On this captivating New Year’s Eve, the crackling energy in the air isn’t just from the anticipation of bidding farewell to the old year; it was the electrifying news echoing over the radio from a game drive that unfolded not so long ago. A leopard sighting is always a thrill, and tonight’s Virtual Safari is no exception.
It all began with Matt’s voice crackling through the radio, excitement lacing his words as he announced the discovery of not one, but four leopards! We swiftly navigated through the rugged terrain to witness an extraordinary spectacle unfold before us. The Nkuwa Female, a seasoned huntress, had successfully captured an impala. Joining her in this feast were her two rapidly maturing male cubs.
Amidst the dining scene, the enigmatic Senegal Bush Male, presumed patriarch of the young duo, was likely conducting a territorial patrol. The scent of a fresh kill tantalized his senses, guiding him to the feast. Imagining the leopard family gathered around the carcass, sharing the spoils, painted a vivid picture in my mind. However, as our eager eyes met the scene, we found two hyenas feasting on the remains of the impala scattered below the tree, a chaotic aftermath likely a result of the inexperience of one of the mischievous cubs. The leopards gracefully yielded to the scavengers but the youngsters, fueled by a mix of curiosity and hunger, scaled the trees, hoping to find any overlooked scraps.
The spectacle continued as the mother and her cubs eventually descended, settling on the river sand. Strangely familiar, it was the exact spot where we once witnessed the Nhlanguleni Female tenderly carrying her cub to a new den. Nature, it seemed, had a way of intertwining stories, creating echoes of life and survival in the heart of the wilderness.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sprawling landscape, we marvelled at the beauty of the moment.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
Initially seen as a young male in 2016, this leopard only properly established territory on Londolozi in mid-2019
One of two sisters born to the Nhlanguleni Female, both of whom made it to independence, the first intact litter to do so in 7 years.
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Hi Sean
This is certainly one of the very best sightings one can have: 4 leopards in one place!! Plus a hyena.
What a great sighting at the end of an amazing year at Londolozi.
It is really wonderful that the leopards are so relaxed and can be viewed in such a great way.
I wish everyone at L a Happy New Year! See you in 2024.
It was such a fantastic sighting. Have a marvellous year.
Thank you Sean for another fabulous Virtual Safari – what a way to end 2023. Happy New Year to you all!
Thank you. Happy New Year to you too.
Lovely family meal time. 😉 Happy New Year! Wish I were there to celebrate with you all!
Thank you so much, Happy New Year to you too.
Sean, just another fantastic video of the four leopards together. It is not often that you can see such a sight. Survival is always the name of the game. Happy New Years Eve party!
Thank you so much, William. Happy New Years to you too.
Hi Sean, this fantastic family reunion may be a good sign of prosperity for all in the new year! The Senegal Bush male definitely hit the jackpot with these two young guys! It seems luck is on their side, along with their mother’s cleverness, so they may well become two powerful fierce males to carry on his genes. I always thought he’s a super leopard, someone alike the Iniathyini and the Anderson males…. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too. It was a magical sighting and I am so glad that all four of these leopards are doing so well.
So fantastic to see all 4 leopards in one video. The whole family together, very impressive. The cubs are growing by the day and mom is doing a good job raising them. I heard the Senegal bush male calling in the background. Happy New Year to you Sean, Sam, Seb and little Olivia Rose. Also Happy New Year to all Londolozi Rangers and Trackers and staff.
Thank you so much, Valmai. Happy New Year to you too.
Sean, Happy New Year! What an epic sighting! Four leopards together and so relaxed with your vehicle is pretty amazing! Hearing the male vocalizing too was maybe a warning for the Hyenas? We also noticed Barbi in a car in the background in your opening! Is she on safari to??? 🤣 Best to all!
Thank you so much, Michael. Yes, she might just have been on safari at the same time.
Terrific way to spend New Year’s Eve day celebrating the sightings of four leopards. Nkuwa’s cubs are looking robust and comfortable in their environment , a testament to her skill and strength in raising the two males. It’s unbelievable that you’re at #199 of virtual safaris, coming up on 4 years in the not too distant future.
I’m looking forward to seeing the New Year’s theme and photos although I’m not sure if last year’s can be topped ! I had hoped to see the logo on shirts or caps in the boutique but alas…..
Enjoy the celebration and cheers to another fantastic year!!🎉🥂
I know can you believe how quickly #199 came around. I am surprised that you didn’t notice the little hint towards the theme in the intro.
Very cool Sean! Great leopard sightings. Hope you had a nice Barbie New Years! Looked very festive. Would love to see a pic of the Ken dolls lol…
It was a very festive season and a lot of fun was had thanks, Rob. I hope that you had a fantastic festive season too.
Karula’s grandsons! How epic to see them all together. I really enjoy these interactions!
It is always great to see more than one leopard together.
Just amazing! Those boys are handsome! Good job mom! HNY to you all over there!
Happy New Year to you too.
What a wonderful way to end a year which has been significant professionally and personally to you!
Have a great 2024!
Thank you so much, Vin. 2023 was a big year for me and we are very excited for what 2024 has in store for us all.