Our Londolozi airstrip, a place where many of our guests’ safari experience begins upon their arrival, is situated within minutes from our camps. From the moment guests step off the plane, there is an immense sense of excitement for what’s to come.
With some recent guests, on our first-afternoon game drive, we got to witness an incredible sighting of lions mating on our Londolozi Airstrip.
Mating lions is always an intense situation, and this particular encounter between this Ndzenga male and Ntsevu lioness on the airstrip was a sighting I will not forget.
As explained in another blog, when a pair of lions unite ready to mate, they will remain together for a period of three to five days, initially mating every 15-20min with rest intervals increasing as the days go on. In this particular sighting on the airstrip, we sat with these animals for over an hour and luckily got to watch them mate three times. Sitting at the airstrip witnessing these majestic animals on the tarmac and watching the afternoon light start to fade was something very unique.
A brief pause standing in the wind as this Ndzhenga Male stares back down the airstrip from where he’s come.
The Memorable Moments!
So it got me thinking about what other memorable sightings the Londolozi team has had at the airstrip, and boy oh boy have we witnessed some remarkable sightings recently! I hope you enjoy this collection of images below…
We’ve also had leopards mating on the airstrip! The Ximungwe Female and Senegal Bush Male began their mating affair on the airstrip apron.
Three Ntsevu Sub-adults rest on the northern end of the airstrip, warming up in the sun’s rays before moving on for the day.
The calm before the storm. Five members of a wild dog pack scan their surroundings from an elevated area just as the sun is starting to dip towards the horizon.
The remaining Tsalala female stops to observe a panicked herd of impalas fleeing ahead of her. This young female has so far exceeded anyone’s expectations and seems to be thriving. Hopefully, she can continue to stay out of the way of the myriad pockets of lions that are roaming the surroundings.
With such intent, this large breeding herd of elephant walked across the Londolozi airstrip at pace before disappearing into the combretum thickets
A female giraffe staring off into the distance at the Tsalala female on the northern end of the airstrip.
Kyle and Jerry’s positioned their guests perfectly for a walk-by from the Senegal Bush Male as he crossed the airstrip.
The three Ndzhenga Males entertained us for a couple of hours one morning as they patrolled through the reserve and up onto our airstrip.
A large elephant bull with a broken left tusk walks across the airstrip at midday.
Ranger Kirst Joscelyne and her guest line up to get the iconic shot of a giraffe crossing the airstrip.
Once again the airstrip provided a great opportunity for an open, clean image. This time, two giraffes were the stars of the show as they gently necked each other. We positioned ourselves at a distance and enjoyed a great view.
The Ximungwe Female provides the iconic photo as she crosses the airstrip. The rangers spent most of our morning following her as she lead them in many different directions but it was all worth it when they got to capture this image and ultimately get led to where she was keeping her cub.
Less than five minutes from camp we found fresh lion tracks and after following them for a couple of minutes came across a portion of the Nstevu Pride and this Birmingham Male lying on the airstrip in the early morning light.
This Hyena waits and listens in the early purple light of an overcast morning to hear if there are any potential alarm calls in the area, we were doing the exact same thing.
The Nkoveni Female crosses the airstrip with a vast expanse of wilderness beyond her.
The majestic Othawa Male rests on the airstrip after patrolling deep into the Birmingham Males’ territory.
Photographic opportunities of this male couldnt get much better than this.
Both animals that enjoy the more open grassy areas, wildebeest and zebra are often found close to the airstrip where they can feast on the short palatable grass as well as utilise the open space to see danger approaching from a distance away. A good place to spend the night.
Knowing that many herds of impalas and other general game enjoy the airstrip, the wild dogs seem to often pass through the area hoping to catch themselves another meal.
A phenomenal scene of a cheetah scanning the surrounding grasslands as the sun was rising in the background.
To finish off we enjoy an iconic photograph from many years ago of the Tsalala Pride, a herd of Elephants and the legendary Kinky-Tail Mapogo Male in the foreground. This male, and his late-brother Satan, were the fathers of the Breakaway Tsalalas.
So if you happen to land at our airstrip on your next visit, who knows what magic we’ll get to witness right behind camp during your stay!
A visit to the airstrip usually provides something interesting to view and you and the studio visual team have included a variety of iconic images taken there in your blog. I’ve been in the presence of a wild dog pack, as they protected the alpha female who was close to her mating time, all darting here there and everywhere. Another highlight was following the Flat Rock male along the airstrip as he began his territorial patrol as the light turned into the golden hour. So no matter if you fly onto the airstrip upon your arrival, as at some point, your ranger will take a drive to check out who might be there, resting, moving through or if you’re lucky, mating!
Thanks Denise. What amazing sightings you have had too on our airstrip – hopefully you will be able to add to your own airstrip memory log on your next visit!
Incredible wildlife viewing just on the strip! wow!
Thanks Gawie!
Such magical moments! All pictures are incredible, the airstrip favoured a perfect light and animals silhouettes. Also all peculiarities, like the perfection of the Ximungwe female and the mighty lionesses (Tsalala) and lions, their beauty increases from the Ndzenga male to the Birmingham male to the Othawa male, I can rarely recall such a handsome lion! And in the end, the Tsalala pride with Kinky Tail… I remember Satan was also called Mr T because of his mane shape. Absolutely pictures and emotional crescendo, to take one’s breath away. Great!
Thank you Francesca! What special memories you also have!
Great story Kate! We have been lucky to get some great shots too at the airstrip! James Tyrell had us all laying on our bellies to get the best shots!
Thanks Michael and Terri. Amazing – I am sure you took some awesome photos that day with James.
I have always favored your airstrip photos. That location presents great opportunities for even a beginning photpgrapher.
Two personal memories: On our first visit, as we prepared to land, rangers were seen chasing a herd of elephants from the strip. (My first thought actually was that this was being staged for us.)
At departure morning on another visit, we were surrounded by 4 lions. A friend took a photograph from the other side of the strip. It’s one of our all-time favorites.
Thanks Vin. Wow that is amazing – so special that you have witnessed some incredible moments on our Londolozi airstrip too!
That’s certainly a lot iconic moments at one place ! I love the wild dog picture by Robert and the black and white lion by Sean. Wow.
Thanks Kara. Agreed, those two images are truly spectacular.
My most memorable moment on the airstrip was seeing the Majingilane brothers (RIP) sitting regally, surveying their territory.
Amazing Jeff, what a sighting that must have been!
Wonderful gallery of iconic photos Kate!!
Thank you very much Paul!
Some really memorable images, Kate! And what a wide range of animals that are drawn to the wide open space of the airstrip! I’ve seen lions, giraffes, leopards and wildebeests there – can hardly wait to see more during my next visit!
Thank you Mary Beth! I know – I equally enjoyed scrolling through the archives compiling this collection of images. Who knows what you will see during your next visit, but I am sure that you will see something on the airstrip no doubt.
It seems that the best way to start a drive in the morning or afternoon, is to check the airstrip as it is such a favorite place for lots of animals, especially the cats and wild dogs.
What happens, by the way, if a plane comes in and the lions are busily mating on the airstrip?
What a fantastic way to start your stay at Londolozi.
I couldn’t agree more Christa. We will always head up to the airstrip with a decent buffer of time before the plane is scheduled to land (as will our air marshall) to make sure the airstrip is clear of any animals. I have not heard of anyone having to chase any predators on the strip before a scheduled flight but it is common for us to have to drive towards impala, giraffe, wildebeest or zebra that seem to mill about on the open grass areas on either side of the strip.
Seems like the airstrip is a place all of the animals like to visit and cross. Wonderful pictures Kate, thank you.
Thank you William. I know – this collection of images really highlights the diversity of animals that have spent some time at the airstrip.
Kate you brought back many foto’s that were shown before, it was like a trip down memory lane. Oh wonderful to see the Othawa male lion, which I really loved so much. Such a pity he has passed away. It looks as if the animals love the airstrip, maybe because it is so open. Good to see the lions and leopards mating as well. Phenomenal foto’s of all the different animals.
Thank you Valmai! Yes, I also enjoyed venturing into the archives and finding some incredible images capturing special memories so close to camp. I am glad you enjoyed this collection.
Soooo many great photos this week. But the one of Nenha, the last Birmingham male is my favorite!