From the Boardroom to the Bushveld: Welcome to The Week in Pictures from Londolozi’s Managing Director, Chris Kane-Berman. As the saying goes, ‘Once a Ranger, always a Ranger’…
Throughout my years of working in the bush, one of my enduring passions has been photography. I’ve eagerly embraced every technological advancement, and I’ve experimented with each camera, lens, gadget, and toy that has passed through to Londolozi’s Photographic Studio. Regardless of the equipment, I cherish the moments of being in the wild and the opportunity to capture whatever might stalk, swoop or slither past…
Amidst my daily responsibilities of ensuring Londolozi’s growth and success, I seize every chance I can to escape into the wilderness and indulge in my true passion. Whether it’s a leisurely afternoon bumble with the family, a midday mission to check on a nearby leopard den, or simply sitting in my garden, observing the myriad of birdlife – I always keep a camera close at hand.
Below, you’ll find a selection of my favourite images from the past month or so. They prominently feature adorable leopard cubs, majestic elephants, lions, captivating birdlife, amorous leopards, and currently, the talk of the town, the wild dog pups.
Feel free to share which is your favourite image in the comments section below.
Enjoy This Week in Pictures…
Along with a plethora of sunbirds and smaller birds, the Black-headed Orioles also have a liking for the aloes.
Although probably not a Collared Sunbird’s first choice of flowers to feed on as the Impala Lily can be toxic to many animals, I think that this bird was rather just perched here before fluttering across to the aloes nearby.
After hearing from the rangers that they had found the Nhlanguleni Female at a cluster of boulders that she had used many times before in the past with previous litters of cubs, I took a gap in the middle of the day to go chance my luck and see if she was still there.
Executive privilege grants me access to an assortment of gear and lenses, the 400mm was great to be able to get right in and capture these two little cubs.
Initially skittish she spent a lot of time in the Sand River, now relaxed she makes up the majority of leopard viewing west of camp.
Elephants and leadwoods, with the grass now drying out and us looking forward to the first proper rains of the summer, these elephants were slowly ambling around having walked through the iconic leadwoods forest.
Venturing into the northern reaches of Londolozi, what would an afternoon drive be without passing by Ximpalapala Koppie. Especially if there is a female leopard perched on some of the boulders in this iconic spot.
The Ntsevu Sub-adult Males have been making a name for themselves as notorious buffalo hunters. Here one of the handsome young males rests in an area of particularly short green grass that was littered with fresh buffalo dung from the herd that they were in the process of following.
With the aloes in full bloom a few weeks ago, the sunbird activity around camp was sensational. The iridescent green of this Marico Sunbird against a dark backdrop was stunning.
The wild dog pups have certainly caused a stir amongst the rangers and trackers and so I felt it was only necessary for me to get a view myself. While spending some time at a previously used hyena den, luck would have it that all the pups lined up at the entrance allowing me to snap this image quickly.
Late afternoon golden light, a bunch of White-fronted Bee-eaters and the lush green riverine vegetation always make for a great combination for a photograph.
Mating leopards is a fantastic photographic sighting, as long as the leopards are out in the open. We often strive to capture the particularly aggressive interaction between the male and female. The Maxim’s Male and Ximungwe Female were seen mating this last week in the hopes of conceiving her next litter now that the Ntomi Male is fully independent and doing his own thing.
The mating bouts normally only last a matter of seconds and then climax, excuse the pun, in the aggressive dismount.
Fairly skittish male that is presumed to have come from the Kruger National Park.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
The smallest of carnivores out here are often the most inquisitive. A dwarf mongoose keeps a look out from a dead log, ready to dart to cover at any moment.
An ostrich found in the open grasslands came wandering up to the vehicle allowing a close-up shot of its head as it was blinking, highlighting the nectitating membrane that is used to protect the eye.
Of course what is a TWIP without a sunset or silhouette shot? So here is one with both.
At one of the waterholes, there is a fairly demonstrative hippo who is rather quick to give off a few yawns and thrash his head around in the water, letting all the onlookers know that this patch of water is his.
One of the better afternoon game drive routes is along the Sand River to the east of camp, we came across this absolutely enormous crocodile.
A female cheetah has also been doing the rounds through the clearings close to camp.
And lastly, one of the Ndzhenga Males rolls over onto his back while gazing at one of his latest offspring.
Ok Stoff, you captured my heart with the Ndzenga male gazing at his young cub. I especially like the fact you converted it to b/w. It was rather poignant to see the Nhlanguleni with her cubs knowing they’re now gone – such is the life of a female leopard trying to survive whilst raising cubs. I enjoyed all of your images and presumed you didn’t use auto ISO since your settings were quite low. Thank you for sharing your photos.
I knew Nkoveni’s cubs were gone. But when did Nhlanguleni’s disappear?
One survived but the other presumably was killed by a hyena.
What a beautiful collection! Between the Marico sunbird, oriole, mongoose and giraffe silhouette, I can’t choose a favorite! You’ve definitely honed your craft. Thank you for sharing these with us.
This week’s favorite image was much easier to decide than prior weeks simply because it is first, an excellent image, and secondly, an image that is rarely captured. The upside down male lion looking at his cub is just an amazing image. Well done
Oh all the colors! But still, all those wild dog pups is my fave 🙂
I loved your images! All the birds and, of course, Nhlanguleni and her cubs!! Keeping a camera with you at all times is really the only way to live at Londolozi. I’m jealous!
All the bird pics are absolutely EXQUISITE!!! So beautiful! I particularly love the white fronted bee eater pic and the mongoose. Fantastic guys!
Wowzer , those are some seriously good photos
I love all your pictures, they are fantastic. The birds are so colorful, brilliant.
Even the crocodile looks somewhat friendly in this beautiful afternoon light.
Denise V beat me to it on the Ndzenga photo. I’d also call out the blushing ostrich pic as impressive.
Mmmmm…. It is like savoring a great feast. Thank you!
Stoff, my favorite picture this week is the Ndzenga male on his back looking at his cub. Great shot,
Stof your foto’s are beautiful and the colours are absolutely stunning. You are definitely a very good photographer and thanks for sharing your foto’s. My favorite is the Nhlanguleni female with the one cub in front of her. I must add the Ntsevu young male lion is a very handsome male. Sunbird displaying their plumage is to die for. Your are so privileged to stay there and be able to take such amazing fotos.
Not easy to pick a favorite. They are all so grand. But in the interest of all that Londolozi has to offer my selection is the Dwarf Mongoose. So rare I see one this clear and close up. Great job.
Brilliant TWIP Stoff!! Glad you were able to get back out into the bushveld to capture these amazing animals is such an intimate way. And the sheer variety of subjects and settings is breathtaking!
Stoff, It’s great to see you on the blog and it was GREAT to see you in peron and spend some time on our recent visit! The transformation of Founders Camp is incredible and we were amazed at the attention to detail in every corner. Bravo, bravo to all!
The diverse set of images you shared this week are amazing, especial the pups – we just missed them when we were there! All of your images are special in their own way and we would love to see you be able to get out there more often! 😉
Great pictures Stoff. Managed to get one of my own of the Nhlanguleni cub thanks to your lens! Sorry I missed you on the last day. See you next time. Cheers!
Lots of Excellent photos! A Unique one for me and a standout is the Ndzenga that has rolled on its back and looking at the youngster.
We were fortunate enough to see the wild dogs and their 19 pups last week and it was such a treat! Amazing experience that I hope all who were there got to enjoy.
Wow Stoff! These are breathtaking! Thank you for taking time out of the boardroom to capture and share these with us.