This blog is a celebration!
Firstly of two incredible sightings that tracker Freddy and I were able to have over the period of two weeks, where some people spend their lives in the bush hoping to witness a similar scene but are never fortunate enough.
Chris Taylor wrote a series of two blogs, Bucket List sightings at Londolozi- Part 1 and Part 2 and while I agree with every one of those sightings on the list, I just feel he left out one that ranger/tracker teams here at Londolozi would for sure want on the list.
The Ximungwe female and her male cub stare off into the distance while poised in a dead leadwood tree. A leopardess must surely be the definition of elegance.
At Londolozi, we are incredibly fortunate to have the special leopard viewing that we do, and this allows us to see into the daily lives of these stunning wild cats. There is something remarkable about spending time with leopards going about their daily business and knowing they have chosen to let you see them. Seeing a leopard resting high in the branches of a tree is one of those things that is at the top of the list. Don’t get me wrong, a leopard lying in any kind of tree is extremely beautiful and a sight that should definitely not be taken for granted. However, there are a few trees where it becomes extra, extra special.
The Plaque Rock Female lying up in a dead Knobthorn tree. This is one of those spectacular, old trees one dreams of seeing a leopard in.
As rangers here at Londolozi there are certain trees dotted over the landscape which we drive past on a daily basis only imagining, some of us even say “dreaming” that one day we will look up to the magnificent sight of a leopard draped over one of its branches.
I would say that a large amount of these trees are are stark and sculptured. This means that they are without any leaves or foliage that may either get in the way of a “perfect” photograph or just in the way of a spectacular view, and often the tree has a lot of detail and texture in its branches and trunk. As well as the ability to have a clear plain open sky as the backdrop, no distracting other foliage to get in the shot.
On our way back to camp, after our coffee stop, we stumbled upon this magnificent scene. The Plaque Rock Female lay in the most perfect spot for us for over 20 minutes while we got the photographs we were hoping for. She then descended the tree and moved off into the thick vegetation of the river. A little too early or too late, we would have missed the opportunity of a lifetime.
The two sightings that Freddy and I were able to enjoy, were both just by chance and with us being in the right place at the right time. The first as shown above was a magical sighting of the Plaque Rock Female lying in the most beautifully scenic dead tree. This was my last game drive before going on leave and what better way to finish off a good working cycle than with a stunning leopard in a dead knobthorn tree. The second is depicted below and was of the Ximungwe Young Male now resting in another large tree, this time a beautiful textured leadwood.
Now, this for me is the pinnacle of leopard in a tree viewing. The scene is comprised of stunning detail. The rosettes of the leopard’s coat against fissured trunk and limbs of the slowly weathering dead tree.
This photograph was taken only two weeks later as I returned from leave. A beautiful, almost prehistoric leadwood tree with the Ximungwe Young Male hung over its branch.
The chances of seeing a leopard lying up in this prehistoric leadwood tree are extremely slim, making it that much more desirable. Most times, the reason a leopard is in a tree is that it is either feeding or resting in the same tree that it has stashed a carcass in. It is incredibly uncommon for leopards to hoist their kills into dead trees. The reason being vultures and other scavenging birds would easily see the kill in the leafless tree and draw all unwanted attention to the leopard. In the forms of potentially other leopards following the vultures and stealing the kill, hyenas lurking around the tree making it difficult to descend the tree and rest in the shade, or even lions coming across to investigate and possibly even steal the kill.
Another angle from the previous image. There is no foliage to get in the way of the view, allowing you to attempt many different photographic angles around the tree.
Both sightings were absolutely incredible. It is hard to quite explain the feeling around the scene, it is in my eyes a scene of pure beauty. Where the leopard and leadwood compliment each other so well in the eye of a photographer. Having a chance to whiteout the background in a high key shot. I am so grateful that I have been able to live out this dream not just once but twice in such a short space of time and I hope (if you haven’t already) you can all experience it for yourself one day.
Alright, so if you are ever lucky enough to see a leopard lying up in a dead tree, whether it is a dead Knobthorn, Marula, or for me, the most spectacular – an old leadwood tree, enjoy every moment in that sighting. Take as many pictures as you can and cherish the moment.
Below are a number of other stunning scenes captured over the years – a true celebration of leopards in Leadwood’s for your indulgence.
This is a photographers dream- to get a leopard in a tree. This sighting was beyond that. Clear, grey skies, a dead leadwood tree without in leaves getting in the way and of a course a leopard. The Ximungwe Young Male had been seen in this tree before which made most of us so envious but luckily this week he did it again!
The Ximungwe Female and her cub were found in this dead Leadwood tree with an impala lamb kill. We all were in awe to see not only one leopard in this abstract tree but two! We waited for an hour to see them both up there.
The Nkoveni Young Female stretches at the top of a dead knothorn tree just before she descended the tree.
A Yawn is always a good sign of imminent activity from a predator.
The Nyelethi Young Male yawns atop the outer limb of a large dead leadwood.
Born 2018, skilled huntress and determined mother. Dominated Sand River territory until her tragic end in 2024.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
He was born in 2009 in a litter of three, with his siblings being the Nanga female and Nyelethi 4:3 male.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
Born 2016 to Ndzanzeni Female, royal descendant of Mother Leopard. Now a dominant force in the north.
Wow………
Beautiful blog Dan – though I must confess I prefer my leopard photos in colour, as the contrast between their gorgeous golden coats and a dead tree is so dramatic. The dead knobthorn that Nkoveni’s daughters have been playing in recently has certainly made for some dream sightings.
Hi Suzzane. You are correct, their colour is beautiful.
The best view in the world: leopards and trees. Even who hasn’t a real passion for these subjects would love these perfect pictures. They enhance the silhouettes of such nature’s masterwork. Wonderful.
Dan, Your post and luck is amazing! The images are dramatic and being able to remove the background and use B&W definitely creates unique and beautiful images! We added a few to our “favorites”!
Thank you, Michael and Terri.
Yes, leopards in leadwoods certainly make for some spectacular photographs! I love the blk/white, and I think some other monochromatic editing might also be beautiful. That photo by Alex, WOW. 😍💗🤩.
I’m hoping to capture a few shots like this during my visit in April! Great catalogue of images!
Hi Mary. We are looking forward to having you in April. Can’t wait to see how your images come out.
The sightings and photos of these leopard in the tree are very special indeed. I envy you! Hope to have some similar one next time.
Oh Dan these photo’s are spectacular and so beautiful. There is just something about the leopards in the dead lead wood tree that makes it so unique and spell bounding. You just can’t stop looking at them. How so lucky you are who saw theses stunning leopards in the dead leadwood tree two weeks apart. I’m sure you are the envy of all the Rangers and guest, not to talk about us. Keep up these awesome photo’s and stories please, because this is what keeps us going to see these beautiful animals.
Hi Valmai. Thank you for your comment. Im glad you like them!
Seeing leopards anytime anywhere is cause to rejoice. Seeing them in trees is always the best. Seeing leopards in a dead tree is hitting a Home Run!
You’re right, Lisa. Wherever they are, we are truly blessed.
We did not get to see a leopard in a dead tree when we visited, but I welcome the experience should the opportunity present itself next time! So iconic and magical.
Hi Chelsea. Its definitely not a common sight at all. I hope one day you’re treated to that experience.
Great story and amazing images. Perhaps one day I, too, will witness a leopard in a dead knobthorn or leadwood tree.
Very clever photo editing, super pictures.
A great blog Dan and fantastic pics. Thank you for sharing. Beautiful cats!!
The ultimate bucket list of all without a doubt Dan… and you have been lucky enough to enjoy this spectacular moment twice ‼️😍 I dream of the day I might be as lucky but in the meantime, I will drool over these fabulous photos. Incredible thanks ❤️