This past week has been a tapestry of sightings of Leopards, Lions and Elephants. The birding has also been fantastic with the arrival of the last remaining migratory species. There is much excitement with the birth of several impala lambs, which has resulted in a drastic increase in predatory activity across the reserve.
Leopard sightings have been consistently remarkable, featuring the Three Rivers Young Male, The Xinkohva Female, The Ntomi Male and the Senegal Bush Male. However, the highlight was a magnificent scene witnessing the Three Rivers Female remove a partially eaten impala from a leadwood tree and then drag it several meters to tamboti tree, where she hoisted it again, right in front of us!
On the Lion front – many prides and coalitions have graced our presence abundantly, with highlights including the formidable Skorro Male, The Nkuhuma Pride resting on a termite mound, the exciting Ntsevu Breakaway Pride, growing very big week after week, and the vigilant dominant Ndzhenga Coalition patrolling their territorial boundaries, occasionally venturing north of the Sand River.
The week also brought mesmerizing spectacles, including elephants gracefully drinking water and crossing the Sand River, lion cubs from the Mhangeni Pride, a brief appearance from the Othawa Pack of Wild Dogs and dancing zebras added a delightful finale to the week’s adventures.
Let us know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy This Week in Pictures…
The Three Rivers Young Male growls and pulls a face at another leopard hiding in the bushes nearby.
Somewhat skittish after becoming independent, he is an impressive young male with a rich golden coat.
A Breeding herd of elephants cross the Sand River in a typical single file fashion.
We had a beautiful sighting of the Nkuhuma Pride sitting on a termite mound in stunning afternoon light. The younger female beautifully crossed her paws and I couldn’t resist snapping the moment.
An African Painted Dog pup takes a break after the Ottawa pack’s successful morning hunt. This specific pack of Painted Dogs hasn’t been seen on the reserve for a while so it was a real delight to spend some time with them.
Two zebras engage in a playful interaction as one kicks back in a dance-like manner, showcasing the social bonding behaviour in the herd.
A 6 month old lion cub from the Mungheni Pride yawns on a warm summers morning.
We spent an entire afternoon with the shy but very beautiful Xinkhova Female. One of the daughters of the Nkoveni Female, she is now completely independent and has been spending most of her time in the Maxebene Riverbed South East of Camp. It’s been great to watch her develop from a young cub into an adult Leopard.
A stunning young female with a very similar spot pattern to her mother, the Nkoveni Female. Litter still completely intact March 2022.
The Ndzenga Coalition, majestic and purposeful, patrol their domain on a cold and wet evening. These powerful Lions continue to defend their territory encompassing the Nstevu pride and their offspring.
The Regal Senegal Bush Male scans his surroundings from an ideal vantage point above our Land Rover.
Initially seen as a young male in 2016, this leopard only properly established territory on Londolozi in mid-2019
A member of the Ntsevu Males poses beautifully in the golden morning hews. He is among four young male lions, each holding great potential to become the future rulers of the Sabi Sands
This closeup image captures the essence of the elephant’s strength and sensitivity, portrayed through the rugged toenails and the intricate tip of its trunk.
A young Elephant curiously looked up at us as the rest of the herd disappeared into the Sand River.
The Ntomi Male consistently occupies the central regions of Londolozi, gradually expanding beyond the territory of his mother, the Ximungwe Female. He is a beautiful leopard and every encounter during a game drive of him is a cherished experience for me.
A single cub of the Ximungwe Female's second litter. Initially rather skittish but is very relaxed now. Birth mark in his left eye.
Elephants have been spending a lot of time refreshing themselves during the recent hot summer days.
This was a special sighting finding a leopard in a Lead wood Tree. The Three Rivers female hoisted an impala high up in the tree and then decided to bring it down after a Bateleur Eagle began feeding on the carcass.
Forced into early independence as her mother was killed by the Southern Avoca Males.
One of the Ntsevu Males fixes a piercing gaze in our direction. He is among four young male lions, each holding great potential to become the future rulers of the Sabi Sands.
She graciously manoeuvred the kill through the dense branches of the Leadwood tree and then leaped to the floor clutching the impala in her jaws. It was incredible to see her carry it nearly 200 meters to a Tamboti Tree in the Maxebene Riverbed.
There is nothing better than watching a big beautiful Bull elephant stride across the open savanna.
The impressive Skorro Male has been seen often lately and heard roaring consistently through the nights near camp. He is trying to establish himself on Londolozi, albeit amongst some serious Male lion competition.
Two playful young Elephant bulls were very entertaining as they muscled each other for dominance.
The Young female Ntsevu lioness that is still hanging around with her brothers. They are an excellent group of lions which bring much excitement on game drive. Only time will tell whether she decides to leave her breakaway pride and return to the Ntsevu’s.
And a dazzle of zebras creates a stunning contrast as they approach a waterhole, eager to quench their thirst on a hot summers morning..
You’ve posted a great group of photos Nick and as promised, many of the big cats that I love viewing. A couple of favorites included the “dancing zebras” and the Three Rivers female with her prized Impala kill as she moved it to a different tree. Thank you for sharing your images and their short stories.
Hi Denise, Thanks for sharing your thoughts. And I’m glad you enjoyed the TWIP
It’s hard to believe that these are photos of just one week! They could be a lifetime’s worth… They’re sublime, it’s impossible to choose just one of them… Well done!
Thank you Caroline! We are very lucky to see some incredible wildlife at Londolozi.
super photos – as always
Thanks Ian
Nick, great photos this week. My favorite is the Nkuhuma female lioness on top of the termite mound followed by the shot of the elephants feet. Thanks for the great pics.
Thanks William. I am particularly fond of the Nkuhuma Lioness on the Termite mound.
Wonderful Photos, Nick. I love the one of the zebra kicking in a playful way at another zebra. Great shot!
I always seeing my favorites, i.e. all those beautiful leopards and lions. The Break Away Ntsevus have really become formidable male lions and an adult female respectively.
“Playful” zebras? I don’t think the one kicked in the throat will be singing in the Londolozi Quartet any time soon!😉
I think you are right Michael! He won’t have a voice at all.
Nick so many beautiful images this week and it is hard to choose only one favorite. I will certainly say the Ntomi male leopard is my favorite for this week and secondly the stunning Skorro male lion. One of these days there is going to be a huge fight with these lions wanting to get territory on Londolozi. The Ntsevu 4 males are also beautiful lions.
the Ellies crossing the sand river is my fave and of course the Ntomi male is so handsome! the Skorro male is also quite handsome…hope he sticks around and manages ok solo
Hi, my sister’s in love with the Ntsevu male. Regal. I’m in between the elephant calf, the Ntsevu lioness and the Ntomi male. How handsome is he? A top model with personality. The zebra are very beautiful the pictures are superb. All pictures are great quality and the subjects really exquisite, I’d say none is second to other. Leopards are gorgeous as usual, the Three River Female is a special beauty and the Xinkova too
Love the contrast on the black and white Ndzenga coalition. Have there been any sightings or updates on the fate of the last remaining Birmingham male? Last I recall he was nomadic and had been seen hanging around with a younger solo male.
Hi Chelsea. Thanks for the comment. The Last Birmingham Male passed away in the deep Western sector of the Sabi Sands late in 2022.
Nick, Great to see you posting again! Your images are fantastic and it seems like there is incredible viewing right now! Our favorite image is the classic shot of the elephants crossing. Bravo!
Thank you so much Michael and Terri. Appreciate the comment.