This week is dominated by warm hues as golden sunrises and sunsets abound. Winter is definitely setting in, and with it comes the excitement of chilly mornings and the anticipation of getting out at first light to witness the rising of the sun over our little slice of paradise. The Black Dam Males have shown their eagerness to move further south into the dominant Ndhzenga Males’ territory. A few big tuskers have been seen around the reserve, always an exciting prospect for both new and experienced guests alike. The Talamati breakaway Pride has had us all gasping with delight at their tree-climbing antics, and the Three Rivers Female has been seen making doubly sure that her territory is well established and that her new cubs (as yet to be seen) are safe. There are a few special moments with zebras, while a giant kingfisher shows off her hunting prowess at the causeway. Jackals are being seen more as the grass thins out, and a one-eyed owl has taken up residence just near the camps.
It’s been a beautiful seven days here on Londolozi, and we hope that you enjoy the spectacle, let us know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy This Week In Pictures…
The Black Dam Males have been roaming deeper into Londolozi, challenging the dominant Ndzhenga Males. Here, one of the two brothers crosses the Sand River. The herd of elephants in the background made for an incredible moment as two of the Big Five shared the frame.
A Brown-hooded Kingfisher perches on a fallen marula tree.
A big tusker takes a messy drink of water near our vehicle.
A lioness, one of the Talamati breakaways and known tree climbers ascends a fallen Marula tree to gain the height advantage.
The same moment but with more detail.
A side-striped jackal pauses to glance up at a nearby vulture.
A female Giant kingfisher tosses her prey into the air. She needs to be careful not to let the spines of the small fish catch in her throat.
A Red-billed oxpecker trots along a zebras back.
An elephant calf pauses to inspect our vehicle, his trunk wandering up to his chin.
The Three Rivers Female perches atop a fallen marula. Seconds later, she let out a loud, rasping call, marking her dominance over her territory which she is currently disputing with the Nkoveni Female.
Forced into early independence as her mother was killed by the Southern Avoca Males.
Just after issuing her rasping territorial call the female pauses to listen if there is any response.
A journey of giraffes adorns a crest, making for a great high-key opportunity.
A Southern Ground Hornbill in full flight
A one-eyed Spotted Eagle-owl has taken up residence near the airstrip!
A zebra mare rushes out of a waterhole after grabbing a quick drink.
A dazzle visited our morning coffee break and the shallow pan made for a near perfect mirror!
A One-pip Policemen rests atop a flower in the deep southern reaches of the reserve.
Fantastic photos, Kyle.
I love the light in these pictures. Amazing: your bird pictures and all the others as well.
That butterfly is a pip all right! -which explains the “one pip” but Policeman? Where does that come from?
Fabulous pictures Kyle. The kingfisher shot-wow!!
Terrific week in pictures Kyle! So much amazing variety that it makes it impossible to choose a favorite! I love the images of some of the lesser photographed animals, like the jackal, the hornbill and the one-eyed owl, and I don’t know that I’ve ever seen an image of the policeman before! All so wonderful, and much gratitude!!
Kyle, thanks for twip pictures. My favorite is the one-pip policeman. It is rare to get insects to pose in full view.
Terrific TWIP Kyle. All of your images are classic but my favorite is your zebra reflection. That is a stunning shot, especially because the water is almost perfectly still.
Is that owl really one-eyed?! The lioness in the sunlight is my fave this week…and the baby ellie next! But a fantastic week all around 🙂
Great photos Kyle! Would you know if the young Talamati male been seen with the pride lately or has been spending more time on his own? Thanks!
Ground hornbill photo is poetic. And I’m a sucker for causeway pix so the kingfisher is a close second.
Kyle your foto of the Kingfisher eating is absolutely stunning and my favorite this week. Loved the owl and stripped jackal. Beautiful images this week thanks Kyle.
All great shots especially the reflections but my fav is the hornbill in full flight. Do you remember the lens length & camera settings?
So many awesome captures, Kyle. I think I like the hornbill – the timing was quite good to catch it with its wings outstretched in flight. Well done.
The lioness on the branch is exquisite, but I also really love the butterfly and the zebra drinking ❤️👌🏻.
Kyle, The images this week are fabulous! The Zebra reflection, the Southern Ground Hornbill in full flight, and the Giant Kingfisher are all amazing. The Talamati lioness in the golden light is our favorite!
I loved the kingfisher toss especially this week, but there was great variety with lots of dreamy lighting. 💛
The Talamati Breakaway girl on the fallen Marula looks great, but the kingfisher with it’s catch has to be my favourite this week.
Can’t wait to see what happens with the Black Dam Males and the Ndhzenga Males. I’m also hearing of a new coalition of 5 or 6 called the Nkhulus in and around Lion Sands. Looks like it’s going to be a very interesting year.
Splendid TWIP Kyle, simply cannot choose a favourite. Fascinated to see the lion dynamics unfold with the Black Dam males. Love all your bird shots. Thank you for sharing another wonderful, incredible week.
My favorite first: I thought the splashing elephant, then I saw the picture of the Giant Kingfisher. It’s a tie! Wait, the picture of the Southern Ground Hornbill in flight is awesome! Can I have a 3 way tie?
Awesome photos, Kyle!