this unique capability that gives them their extra edge in this competitive environment and allows them to be as successful as they are. We can’t be picky here but a Marula tree is often the ideal tree to watch them perform this feat. With the open branches and tall trunks, you’ll get a full, uninterrupted display of this masterclass in survival.
An unmatched display of raw power and balance.
Wild Dogs Hunting
The best way I can describe following wild dogs on the hunt is that it’s like being on a rollercoaster – sometimes quite literally as we get up to some unruly speeds trying to keep up with them! It’s an exhilarating experience. Not to mention that just seeing these rare carnivores is something quite special in itself. The tempo that they operate with on a hunt is almost tangible and often requires an icy gin and tonic afterward to settle the nerves.
If you’re somewhat of a thrill-seeker, you’re going to want to try your best to keep up with a pack of wild dogs on the hunt.
Bonus #2: Sunrise at Ximpalapala Koppie
With a warm cup of coffee in hand, the rising sun on your face, and a 360-degree view of one of the greatest wildlife areas on the planet… what more could you ask for?
Hello Chris, I agree on all but the hunting.. . Seeing an impala torn to pieces alive is not a top view for us. I’d rather watch wild dogs interacting to one another. The sunrise makes your day start great i think! Love leopards lions and elephants view.
Fantastic your final 5 sightings Chris. It is true what more does a person want? Just to be able to be at Londolozi and watching the animals in their normal habitat is so precious and a privilege. Wonderful foto’s and thank you for sharing your second part of sightings, it does them justice.
Excellent list, Chris – actually both lists! I’d add one more, a mother leopard or lion carrying a cub in her mouth. That would be extra special!
That is a very worthy addition, Mary. Extremely rare to see too!
Do leopards have barbed penis like lions
Hi Tammy, yes they do. The anatomy as well as the mating ritual is very similar to lions.
Wow Chris I need to take a flight back today. I can this right now
Chris, thanks for the second installment of your “bucket list”! We are sure there could be more knowing the experiences that can happen at Londolozi! The video is really awesome too!
Chris, I’m glad you added 5 more – they’ve stirred some sweet memories! Leopards mating – on our 2nd game drive of our 1st trip to Londo we saw Camp Pan mating with the Nottens female – we were stunned by their closeness to us and the sheer noise and aggression. Another memorable mating was the Marthly male with Mashaba,( during which my camera battery ran out!) – and Nkoveni was born about 3 months later. As for a pride of lions walking right past you, we once saw 9 of them file past us within touching distance. Then as the male brought up the rear he turned his head and looked straight at us – talk about sending shivers down your spine! I can’t imagine 21 lions, don’t think I could hold my breath that long.
Leopards hoisting their kill – how I wish I could see that, it’s top of my bucket list.
Wild dogs on the hunt – I’ve seen their speed and focus, and am just grateful I’m not their prey!
Ellies and water – a magical combination. Thank you.
Thanks Suzanne, I’m happy to hear that the post brought back some fond memories. How lucky you’ve been to witness the leopard lineages continue to grow over the years. I wish you many more great sightings in your future trips here!
Great sightings. I love the huge pride of lions walking single file through the grass. looks great from above!
Chris-great choices. We were fortunate to have experienced each during our July visit!
That must have been an action packed visit!
Masterfull job Chris, we especially enjoyed your description of a wild dog hunt … it is truly a once in a lifetime experience … and quite similar to a roller coaster ride! You really can feel their determination and excitement!
Thanks Chris
Really enjoyed the Wild Dogs and Leopard sightings with you. Hope you are all vaccinated now
Hi Chris, I’m totally with you on the second five sightings on your bucket list, and happy to report I’ve experienced all five although only 16 lions passed by our vehicle, rather than 21-oh well! I think the most exciting sighting on your list is racing behind the wild dogs as they charge through the bush, especially the off-road route. It seems next visit I’ll order a bush coffee at Ximpalapala koppie cc
Gosh Chris I would give my eye teeth to witness even one of these sights..apart from sunrises which I have enjoyed in the bushveld. …one day I hope 🙏
Two stunning sets of top 5 Chris. Having been privileged and truly blessed to experience these sightings at Londolozi, we cannot agree with your choices more and this is why we keep on returning and why there is nowhere else we would rather be – our souls always yearn to be BACK again. Thank you so much .
Brilliant!
I vote for all of these too! But the lion parade and the leopard hoist would be the best of the best!