Over the last week, the predator viewing around the reserve has been nothing short of spectacular. After receiving our first dose of rainfall this summer, we are grateful to have been able to view and photograph the full spectrum of apex predators out in the open before things thicken up.
On the lion front, we have had four different coalitions of male lions make an appearance over the past week. I use the term coalition fairly loosely here, it is only really the Ndzhenga Males and Plain’s Camp Males that truly have territories and encompass a pride of females. The others that make up the four are the Ntsevu Males who are covering large distances at the moment and are still growing in confidence and stature before making a wholehearted attempt to lay down their claim of territory. And the Skorro Breakaway Male who has made a valiant effort at claiming a territory in the western portion of Londolozi. However, he has yet to truly declare this as his own. It is in this area that the Tsalala Female resides; will they mate and extend the longest-lasting dynasty on Londolozi at the moment? Time will tell – she too features this week.
On the leopard front, one morning we were pleasantly surprised by the Three Rivers Female drinking from a waterhole in the heart of her territory. Later that afternoon we were even more surprised to find her sizable son, the Three Rivers Young Male, mating with the Ximungwe Female. The Xinzele Young Female was also found atop a termite mound patiently awaiting the return of her mother, the question remains – how much longer until she becomes fully independent?
Lower down on the predator hierarchy so to speak are wild dogs and cheetahs. The Othawa Pack of wild dogs has presented us with stunning viewing of both adults and pups, we can only hope that the newest members of the pack make it into adulthood. We had a remarkable sighting of a nomadic male cheetah, elegantly climbing on termite mounds and fallen trees to look for food.
Having no obstructions, the airstrip always provides a unique perspective from which to photograph animals. We were lucky enough to see both the Nhlanguleni Female and a female giraffe crossing the tarmac (not at the same time…).
As iconic as sunsets are in the African Bushveld, a full moon rising also captures the essence of an African safari. We watched the moon rise from the eastern horizon with a dead knobthorn in the foreground.
Let us know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy this week in pictures!
![Ndzhenga Males Walking On Road (2) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14133815/Ndzhenga-Males-Walking-on-Road-2-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
The two Ndzhenga Males walk into the morning light as they patrol their territory
![Giraffe Crossing Airstrip [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/05094608/Giraffe-Crossing-Airstrip-RCB-1558x1598.jpg)
A female Giraffe crossing the airstrip in black and white.
![Nhlanguleni Female On Airstrip (2) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14141855/Nhlanguleni-Female-on-Airstrip-2-RCB-1598x825.jpg)
The Nhlanguleni Female crosses the airstrip late in the morning
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.
![Wild Dog Pups Stalking Each Other On Road [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14135325/Wild-Dog-Pups-Stalking-each-other-on-Road-RCB-1598x816.jpg)
A single wild dog pup stalks three of the other newest additions to the pack whilst the adults were out hunting.
![Wild Dog Pups Stalking Each Other On Road (3) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14135303/Wild-Dog-Pups-Stalking-each-other-on-Road-3-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
Another three littermates enter the fray leaving the single wild dog pup no choice but to concede
![Three Rivers Young Male And Ximungwe Female Fighting (5) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14140906/Three-Rivers-Young-Male-and-Ximungwe-Female-Fighting-5-RCB-1598x1389.jpg)
The Three Rivers Young Male jumps away from the Ximungwe Female after a dramatic mating bout. Extraction is the most exciting period of mating (for us as spectators) as the sharp, barbed tip to the male’s penis cause pain for both animals
Somewhat skittish after becoming independent, he is an impressive young male with a rich golden coat.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
![Wild Dog On Termite Mound [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14135704/Wild-Dog-on-Termite-Mound-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
An adult member of the pack scans its surroundings, making sure there are no threats in the vicinity as the pups play around at the base of the termite mound
![Skorro Male Walking On Road (3) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14133702/Skorro-Male-Walking-on-Road-3-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
The Skorro Breakaway Male lion walks briskly away from the setting sun.
![Ntsevu Sub Adults Watching Buffalo Herd (5) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14133920/Ntsevu-Sub-adults-Watching-buffalo-herd-5-RCB-1598x895.jpg)
One of the Ntsevu Males gazes towards a large herd of buffalo from atop a ridge, potentially trying to find a vulnerable individual to target with his siblings.
![Xinzele Young Female Lying On Termite Mound [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/24195502/Xinzele-Young-Female-Lying-on-Termite-Mound-RCB-1598x1598.jpg)
A portrait of the Xinzele Young Female in black and white.
Born into a litter of two, male cub did not survive. She is seen more and more in central Marthly and rapidly approaching full independence.
![Tsalala Female Lioness Lying On Sand Rover Bank (2) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/24195826/Tsalala-Female-Lioness-Lying-on-Sand-Rover-Bank-2-RCB-1598x1050.jpg)
The Tsalala Lioness rests on the bank of the Sand River as the sun descends towards the horizon behind her
![Male Cheetah Standing On Fallen Over Marula [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14133523/Male-Cheetah-Standing-on-Fallen-Over-Marula-RCB-1598x1131.jpg)
A young male cheetah uses a fallen marula tree as a vantage point from which to scan his surroundings
![Moon Rising With Stars And Spotlit Dead Knobthorn [rcb].cr3 Enhanced Nr](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14135022/Moon-Rising-with-stars-and-spotlit-dead-Knobthorn-RCB.CR3-Enhanced-NR-1065x1598.jpg)
A full moon rises from behind a dead knobthorn tree that was slightly illuminated by lights from another vehicle
![Three Rivers Female Drinking At Tortoise Pan [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14141535/Three-Rivers-Female-Drinking-at-Tortoise-Pan-RCB-1598x759.jpg)
The Three Rivers female drinks from a waterhole in the heart of her territory.
Forced into early independence as her mother was killed by the Southern Avoca Males.
![Plains Camp Male Lion Walking In Clearing (2) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14134532/Plains-Camp-Male-Lion-Walking-in-Clearing-2-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
A single Plain’s Camp Male approaches his brother in the mid-morning
![Tsalala Lioness Sitting Ximpalapala Koppie [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/14134209/Tsalala-Lioness-Sitting-Ximpalapala-Koppie-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
The Tsalala Female pauses for a moment to catch her breath after walking through open clearings towards Ximpalapala Koppie in the late morning
Great pictures! The black and white of Xinzele Young Female is my favorite.
I love so many of these – especially the 2 Ndzhenga males with that beautiful light, the Tsalala female, the cheetah….all of them really! But my favourite this week has to be the Three Rivers young male post-mating, as I do like a good action photo!
Wonderful images this week, Robbie! So many favorites but my #1 is the action shot of the Three Rivers young male and the Ximungwe female. Isn’t it unusual for him to be mating before he’s established a territory? Is he too young to actually father offspring?
The full moon and the dead knobthorn tree won my heart. Second the giraffe crossing the strip, such an elegant animal and elegant move caught perfectly. As single animals of course my heart goes to the Tsalala female and hope the gorgeous Skorro will be her king! All beautiful pictures
Ps I forgot the cheetah. Besides the lovely picture, I recently read about a new way to count and consider them in single areas, as they do preserve more protection. I wish him success
Love Tsalala at the koppie, but Skorro male is right up there, too
Hi Robbie my favorite this week is the Tsalala female lying on the sand. She is such a formidable survivor and has shown she is more than capable to seeing to herself. Surprised to see the young Three Rivers male mating with the older Ximungwe female. Hopefully we will be lucky to see some more leopard cubs.
Robert, my favorite shot this week is the young male cheetah looking back.
Thanks for assembling such a stellar collection of images this week Robbie. The inclusion of many of the well-known predators was especially good to see. As far as favorites, I have a few, beginning with the moonrise. Following on from there, the mating between Three Rivers male and Ximungwe, the wild dog pup’s standoff and the b/w portrait of the young Xinzele female complete my list.
Once upon a time, Cheetah and Ostrich sightings were unheard of …
Fingers crossed for both the Skorro Male and the Tsalala female
Robbie, Fantastic images this week! Our favorite is the Tsalala Female with Ximpalapala in the background. It’s one of our special spots at Londolozi and she is an amazing lioness! Added that image to our favorites!
Wonderful photos, Robbie. I love them all.
It‘s always hard to say which one is the favourite because they are all so great
Love those pups so much!!!