Can you believe it? 2021 is pretty much over. And what an amazing way to end off the year with a Week in Pictures.
The sightings this week have been incredible allowing anyone with a camera to take full advantage. The large cats have featured strongly with a number of leopards poised in the most amazing places.
Some unique images fill the gaps with a pair of Red-headed Weavers constructing their nest together, a leopard tortoise on the move from a low angle, elephant reflections as they drink, and wildebeest silhouettes.
As well as we have another amazing sighting of the last remaining Birmingham Male, and I say that now as it has been a series of months now with any sign of his brother. Although we have no evidence of his passing to go with, it is in fact this lack of evidence that we believe even stronger that he is no longer around.
Enjoy this Week in Pictures…
The Plaque Rock Female lying up in a dead Knobthorn tree. This is one of those trees you drive past on a daily basis and dream of seeing a leopard draped over one of the branches. On our way back to camp we decided to drive back along the Sand River. We came around a bend in the road to this magnificent scene. The texture of the dead tree and the open background provided some amazing photographic opportunities.
A pretty young playful female found along the river to the east of camp
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Just after sunset, one of the Ntsevu Sub-adult Males perched himself upon a termite mound, allowing for incredible backlit shots. Here the mane is illuminated creating stunning contrasts with the fading colours in the background.
Poised on a fallen log, one of the Nkoveni Cubs is beginning to look like an adult leopard, rather than a fluffy young cub. The Nkoveni Female has done so well in raising these cubs so far.
A young hyena cub patiently awaits the return of its mother in the morning after an evening where she would have been out roaming around for any opportunity to scavenge.
The distinctive striking headdress of the Red-headed Weaver helps tell males and females apart. Most of the nest construction is done by the male, however, on rare occasions, the females will lend a helping hand. The nests usually have a rough, messy appearance made of twigs and leaf midribs.
Knowing its mother and sibling are nearby one of the Nkoveni Cubs conceals itself in the depths of a large rhino midden, just peaking the top of its head out waiting for the perfect opportunity to launch an attack.
A male leopard that always seems to be on edge, the Mawelawela Male stares back towards the vehicle while resting in the branches of a fallen marula tree.
Began as a fairly unrelaxed leopard in the southwestern parts of the reserve. Now providing great viewing in the open grasslands
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Shortly after finding three of the Ntsevu Sub-adults resting in a clearing, we heard wildebeest and impala alarm calling a few hundred meters away. Upon investigating what was causing the ruckus, we found the Tsalala Female chasing after a herd of wildebeest in the hopes of catching straggling calf. This Ntsevu Sub-adult Female didn’t quite like the presence of another lioness in the area and took it upon herself to teach her a lesson (more on this on Sunday).
After feeding on a hoisted carcass in the upper limbs of a marula tree, the Ximungwe Female makes her descent down the gentle gradient of the branch.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
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Very much dependent on available surface water Leopard tortoise’s are thriving after the abundant rainfall we have had. The lush grass setting the perfect bouquet beyond this tortoise as it moved around feeding.
Three Rivers Female slowly moves through an area of lush green grass. It is incredible how well the rosette on the coat of a leopard perfectly blend into the dappled light in the dense undergrowth.
Forced into early independence as her mother was killed by the Southern Avoca Males.
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Still, as impressive as ever, the last Birmingham Male gazes on into the distance at a herd of impala chasing one another around. No sign of his brother can almost conclusively lead us to believe that he is no longer around.
Not necessarily concealed by any vegetation, the Nkoveni Female stalks along a fallen log. This is ideal as she is able to stalk ever so quietly, without the threat of making noise by stepping on a dry leaf or twig.
A gorgeous female who is found to the east of camp. Easily recognised by her 2:2 spot pattern she is often to be found in Marula trees.
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A herd of Wildebeest preparing to settle down for the evening on an elevated crest, the open terrain provides the best opportunities to spot any danger approaching from a distance away. While also providing stunning silhouette shots.
The perfectly still water in the foreground provided the most ideal opportunity for a reflection as this small herd of elephants came down to drink, the only downside was I was using a fixed 300mm lens that did not allow me to fit the whole elephant and reflection into one shot.
Speckled with water droplets after spraying themselves with trunk-fulls of water created an interesting texture and detail to this image with the crystal clear reflection in the foreground.
While moving around with her cubs Nkoveni Female makes use of a few termite mounds in order to scan for any prey as well as any danger. The long grass framed her face in the process.
The Ximungwe Young Male is looking more and more impressive with each sighting we have of him. It is going to be interesting to see where he goes from here. Still very much dependent on his mother, for now, he is gaining confidence and attempting to stalk and hunt himself, however is not too successful with these attempts.
The Tsalala Female seems to be handling the solitary life pretty well. Every time she has been seen of late her belly has been full. This image was the day before a run-in with the Ntsevu Sub-adults.
A delicate moment between a mother elephant and her young one as they both take quench their thirst.
Well This sums up the year of 2021 With the sadness of passing lions like our Birmingham Male Tinyo to our Queen Tslalala and To Styx Young Male and so many more and so many cubs. But we had some great news Thandi raising her cute but naughty lil one Maribye to baby hyenas being born and many new cubbies… We may have had our ups and downs but that comes with the territory. Thank You to everyone who made it possible to show us in stories,videos,and photos how exciting and at times some cruel times it can be in the bush. This definetly has been an amazing Journey and I’m looking forward for the new Journeys in 2022.. Hopefully this will be a better year of travel,lion,leopards,elephants and many more exciting moments of the bush. Also looking forward to meeting new people to talk with of our beautiful wildlife.
Marvelous photos! The Birmingham Male brought tears to my eyes. I first saw the four while watching the SafariLive. They were so awesome to watch. I may be wrong but believe this one was called Nhenha! Loved all these pictures. I am partial to the leopards!
What a glorious start to the new year. We are hoping that by the end of 2022 we will be able to visit Londolozi again! The US does not have Covid under control yet due to people who simply think it is nothin to worry about or who don’t want to obey a few simple rules. Therefore it was a wonderful gift from Sean to see so many wonderful moments with the animals and birds of Londolozi. Wishing you all a fabulous new year and we hope to see you soon! Victoria
Glad we had a final opportunity to photo the Birmingham male brothers during our visit in July. Once, again, you have given a spectacular assortment of images–particular kudo to Dean!
Happy New Year!
Sean, What an amazing set of images and updates to finish off the year! You have done an amazing job of taking over and curating the videos and photography for the blog. Your emails are the first thing we look for in the morning! Happy New Year to you and all our friends at our favorite place on earth!
Thank you so much, Michael and Terri. It has been a fantastic change for me and am loving the role so far. Happy New Year to you too have an amazing and blessed 2022.
They are some beautiful pictures! Don’t worry Sean, your elephant reflections, I think, turned out beautiful! The Tsalala female is looking really good! Wishing you, your family, & Londolozi team a very good New Year! Can’t wait to see what you bring to us next year!
Thank you so much, Debra. It ended up turning out pretty well, but as you know we are our own worst critics. The Tsalala Female is looking in fantastic condition. Happy New Year and may it be filled with so many blessings.
Beautiful photos this week! Loved the leopard on the dead tree limb and the leopard tortoise! I am anxious to see the Virtual Safari to see what happened with the Tsalala lioness. I think we are all rooting for her, but it must be quite difficult all alone. Thanks for the beautiful photos and reports on some of our favorites!
We are all definitely rooting for the Tsalala Female and she is doing such a great job so far, in a very tough world out here. I look forward to sharing the Virtual Safari with you tomorrow.
Hello Sean, Beautiful pictures!
I especially liked the Ntsevu Sub-adult Males in the dark, incredible light! The young hyena cub, lovely! One just want to hug her but that is not a good idea! I never forget when we visit a hyena den and they were all at home! I have never felt so welcome in my hole life! They are smart but I think a little misunderstood.
The beautiful Red-headed Weaver and the fantastic photos of the elephants in the water!
Last but not least the photo of the mother and her young one…
A question, the Dudley Riverbank 5:5 Male, he was a very original leopard, chosed to live with his grandmother and shared the pray with her, is the Piccadilly female as original as her father? Any signes of that?
Thank you for this week in pictures and thank you and your colleges for all the beautiful and interesting material you have produced this year!✨
I wish you all a Happy New Year! ✨✨✨
Thank you, Ann. Hyenas are very misunderstood animals indeed.
I am not too sure if the Piccadilly Female has been seen doing anything similar to that. I will ask a few of the rangers and let you know if they have witnessed anything.
Happy New Year, may 2022 be filled with so many blessings for you and your loved ones.
What a fabulous selection of photos to end this year Sean. So thrilled to hear that the Nkoveni female still has her 2 cubs ..they are looking wonderful…what a mother ! Very anxious to hear what happened between the Ntsevu sub and Tsalala ? The elephant reflections are incredible but perhaps seeing the last remaining Birmingham male looking so well is what makes the end of this year of Lonodolzi blogs special for me. Thank you ….wishing you, your family and the Londolozi family a wonderful new year to come, filled with hope, happiness and love ❤️
The Nkoveni Cubs are doing so well, she has been a great mother. It is always good to see the Birmingham Males and nice to end off the year with a sighting of him.
Superb way to close the year! Happy New Year to all creatures great and small!
Thank you so much, Francesca. Happy New Year and may 2022 be filled with so many blessings.
What a fantastic array of photos to say goodbye to 2021 Sean. The leopard gallery is sublime, especially the portrait of the Ximungwe male and the more lighthearted view of the Nkoveni cub, hiding in the rhino midden.
It was a beautiful image of the leopard tortoise at ground level, but your elephant reflection was proof that no matter the size of your lens, you can make a great photo.
I’m sorry to hear the Tsalala lioness had a run in with an Ntsevu sub adult, but I guess that’s the risk she faces when out hunting.
So goodbye to 2021, and we’ll hope for a better, stronger and more environmentally forward 2022! Enjoy your NYE celebration 🍾 🎉!
Thank you so much, Denise. They were a great selection of images this week.
Yes, it is the sad reality of life out here as a lone lioness, but she is doing fantastically.
Happy New Year and hope for a much better 2022.
Hi Sean, the Tsalala female is looking good and do hope she lives a long life. The leopards are all stunning and the cubs are growing by the day. Good to see a tortoise and I loved the elephants. May you Sean have a wonderful New Year’s Eve.
Let’s hope the Tsalala Female does live a long and successful life. Happy New Year Valmai.
Thank you for the beautiful photography and the updates.. Sad that Tinyo Birmingham is gone, but we will smile when we remember him and his brother. Nkoveni’s son is a handsome lad. Always a joy to see a new posting of TWIP
Thank you so much, MJ. It is sad about the Birmingham Male but he was a formidable male lion and has been successful in passing on his genes. Happy New Year MJ.
Fantastic TWIP Sean, the leopards were certainly posing for you! Wishing you all a very happy New Year.
Thank you, Suzanne. Happy New Year and may 2022 be filled with many blessings.
Such wonderful photos. All of them are really great. As I have never seen are’s headed weaver myself so far I like this photo particularly. The little hyena is so Curran’s the young leopards are beauties. Glad that the Tsalala lioness is so successful.
A very happy, healthy and successful New Year to everyone at Londolozi,,
The young Tsalala lioness is looking absolutely wonderful……and I hope that she can stay well away from the Nstevu lionesses, as they take no prisoners. I have an especial fondness for her and wish her well. And Plaque Rock too…..she is looking fabulous. Hoping that Nhenha can hang on with the pride and the cubbies…..it would be a huge help if he could find a new coalition mate!
We hope that the Tsalala Female is able to stay away from harm’s way, but these experiences will all help her learn and grow. It is going to be interesting to see where the Birmingham Male ends up. He is still in great condition.
Cracking photos – I would be pleased to be some of those on my wall, especially the Leopard tortoise
Thank you, Ian.