Spending an afternoon with lions on the Londolozi airstrip bathed in golden afternoon light, it couldn’t get more picture perfect than that. During this Virtual Safari, we were treated to the presence of the magnificent larger Ndzhenga Male and a stunning Talamati Female, as the sun was setting behind us and a journey of giraffes keeping a concerned eye on the lions from nearby.
Positioning ourselves at a distance and getting out the big guns, the 600mm lens, we watched as the lions, elevated above us, greeted one another and then proceeded to mate. Witnessing their mating ritual and a leisurely stroll across the airstrip was nothing short of an unbelievable sighting, offering a unique perspective at eye level with a clear backdrop behind them.
But the afternoon had more in store for us. The lioness set her sights on the nearby giraffes and attempted a half-hearted stalk and resulting chase once the giraffe had realised she was a little too close for comfort and scampered away. The male lion, intrigued by the female’s antics, followed over the airstrip in a regal and graceful yet powerful stride, eventually leading them both to walk right past our vehicle. He eventually paused for a drink at a nearby waterhole before marching into a clearing.
As if it couldn’t get any better, the Ntomi Male Leopard, made a surprise appearance as if he felt left out of today’s virtual safari. Our view of him was only a fleeting glimpse before darted for thicker vegetation to evade the male lion. Overall it was an extraordinary afternoon spent within 1km of camp.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
A single cub of the Ximungwe Female's second litter. Initially rather skittish but is very relaxed now. Birth mark in his left eye.
To view the YouTube link, click here.
To Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, click here.
![Kigelia Female Leopard Cubs In Jackalberry (5)[rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12140124/Kigelia-female-Leopard-cubs-in-Jackalberry-5RCB-280x178.jpg)
What an afternoon you had! Thank you Sean for my Sunday treat.
It really was an amazing afternoon and I am glad you enjoyed it.
This was really a fantastic afternoon. Wonderful video!
Thanks so much, Christa. It was such a splendid afternoon.
Fantastic lighting on those two lions Sean. Your photography is exceptionally good. Well let’s hope we can see some lion cubs soon, as we saw them mating. So glad Ntomi male ran away when he spotted the male lion, we don’t want any confrontation between them. Giraffe’s where so relaxed as well before the lioness chased them.
Thank you so much, Valmai. The lighting was amazing and so we were treated to a stunning scene. Hopefully, there will be a few cubs in the near future.
What a bonus Sean to see these three in one afternoon. That view from your vantage point on the airstrip of the lions mating was unbelievable! And then the view of each of them walking away after mating is every photographer’s dream for not only the angle, but also the late afternoon light. I was intrigued by Ntomi’s boldness, assuming he knew the Ndzenga lion was in the area, by walking through the clearing. But to add a bit of levity to the moment, you have the Ndzenga male announcing his presence as he was searching for the elusive leopard. Terrific video!
It was such a spectacular afternoon in all aspects. From the lions themselves, to the angle, to the lighting, and then them moving around and bumping into the Ntomi Male. At the end he was confident because the Ndzhenga Male had moved on and was calling in the distance allowing the Ntomi Male to relax a little.
How lucky the Londolozi guests are to be able to see these beautiful and majestic animals in person.
These virtual safaris are the next best thing.
Thank you so much, Mary. I guess if you can’t be here then it is certainly the next best thing.
Spectacular afternoon enhanced by the cooperative subjects and the favorable lighting. I always enjoy the variety of encounters on/around the airstrip
I will simply say thank you Sean. The video was wonderful.
Thank you, William. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Sean, What an amazing sighting! Incredible close-ups from the perfect angle – plus fantastic lighting!
It really was an amazing sighting.