The morning started with a search for the Ndzandzeni Female, a gorgeous elder leopard that has set up territory in the South-easternmost corner of the reserve. A search for this female can be very much a hit or miss affair and given that it’s quite a trek to get into the area one has to be prepared (or more prepared than usual, should I say) to come up with snake-eyes when rolling the dice on searching for this particular female.
The slightly tattered and balding ears are signs of her age, the Ndzandzeni Female is almost 10 years old now.
Royal descendant of Mother Leopard lineage. Remarkable single cub success story who overcame injury to continue the royal bloodline.
But given that she is the last of the Royal Lineage, the last surviving independent female descendant of the original Mother Leopard, as well as the fact that she has two ~9 month old cubs, it makes that risk of failure all the more worth it.
The Ndzandzeni Female walks her cubs down the road back toward a kill.
The Mother Leopard was a female that was found in 1979 and one that John Varty and tracker Elmon Mhlongo spent years tracking and habituating to vehicle and human presence. In so doing, these two men pioneered the habituation process that would serve to provide us all with the incredible leopard viewing that we are privileged enough to have in our little piece of Paradise.
Three teams took up the challenge that fateful day; Andrea Sithole & Sersant Sibuyi, Barry Bath & Tshepo Dzemba, and Myself & Prof Hlatshwyo; three brave duos ready to risk seeing absolutely nothing for the chance to bear witness to a potentially magnificent sighting. There was a slight nervous tension between the three of us but, as ever, knowing that two other teams have skin in the game is always reassuring and we set out with a fair conviction that we’d emerge victorious that day.
The trackers had been hard at work this morning.
Two and half hours later and that conviction was waning. Spirits had been dampened somewhat by what was seeming more and more to be a fruitless endeavour. Trackers had been left on foot early on following fairly promising spoor, that had been at least an hour ago. The usual haunts had been scoured clean in our search for any sign and we all knew we were scraping the bottom of the barrel. Ranger Andrea Sithole injected some much-needed humour into the situation as he called out to me in passing, “Don’t worry, I’ll speak to my ancestors” and we all prepared to throw out one more hail-mary check along the lesser frequented roads in the area.
And lo and behold, ladies and gentlemen, Andrea’s ancestors came to the fore! 5 minutes after parting ways with the man and while I was crawling along a thicket line begging my eyes to find their way across a spot-patterned shadow, the radio crackled to life, “Kyle and Barry, I’ve located” came the blessed words across the airwaves, “it looks like she’s been robbed! There’s a male in a tree here and she’s at the base.”
The old male’s jowls hang low revealing yellowed and blunted canines. 13 years old and still going, quite a feat for a male leopard.
Another leopard who originated in the Kruger National Park, he has established a large territory in the south eastern areas of Londolozi.
Both Barry and I were no more than 3 minutes away and, scooping up our trackers en route, we swiftly arrived on the scene. In the end, we only had a very brief glimpse of the female as she settled herself into a thick patch of grass nearby, but by this point, the major attraction had become the male in the tree; the Inyathini Male reincarnate, a ghost come back to life! The last time I had personally seen this male was in November of 2020. I couldn’t believe my eyes and actually argued with the other rangers, there was no way he was back, surely not?! But in the end, I had to acquiesce, there was no one else it could possibly be, the Inyathini Male was back in town, at least temporarily.
The male eventually came down from the tree and gave us a proper view. The large chunk of upper lip missing on his right-hand side is a dead give-away.
And with his arrival at this particular moment in time came a very big question; we could see the Ndzandzeni Female, yes… But where are the cubs? Are they ok? In a situation like this, one can become understandably nervous that something untoward could have happened. Our fears were allayed in part later that morning when another ranging team managed to glimpse the female and one cub making their way over our Eastern boundary. But thereafter, it took over a week and a half before the other half of the question was answered and we could definitively say that both cubs had survived the interaction and were alive and well!
At least one cub had survived and that in itself was a relief. But it was a beautiful thing to see both cubs alive and well a week and a half after this incident.
And here I must note that yes, we are supposed to be merely passive observers and accept that this is the wild and this kind of thing does happen all the time… But it’s hard to not let some part of you become attached, especially after watching 2 cubs survive their first 9 months of life, against all the odds. They’ve still a long way to go, sure, but I know I’m going to be keeping a keen eye on them all the way through.
Moments like this are what I live for out here. The cub reuniting with its mother after feeding on a kill.
Wow,now that’s quite a surprise to see the Inyathini male again after all this time! Amazing that the guy is still out there and of course I’m glad that the Ndzandzeni’ cubs survived the interaction.
Andrea and his ancestors! What a privilege to have been in the Landrover with you and Prof that morning. An extraordinary sighting and an enormously rewarding drive.
A great sighting made all the more rewarding by having had to work hard for it. You know the story well, Jono!
How exciting Kyle to not only have spotted the Ndzandzeni female, but the elusive Inyathini as well – a real bonus. I believe he is the father of the Tortoise Pan male, and became more nomadic when his son became independent. He looks quite good for his age and suspect he has mastered stealing kills from other leopards, an easy way to get a meal.
The Tortoise Pan male was the first leopard I saw in Londolozi, and it seems he’s moved on to another reserve. Wonderful images, fantastic sighting, and good to know patience/experience brings results.
The Tortoise Pan male has indeed made his way a little bit further north where I believe he has established a goodly sized territory and is doing well! The Inyathini male has definitely found a way to keep going and looks in very good health despite his age.
Loved the way that Andreas ancestors came to the rescue …and what a bonus to meet not one but two of the ‘oldies’ of Londolozi in one sitting!! Thrilled to hear too the the Ndzandzeni females cubs are still very much alive. Long may their lineage survive 🙏🏻. Ive become very attached to all the Londo Leopards and lions, as with the daily accounts of their lives through the blog, it’s impossible not to be drawn in and anxious for their welfare.😁..thanks Kyle
Two classic leopards in one sighting!! Unfortunately since this blog was written, the Ndzandzeni female has lost a cub but the surviving cub is a female so there is still a chance!
Kyle, thanks for a great story and adventure. Seeing the Inyathini male again was a real treat for all. Glad both cubs are still alive.
Hi Kyle I think this is my favourite blog of the year! The last descendant of the Mother Leopard and her cubs still alive and kicking it already is a top news but… wasn’t the inhiatini male supposed to be dead? How wonderful to see him again, and the fact that all four leopards were fine, all in the same area, are living witnesses of those fantastic creatures resilience… it is sad that in spite od Londolozi conservation there is only one female from the Mother leopard’s lineage but maybe her cubs will keep it going.
Thank you, Francesca, I appreciate that! Unfortunately, one of the cubs has since been lost but the survivor is a female and so will carry the Mother’s lineage another generation further if she survives the next half-year or so!
Thanks for the update . Always nice,to get some good news ,when it comes to cubs.
Wonderful blog, Kyle; Ndzanzeni is my no1 favourite, having first seen her as a 4 week old cub, then suckling Tortoise Pan 4 years later! If I’m lucky enough to see her and her cubs next week, I would be ecstatic. Are her cubs still at risk from Inyathini, now he’s nomadic and elderly?
Hi Suzanne!! It was fun to go through your photos the last time you were here. The cub (unfortunately only one left now) may be at risk but more likely fro younger marauding males in the area and possibly the Ntsumi female who is rivalling the Ndzandzeni female for dominance over that area.
I saw the Inyathini male in 2019 and immediately fell in love with his grizzled face – what a story he could tell. So happy to hear that he still survives, and that the Ndandzeni female and cubs are still doing well.
Definitely one of my favourite leopards. So much character!!
Kyle, What a great story! You and the team persevered and it was all worth it. We love hearing stories about the rangers and trackers teaming up on a “mission”. Congratulations to all. Finding the Inyathini was a super bonus. It’s hopeful news that the cubs are doing well too. Hoping to keep the “Mother Leopard’s” lineage intact. Please send our best to Andrea!
It was a very special sighting for sure! I’ll send Andrea your best.
Disappointes not seeing the Inyathini male on our trip in July–actually believed the worst. Thanks for the good news!
Welcome back, Inyathini! It’s so good to see those notched ears and sneer-like mouth after so long. And it’s also nice to that the cubs are safe!
Great post, great photos!
I probably would fail at that detached, it’s nature/wild point of view…
Wow, Inyathini, the leopard who rose from the ashes! Glad to know the Ndzanzeni female is keeping those little ones safe. Thank you for sharing your little piece of paradise!
wonderful story. Inyathini still alive, superb. And the pic of mother and cub with nose on nose, wow, cool. I can understand, that are emotions pure.
It’s great to hear the Inyathini leopard is still alive. I image he is quite old for a male leopard. Do you think he may be the father of the Ndzandzini’s cubs? Speaking of older leopards is the Mashaba leopard still around?
It is a definite possibility, Stephen, but more likely a younger male. Perhaps the Nweti male who is dominant over that area?
Great storytelling!!! And another great discovery of the last surviving independent female descendant of the original Mother Leopard. Amazing! We felt like we were there with you in the vehicle … and the photographs of the leopards were terrific! You really have the ability to tell a compellingly good story! Also appreciated the tip of the hat to JV and Elmon’s pioneering efforts to bring Londolozi’s leopards into the spotlight.
Hi Bob and Lucie! Thank you so much for that, I’m glad you enjoyed it. And can’t wait to have you guys back in the saddle next year. It is June, hey? Hopefully, he’ll stick around so you can see him then. That male is so charismatic and photographing him is such a treat.
Kyle that was an amazing day you all had and tracking the Ndzanzeni female and so relieved to hear that both cubs are alive and well. I’m sure you Rangers and Trackers get emotional when see the little cubs, seeing then grow day by day and then realize that they are gone, or killed. My goodness I would not be able to handle that, but you do and that is what makes you Rangers and Trackers so special. The male leopard Inyathini males is old now and so glad he made an appearance, so all could see him once again. Yes J.V. and Elmon did extraordinary work tracking the mother leopard and watching her every move. Londolozi is a leopard paradise.
Fantastic! I have so many wonderful sightings with the Inyathini male. If only he could tell us he’s been up to!!
A nice blog Kyle and glad you were all successful in your sighting – with a big bonus included. Great the cubs are still around and pray they will make it to adulthood. Can’t beat your trackers – they are tops. Thanks for sharing. Love all the pics.
Thanks Leonie!
How wonderful that the cubs survived. As you wrote, it’s nature and the wild and animals get killed all the time. But leopard cubs are just so very special and their relationship with their mothers is so amazing that it is really sad if cubs get killed.
Hi Kyle! Great recollection of this sighting! Hasn’t the Ndzanzeni Female lost the male cub since this or is this a recent sighting? Thanks again!
Hi Michael, sorry for the late reply. No, this blog is from a few weeks back and as you and I discussed at one point in the interim, the male has indeed been lost, unfortunately. But the female is still going strong so the lineage may continue on!
How can you NOT become attached? It is worth getting attached to these glorious cats! And I love seeing an older male leopard doing well, against the odds…….we still hope that our old Duke, Tingana, is alive and well somewhere….and that we see him again sometime…….
Where is Tingana dominant, Lisa? I’ve not really explored the lineages and leopards on the surrounding reserves!
Tingana was the dominant male on Djuma for many years and a beloved favorite of WildEarth fans. He has been aging for awhile now and slowly losing his dominance. Last sighting on live drive was August 20 2021 and last sighting anywhere was on Mala Mala on August 29th. We miss him terribly.
Ndanzeni was No 1 Leopard we saw on our much anticipated, very first visit to Londolozi – she is still beautiful and hope the royal lineage will survive. What sightings you guys had and thanks to Andrea’s relatives! Another exciting story blog and such a special photo of the reunion. Thank you for sharing.
And here I must note that yes, we are supposed to be merely passive observers and accept that this is the wild and this kind of thing does happen all the time… But it’s hard to not let some part of you become attached, especially after watching 2 cubs survive their first 9 months of life, against all the odds. They’ve still a long way to go, sure, but I know I’m going to be keeping a keen eye on them all the way through.” Hi Kyle. Why can’t you guys get attached? It is natural to have feelings for people and animals. What is actually so WRONG? You guys cannot go through life like robots NOT having feelings for the wonderful animals you are seeing. Well, I don’t see why not. Wendy M
Hi Wendy, I guess what I mean is that, emotionally, it is safer to not get too attached as this world is very raw and animals, especially cubs, are so vulnerable and may be lost at any point! But I agree, you just can’t not.
Amazing, I can’t believe Inyathini is still alive!! Proof of how leopards can always surprise you!
Excellent description! Very well-written! I especially enjoyed the descriptions of both older leopards.
Thanks so much, Paul!