Another week has come and gone at Londolozi, and the bush has certainly provided. Spring has sprung, and with the changing of the season, the wildlife and landscapes have definitely rewarded us.
The wild dogs and their pups continue to occupy termite mounds around the centre of the reserve. Watching these little creatures go about their business has been the highlight of the week for me. Let’s hope they continue to provide us with spectacular sightings for weeks to come.
After spending time with the Nhlanguleni Female in the Sand River, we followed her up to some boulders where she was denning her cub. We had the privilege of getting a brief glimpse of her tiny cub before they disappeared out of sight.
The Ntsevu sub-adults are still making their presence known as they shift their interest away from buffalos, hunting, and taking down a fully grown female giraffe. The hunting ability of these young lions is nothing short of spectacular.
The Skorro Male is still moving in and around the Sand River, constantly crossing it, allowing for some spectacular photographic opportunities. Although he is by himself, he is becoming a prominent figure at Londolozi.
Other highlights of the week include watching the vultures around the giraffe carcass, which always provides entertainment as they try to sneak a piece of meat while the lions aren’t watching. After watching the Ntsevu cubs sleep for the majority of the morning, one got up to try its chances at suckling from its mother. Courting hornbills, the Ndzanzeni Female, Ximungwe Female and Ntomi Male all had hoisted kills in trees, a hippo making a dash for it during the middle of the day, and spectacular sunsets showcasing the incredible spring light.
With spring in the air, we had many moments to celebrate this week.
Let me know what your favourite images are in the comments below.
Enjoy this week in pictures…
The wild dog pup’s energy is unmatched. After hunting all morning, the adults begin to rest while the pups continue to play with the food that the adults had caught a couple hours before.
This pup watches the rest of his brothers and sisters play while perching on a termite mound they denned in for a couple days.
With the migratory birds starting to return, the Wood Sandpiper is one of the first we see at Londolozi.
Being able to get sightings like this, makes Londolozi so special. We were fortunate to watch Nhlanguleni’s cub play with her for a brief moment before letting them be.
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.
After finishing a massive meal the night before, this Ntsevu cub tries its best to get some milk before getting booted away from its mother.
The Ndzanzeni Female stares out into the distance while resting in the tree she had her kill hoisted in.
This female is a success story all in herself, being born as a single cub to the Riverbank 3:3 female in early 2012.
The Ximungwe Female contemplates whether or not she should ascend the tree to feed some more. She decided against it and continued to rest in the shade of a marula tree.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
Yellow Billed Hornbills showcasing some courting behaviour.
These Lions are killing machines. They managed to bring down this giraffe that they fed on for about four days. There was a hive of activity around this carcass.
Even after filling themselves up completely, these young males are still very protective over their part of the giraffe.
Hooded Vultures will always try their luck around larger carcasses even with five big lions lurking.
Elephants moving through the Sand River is always one of my favourite pastimes.
This Hippo was moving from one body of water to the next before deciding to head back to where he was coming from when he saw us.
Sunsets during spring are always mesmerising.
After crossing the river, he noticed some Impala behind us before continuing on his territorial patrol.
The Ntomi Male glances into the distance while sleeping on his warthog kill he had made the night before.
A single cub of the Ximungwe Female's second litter. Initially rather skittish but is very relaxed now. Birth mark in his left eye.
Patrick, great pictures this week. My favorite is the Naomi male sprawled ou tin the tree with his legs on each side. He looks very satisfied with himself.
Hey Patrick,
Regarding the running hippo, are you sure that it was you or was that maybe the most aggressive oxpecker ever?😉
Great TWIP Patrick! I share your sentiment regarding the Wild Dogs and their pups; long may they create chaos on Londolozi!! So many great images, but those Ntsevu Sub-adult males are something to behold. They continue to impress with their hunting prowess and success. The image of the Skorro male is stunning; such a majestic creature. Always rooting for him!!
The wild dog pups are THE cutest!!! Are there still 19? Don’t usually appreciate the kill shots so much but so in love with the Ntomi male that his little blood beard is still cute 🙂 Happy Spring to you all!
Patrick some beautiful images you showcased this week. My favorite is the Nhlanguleni female and her tiny cub. Secondly the Ntomi male with his mouth still full of blood where he is lying on his kill. He has become the most stunning young leopard. Wow those Ntsevu sub adults are killing machines, bringing down a huge giraffe. Loved the wild dog puppies as well, with their eager stares waiting for the adults return with food.
Beautiful pictures of an exciting week in the bush. Alle the pictures are so great, but
I love the sunset, the Skorro male and the one of the Mtomi male best.
I loved your collection of images this week Patrick! It seems there’s been a lot of great sightings over the past few weeks leading to our viewing pleasure. Favorites of mine include Ntomi sitting on his kill, his muzzle still covered in blood and the Ntsevu breakaway male, leaning on “his” carcass, paw draped on the giraffe’s remains.
So hard to choose a favorites. wild dog pup’s are a winner.
Great photos. Glad I was there for the sightings. I may have to change my picture of the Ntomi male for my blog entry……epic visit all the same!
It blows my mind that lions can take down an adult giraffe, but obviously if there are enough lions, they can do it. That must have taken some serious effort.
Ndzanzeni female. She’s immortal. The black-and-white emphasises the legacy starting from the Mother Leopard to her. A “forever” image. I’m quite surprised no other caught the deep feelings of such hieratic photo… the cats are all gorgeous but my second goes to the hippo! Great picture that caught the grace and speed of this big, bulky animal outside the water. The Ximungwe female is regal in the present. Many compliments Patrick, a picture like the Ndzanzeni has an incomparable value. Bravo
Super pictures of lions, wild dogs . leopards – but let’s hear it for the vulture photo .