For all of you that have followed this Mighty Marula Tree Series, it has been such fun taking a deep dive into a magnificent tree that can be so easy to take for granted. This will be the last episode of the series and there is no better way to finish than with a chance to highlight some of the more impressive photographic aspects of these iconic trees and all the animals that so often frequent them.
Scattered across the numerous crest that decorates the landscape of Londolozi, these trees are instrumental in the shaping of a number of animals’ lives. They form the basis of a home for many of the tiny little creatures, such as scorpions, and a whole host of other invertebrates, to squirrels all living in the holes and crevices. The excavated nests of Woodpeckers and Barbets, or platform nests of a Wahlberg’s Eagle as these birds comfortably return to the marula tree each time. Or the soothing shade on a scorching summer day for a herd of wildebeest or impala as they ruminate on their previous meal, or the dozing giraffe catching a short nap too. Monkeys bounding through the branches as they play, leopards to hoist their carcasses out of the reach of the pesky hyenas, or the largest of elephants to amble past and indulge on the delectable fruit. Either way, the marula tree is a remarkable tree and home to so many.
I hope you enjoy!
Leopards
The soft bark and shade that the tree creates is a perfect spot for leopard cubs to rest while waiting for their mother.
Fewer iconic shots than a leopard in a Marula.
Londolozi's oldest territorial female. Distinguished by her nose spot, this Sunsetbend matriarch's legacy lives on through her daughters.
Marula trees are easier to climb due to their general shape and large horizontal branches as well as the softer bark, allowing for a better grip with the leopard’s claws as they ascend.
Born 2021, son of Ximungwe Female. Distinguished by eye freckle, grown into formidable male dominant in the west.
Guests with a front-row seat to a stunning view of a leopard in a marula.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
The Ntomi Male lies comfortably in the branches of a marula tree.
The ascent of the Senegal Bush Male.
Dominant from 2019-2024, transformed from cautious visitor to powerful territorial force. Mastered central Londolozi until his final days.
The Nkoveni Female and a Cub on a fallen marula branch.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
The Stone Drift Female strikes a beautiful pose before closing her eyes toward the setting sun.
Born 2021, larger daughter of Nkoveni. Successfully established territory in Mala Mala and now raising her first litter east of Londolozi.
Just as we were coming down the marula crest, we spotted the Senegal Bush Male in the fork of this large tree. We can’t be certain but we think he was chased up there by something as he was looking rather agitated. Perhaps it was a herd of elephants that passed through the area.
Plaque Rock female ascending into the marula tree
Born 2018, skilled huntress and determined mother. Dominated Sand River territory until her tragic end in 2024.
The Ntomi Male scans his surroundings atop a fallen over marula tree.
The Misava Male gracefully ascends this long bare marula trunk.
A small leopard that was forced into early independence and struggled to establish territory. Moved around eating anything it could.
Elephants
Roaming across the crest feeding on the fruit that had fallen from each marula tree.
Marula trees are creating fruit at the moment and with all this fruit means elephants. This bull was feeding around this Marula for some time before he moved off.
On its way to another marula tree.
It is so impressive to see these large animals stretching up to reach the branches of the marula trees that are way out of reachof all other animals.
There is always something so iconic about an elephant on a crest with a few marula trees.
This elephant bull took a liking to the upper branches of a Marula tree and made use of his long trunk to retrieve his mouthful.
And I guess an elephant and myself in the same photo.
A close-up, wide-angle of an elephant bull with one tusk while he was feeding on the fruit on the ground.
An elephant bull gives a large Marula tree an almighty shake. They will do this during fruiting season in order to make the fruits fall.
Other Animals and Marulas
Young lions will often make use of the softer Marula bark and climb them for some fun.
A mother cheetah and her cub utilise a fallen marula to scan for any prey in the open grasslands of Londolozi.
A giraffe making the most of the well-shaded area underneath the marula tree.
Falling Marula fruit, probably wouldn’t be wise to try to catch one of these in your mouth, they are a bit large and heavy and could result in a trip to the dentist afterwards.
This monkey found the perfect spot in the fork of the Marula tree to enjoy the fruits.
A precarious situation, lions are able to climb but not as well as a leopard.
Eggs and hatchlings make up a good portion of the Rock monitors diet. It’s likely that this individual clambered into the crevice of a Marula where birds often nest in search of an easy meal.
Gaining the high ground. test.
You can see the little arm of the baby squirrel as it is pulled out of the cavity
Marula at sunset
Where the whole Marula series started!
Having the chance to focus on the marula tree and all the values and benefits of them being around was awesome. They are an amazing tree with so many organisms that depend on them and we are able to witness all these interactions and hopefully capture a photo or two to remember these memorable sightings. I look forward to many more amazing moments around these tress!
I hope to visit this beautiful picture of nature some day. this app enlightens my mostly boring days In Kentucky. while I have a great life. this safari calls to me. so I will work harder and save more to visit. thank you Londolozi. thank you
Hi Patrick, I am in awe at such wonders of nature. I can only imagine how you must feel close to such majestic trees and the beautiful animals portrayed in the pictures. I love all especially the tree at sunset and the huge male with one tusk. Such a huge tree and the Mashaba female share respectively a golden age… have you got any news on her? She was the first leopard i read about in Londolozi after the Mother Leopard and Manana. Trees are unbelievably taken got granted as they don’t move at our pace… I wonder if they are aware of us
Fun series, Patrick! I especially enjoyed seeing all the different leopards highlighted and realized that I have more than a few images of leopards in Marulas my collection!
Love the pictures Patrick!
Patrick you look at home there in that huge Marula tree. Such beautiful these trees that give diversity to so many animals and humans. Leopards love these trees to stash their carcass in and off course to rest. Bountiful trees and variety of animals makes Londolozi one of the best places to be.
I really like Marula trees. They do look …odd, they look as much ‘dead’ as they do alive.
How would the Leopards cope without them? The Leopard and Marula go hand in hand and I can’t imagine one without the other.
Patrick, great reminder of the role trees play in the life of Londolozi. The Marula tree especially! Thanks for the great pictures of the leopards , lions, and elephants. Oh the giraffe’s. and monkeys also.
In Londolozi, one of my favorite things to do is drive around looking into Marula trees to see if there’s a leopard resting on a branch. Thanks so much for including all the wonderful images!
Thanks for this post Patrick – so many wonderful images, and many of them beautiful reminders of the amazing value of the virtual safari experience!!
Great photos. Patrick. And, yes trees are fascinating. I love them