In another week of predator heaven, we enjoy numerous sightings of a number of different lions as well as a whole host of different leopards, all perfectly interspersed with other magnificent animals.
The two Ntsevu Females that are currently raising the last of the Birmingham bloodline have been popping up all over the show as they avoid any of the Ndzhenga Males. One particular sighting saw them all perched on top of the iconic Plaque Rock where we had spectacular views of them. The Ndhzenga Males continue on their territorial patrols and the Tsalala Lioness seems to be doing a sterling job at remaining under the radar of any other threats.
On the leopard front, the Nkoveni trio are thriving, and the young soon-to-be independent leopards are doing their best at putting on a show for our guests to enjoy. The Picadilly Female makes an appearance in the north after having just caught a monkey and the very seldomly seen Makomsava Female was seen close to the northern boundary in a very special sighting. To top off the leopard sightings we enjoy a fantastic time with the Plaque Rock Female and her cubs at a den where she is keeping her cubs.
And a few stunning birds giraffes and elephants all feature too.
Let us know your favourite image in the comments section below.
Enjoy this Week in Pictures…
The Nkoveni Female’s cubs are standing shoulder height to their mother but retain the boisterousness of youth. They are such a pleasure to view as they gambol through the clearings, oblivious to their mother’s constant vigilance on their behalf.
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.
The tip of an elephant trunk gently sniffs the ground for any traces of the scent of other elephants moving through the area before it.
One of the last remaining cubs from the Birmingham reign watches his mother and siblings walk down from Plaque Rock.
It was quite a site to come around the corner and find the small pride resting on Plaque Rock, a special place for many at Londolozi.
With the dramatic clouds in the background it made for such an incredible sighting.
The two adult lionesses were resting on the main boulder with the cubs off behind them to the left.
The call of the African Paradise Flycatcher can often be heard around the camps. I’ve struggled to get a decent image of one for a while until this one landed right in front of me as I was sitting on my veranda at home. He posed just long enough for me to get my camera.
The intensity of the stare of a male lion.
African Jacanas have exceptionally long toes that disperse their body weight and allow them to walk on the lilies and reeds that float on top of the water.
The Ximungwe Young Male looks on from a marula tree. Fast approaching independence, he will soon set sail into the uncharted wilderness that lies on the distant horizon of his gaze.
A single cub of the Ximungwe Female's second litter. Initially rather skittish but is very relaxed now. Birth mark in his left eye.
The Ximungwe Young Male rapidly descends a marula tree.
A young hippo bull displays his incisors in an attempt to make us feel threatened. Hippos will open their mouths as wide as possible and show their incisors in this manner to try and intimidate intruders.
After watching a clan of hyenas overpower her for her hard-earned meal, the Tsalala Lioness uses a fallen marula tree to glance back at the scene.
Looking up to catch its breath while nursing from its mother.
A pretty young playful female found along the river to the east of camp
Resting alongside this log the one cub rolled over and realised its sibling had moved on.
The two cubs were full of beans.
A large giraffe gracefully crosses the airstrip.
The Piccadilly Female keeps a beady eye on a small group of hyenas that were lurking around the base of the jackelberry tree. She had just caught a young monkey and the frantic alarm calls from the rest of the troop lured in the hyenas in a matter of minutes. This forced the leopard to take her kill up into the tree – fortunately for her though, it wasn’t too heavy.
This female is most often encountered near the Sand River to the east of the Londolozi camps.
One of the Ntsevu Breakaway lionesses and two remaining youngsters making use of a termite mound for a good vantage point.
Growing rapidly is the Three Rivers Young Male.
Forced into early independence as her mother was killed by the Southern Avoca Males.
The Makomsava female descends a Marula tree.
The only surviving cub of the Nanga female, currently territorial north of Marthly.
A Yellow-billed Oxpecker stands proud of a Buffalo cow’s nuchal hump.
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Favorite is the young cheetah looking up to catch its breath while nursing from its mother.
Clear winner for me was Rpbert’s photo of one of the last remaining cubs from the Birmingham reign.
Loved the flycatcher!
You are all so spoiled with all of these amazing sightings over the past few months that it makes it extremely difficult to choose one favorite image of the week. Saying that, I’m choosing your Plaque Rock’s cub image of the two nestled together against her belly. Right behind though is Chris Taylor’s African Fly Catcher, such a beautiful bird. Seeing all of these images makes me want to get out and shoot again!
Sean, This weeks update is exciting in the world of leopards. It’s great to see the young leopards thriving and we can’t wait to hear more about them as they head out on their own! Our favorite image is the Birmingham cub at Plaque Rock!
The African Paradise Flycatcher by Chris wins it for me this week. The panoramic view with the lions on the boulder is another stand out amongst a great group of photos. Thanks for the post!
A wonderful collection of images this week, Sean. It’s fun to see all the young leopards growing and a shot of Makomsava is really special. Her mother was a favorite of mine and I remember seeing them together in ‘17.
These pictures are all gorgeous and meaningful this week, it too hard to pick up one… the cub rolling over is irresistible though, a heart winner. The Ximungwe Young Male is fantastic, born to be a king. The bitter look of the Tsalala female at the endless marauding hyenas… the male lion the remaining Ntsevu pride gathering together like the last refugees, especiallythe one on the last remaining cub. The giraffe, hyppo, the flycatcher, they are all great. Bravo both you and the posers
Lovely pictures
Thanks!
Sean there is a variety of foto’s this week once again and it is hard to choose a favorite. But I think in the end the two little leopard cubs lying by my there mother is my favorite for this week. Beautiful foto of the paradise flycather.
All the photos were great this week – but the one that stood out for it’s fabulous lighting and wonderful composition was the one of the Tsalala Female looking back from her Marula tree perch.
My favourite shots this week (again so hard to choose) were the African Paradise Flycatcher and the Makomsava female descending the Marula tree. Also love seeing mum with her cubs!
Lovely pics this week of the lions and leopards – those cubs are super cute! My vote goes to the beautiful pic of the African Paradise Flycatcher. That is SUCH a beautiful pic!! Just stunning!
Love the Tsalala female shot…..beautiful composition! So glad she continues to survive on her own!
A sentimental favorite! ❣️
TWIP is really great with the pictures of the lions at Plaque Rock. Thanks Sean.
(I am way behind on reading these posts!). Lovely photos…..and always fabulous to see tiny leopard cubbies!! Thank you!