Every step I take here at Londolozi leads me to a new adventure and a lot of these seem to start with the Londolozi airstrip. I certainly can’t help but feel the same excitement for each guest as they land and take their first step off the plane, often the starting point of turning their dream safari into a reality.
The thrill of touching down on an airstrip surrounded by the wilderness for as far as the eye can see and stepping off the plane to begin your Londolozi safari experience.
Not being far from the camp, the two roads on either side of the airstrip are often the first routes taken as you head out on a game drive. Although at first, you might want to whiz straight past the airstrip and head to the thickets along the Maxabene River or towards the expansive open grasslands, I always enjoyed moments during my training when we would take the time to park and watch the sunrise and let the anticipation of what was in store for the rest of the day build up.
Nothing better than pausing for a breathtaking sunrise to start your day off and build up excitement for what is still in store.
As trainee rangers, we would then often find and sit with a number of different plains game species such as wildebeest, zebra or impala and watch them grazing along the grassy verges around the airstrip. Returning towards camp in the evenings, we would see similar herds huddling together and taking advantage of the wide-open spaces to spot any predators advancing into the area.
A variety of grazers often take to the grassy verges and open plains of the Londolozi airstrip as a safe place to feed in the day and sleep at night. Photographically it also makes for open, uncluttered backgrounds.
One evening during training we did things a little differently and parked up at the airstrip in search of Nightjars and Owls to add to our big birding week. On this particular evening, this was no safe zone for any prey species as we were surprised by the Ntsevu pride lying right in the middle of the airstrip. Noting that this was a few months back, the pride was still regularly seen in full force together as the 6 lionesses and their 14 sub-adults.
Ranger Nick Sims and guests watch the Ntsevu pride filter across the Londolozi airstrip at dusk.
As we watched the lions lying with their heads up looking for any prey that had long since moved off into the thickets for more protection now, one couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of the moonless sky and vibrancy of stars above. This was topped off with a thunderstorm brewing and illuminating the horizon and the thought of fresh rains approaching, adding to the tingling goosebumps I was already feeling.
Unfortunately, no one out that night had a camera with them but we were all probably way too caught up in the sensory overload and embracing what was unfolding before us. I have however since then made a note on how to photograph the stars for future evenings of gazing up to the Milky Way.
Clearly already feeling the sensory overload, I was overwhelmed by what happened next. A large breeding herd of elephants stormed out of thickets hurtling straight toward the Ntsevu pride. This sent the pride scattering in different directions with their tales very evidently between their legs – certainly not living up to their “King of the Jungle” reputation. It is not uncommon for elephants to react defensively around large predators though, and this was not the first time the Ntsevu Lionesses have been seen fleeing from outraged elephants (although they were still young cubs in the video below)… and unlikely not the last either.
The Mhangeni Pride and Majingilane coalition, with their cubs who have now grown to be known as the 6 Ntsevu Lionesses, back in 2014 when they were chased off an impala kill by a very disgruntled herd of elephants.
I sat in awe of what was unfolding in front of me and couldn’t help but think that I was part of some scene from Out of Africa – but a couple of pinches later and a loud grunt from a hippo that then gave me the biggest fright and simultaneously bought out some tears of overwhelm and gratitude, I knew it was no movie scene. Since that evening it has been a scene I recount and think of often, particularly as I stand with goosebumps waving in guests as they come into land on the airstrip and begin their Londolozi safari adventure.
What an encounter with the elephants chasing the lions away. I wonder what caused the elephants to be so aggressive towards the lions? Maybe just instinct or territorial claim. Thanks Kelsey for the video.
Thank you William, it really was an exciting interaction to witness. Elephants are known to let their protective instincts take over when any predators come too close into their comfort zone!
A great video of those elephants. I love how they are chasing the lions away!
Thank you Christa.
The sir strip is always a great place to see all kinds of animals. And if you turn off the strip you can meet others coming to join the crowds already there. One afternoon we turned of the strip to meet an angry elephant our guide said was in heat and clearly wanted no part of us.We backed right up and he followed for just a bit to make we were leaving! Victoria
The airstrip sure is full of surprises! Always impressive to see the elephants bulls in musth (or heat) but definitely better to stay out of their pathway.
Hundreds of memorable experiences during our visits–unquestionably the most unforgettable, however, was an evening roll down the airstrip with the engine off and the lights out. Incredible sensory experience looking up & viewing the vast, clear winter star-filled sky with the quiet sounds of the bush around us.
Wow! What an evening that must have been Vin. A sensory overload you must think back to often!
I’ve always wondered what you do when there’s animals on the airstrip and you are trying to land?!
A watchful eye and a fair amount of patience are usually required!
Oh Kelsey you gave us a good insight on what’s happening on the airstrip. All the animals seems to be in favor of being open so they can see the predators coming. Loved the lions video thank you so much, they say the lion is the king of the bush but there they fled as the elephants were charging them. Who would not be afraid of the Elephants.
Glad you enjoyed the insight and video Valmai. The elephants are always full of surprises… even for the king of the bush!
Aah, the airstrip….the most wonderful way to arrive at Londo. Every time I arrive, as we drop down and I get my 1st glimpse of the runway I’m practically bouncing off the walls with excitement! That’s mainly because I feel I’m coming “home” but also because of the amazing sightings I’ve had on it. I see a bit of it every day at home, as I have a large canvas picture of Nkoveni and Plaque Rock (at 6 months old) walking along it.
Love the video, by the way.
The airstrip does give you those goosebumps of excitement!! and how special to feel that you are coming “home” each time you arrive here Suzanne – we look forward to welcoming you back home again soon!
Great post Kelsey, and love the accompanying photos and video of the elephants clarifying their point of view vs. the lions!!
Thank you Paul.
Would definitely love to see lions getting chased, while on safari someday! Another item on the bucket list…..
I hope that becomes a bucket list tick for you soon Lisa!
What a great event to witness Kelsey and I’m sure a video that even you rewatch over and over. Thanks for sharing with us 🙏🏻❤️
Loved this post, Kelsey! Such an incredible video as well. It took me right back to landing at the Londolozi airstrip and looking out the window to see you and Bennet welcoming us to the most unforgettable safari experience.
Kelsey, What a great story! You never know what will happen near that landing strip. For us, we dream of the next time we touch down at Londolozi!