Coincidentally this week’s edition of TWIP falls on World Leopard Day, where we invite you to dive into the mesmerising world of leopard viewing at Londolozi. As we celebrate these magnificent creatures, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the extraordinary experiences we have been blessed with over the last 50 years living alongside these enigmatic animals.
At Londolozi, leopard viewing transcends the ordinary; it’s an experience that defies expectations and leaves lasting memories. In compiling this collection of remarkable images, I sat in awe whilst scrolling through the abundance of magical moments captured through the lenses of many rangers and guests before me and hope that this selection compels you into a sense of wonder amidst the splendour of these majestic cats.
At Londolozi, the art of leopard viewing is a testament to the harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. Through years of patient observation and respect for their natural rhythms, we have earned the privilege of witnessing these elusive creatures in their most candid moments.
Join us in celebrating World Leopard Day with reverence and awe, as we continue to cherish and protect the legacy of these iconic predators for generations to come.
Let us know in the comments section below if you remember any of these photos and which are your favourites.
Enjoy This Week In Pictures…
To view a gallery of the Best of the Best leopard images click the gallery below
Meet me at Londolozi.
One of the most amazing leopard-in-tree sightings to ever bear witness to.
Born to the Nyelethi female in 2009, this male was one of three cubs that all survived to independence.
The right place at the right time, The Tamboti Female carries a cubs straight down the riverbed towards Stoff Kane-Berman.
The Tamboti female inhabited the south-eastern sections of Londolozi, having a large part of her territory along the Maxabene Riverbed.
With her paws pretty full, the Mashaba Female does her best to keep track of all three of her cubs.
The Mashaba female is currently Londolozi’s best-known leopard. Her relaxed nature means she is comfortable around the vehicles.
Truly remarkable! A buffalo and Leopard kiss!
He is a large, tall, and long male that has an incredible coat and a tuft of hair on his neck
An image that makes you stop and look twice, yes this was three adult leopards walking in tandem.
The King of Londolozi in his day; an enormous male whose offspring still inhabit the reserve.
The Tu Tones male astounded everyone by establishing his territory within his father Camp Pan's territory.
The Tamboti female inhabited the south-eastern sections of Londolozi, having a large part of her territory along the Maxabene Riverbed.
A male leopard chasing a herd of an impala, as you can see here he has locked on his target while an explosion of animals happens around him.
The Hosana Male arrived in mid-2018 and is now dominant over Othawa, rarely seen on Londolozi's western boundary.
Camouflage- a leopard conceals itself in the feather-top chloris on top of a termite mound.
The Mashaba female is currently Londolozi’s best-known leopard. Her relaxed nature means she is comfortable around the vehicles.
A leopard yawns in the darkness.
Probably the most incredible sequence of photos from a camera trap ever.
Born in 2016, this male spent his early years in the south-east of Londolozi, but began moving further afield in late 2019.
The Ingrid Dam Young Female sits on top of a termite mound as an electrical thunderstorm rolls in.
A small female often found in NW Marthly. Similar spot pattern to her mother the Ingrid Dam Female.
You couldn’t ask for a better foreground for a sunset.
This female is a success story all in herself, being born as a single cub to the Riverbank 3:3 female in early 2012.
A masterpiece- A leopard in a dead leadwood, every ranger’s dream!
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.
Regal.
Born in 2016, this male spent his early years in the south-east of Londolozi, but began moving further afield in late 2019.
All great photographs Sean. The video is also amazing. I envy you lot.
Hi Sean this is the most remarkable collection of leopard pictures I have ever seen together like this – I think I will keep this TWIP forever. We have been to Londo 11 times – coming again in 2 weeks !! and cant wait to be with the “family” and the remarkable animals. We have been priveledged to have shared moment like these with many of the rangers in your collection – I must say I would have love a photo of Flat Rock which has always been my favorite leopard. Wonderful images.
What beautiful and stunning pictures!
Leopards are just the most beautiful animals imaginable.
And it’s fantastic that one can see so many of these amazing animals at Londolozi
Sean, thanks for sharing your video and the amazing images of leopards. It’s been fun to go through that big library to see how many of our favorite images are there. It’s also a reminder of what an incredible experience it is to get to know these beautiful animals during our times at Londolozi!
Well, what can be said except ‘overwhelming.’ Of course, the leopard/buffalo photo made it into my favorites.
What an amazing collection of photo memories! You did an awesome job of capturing so many different aspects of so many different leopards, glimpses of their everyday lives, special moments and exciting adventures. Thank you, Sean!
Fabulous photos and video, Sean. I do remember a lot of these, and a walk down memory lane is always very welcome, especially on World Leopard day! My favourite is Tamboti carrying her cub – I don’t suppose that would have been the Island female? I saw her with Tamboti when she was about 6 months old and I remember she moved away once she became independent. Does anyone know if she’s still alive?
Hi Sean, you couldn’t do this gallery better! From the beginning with the Mother Leopard and Manana who let humans enter her secretive and precious own world to the majestic pictures of such iconic creatures and some of the most representative leopards. Hosana’s end was so sad. He was so popular I guess this was his ruin. I can’t stop admiring all of them, and the old “rocks” particularly. In the pictures section there are images of the Inyathini male all scared and battered. Such an incredible guy. It’s a pity some died too soon, but so nature works out. I look forward to reading news on all, especially the Mashaba female and the Ndzanzeni female, the great rivals!
Never saw the three walking together! How fabulous! Also James’ ELECTRIC shot! The leopard/buffalo ‘kiss’ is truly amazing (I do remember that one)! But my fave fave fave (and my screen saver) is the first shot in the video of the Ntomi male…close up of his face on his pawn staring right at you with just his one, birthmarked eye! So great!
Sean, incredible video and pictures this week. My favorite has to be the buffalo leopard kiss. Happy World leopard day!
Sean, this is the most amazing TWIP, devoted to leopards only, and coinciding with their World Recognition Day! The videos were spectacular, first of all, and then the gallery in addition to the other featured photos are exceptional. The diversity of the images presented kept me returning the the blog several times – just such amazing talent among the Londolozi team. Thank you and the team for putting this blog together!!
I agree. I am just blown away! What a perfect celebration of “World Leopard Day”!
Hi Sean, it is truly such a privilege to view these majestic cats everyday on your daily viewing Land Rovers. Not to mention live in the same place as these illusive animals. Video’s and photo’s outstanding Sean. Happy World Leopard day. Leopards are my favorite animal.
Such a beautiful tribute to the Leopards of Londolozi. I remember when many of those images first appeared on the blog. It’s been so fun to watch the generations come and go over so many years. Long live the leopards, and their wild, beautiful, healing and enchanting home.
What an amazing gallery of photos, I don’t know how you could possibly pick. To be able to capture such amazing moments in time! Absolutely priceless… I will look at these forever. The Leopard & Buffalo once (if ever)!
Thank you for the sharing these magnificent animals with us!
Love love love these cats! Driven to see them….
Simply amazing. The Leopards of Londolozi video was extremely moving. Thank you!