Encountering the Mashaba Female Leopard always comes with a hint of luck. Recently, her movements have grown unpredictable, making any sightings of her rare treasures as she roams the southern regions of the reserve. Being the oldest leopard we see on Londolozi, she is no longer territorial and has a tendency to pop up at random times in obscure places.
The oldest female leopard we currently see at Londolozi. During my time here she has shifted into the deep southern parts of the reserve and even beyond that. It’s always special to see her as she has been viewed for over 15 years which in itself is remarkable.
Londolozi's oldest territorial female. Distinguished by her nose spot, this Sunsetbend matriarch's legacy lives on through her daughters.
The Nweti Male occupies an enormous territory that spans far beyond our southern boundary, the portion of his territory that does cover Londolozi is dominated by numerous combretum thickets to the east and the open grasslands. The challenge of spotting these majestic creatures among the high grasses heightens the thrill of the hunt, making each glimpse a rewarding spectacle.
The Nweti Male lays beneath a large Natal Mahogany in the lush green grass as he gazes up at the tree above.
He is a large, tall, and long male that has an incredible coat and a tuft of hair on his neck
An Unexpected Encounter
On a recent game drive, you can imagine our surprise when Ranger Kate Arthur and her guests stumbled upon the Mashaba Female perched in a marula tree with an impala kill, and the Nweti Male camouflaged in the long grass beneath her. Observing these two leopards together was spectacular.
With a cloudy sky and little canopy from the marula, this made for a perfect high-key photograph with her leg hanging below.
As the scene unfolded, the cloud-dappled sky provided a perfect backdrop for high-key photography, capturing the elegance of the Mashaba Female with her leg dangling from the branch. A hyena arrived on the scene hoping to find some scraps of the carcass having dropped from the tree above. In the distance, a lone elephant bull was seen feeding on Red Bushwillows, oblivious to the drama unfolding nearby. The presence of the leopards went unnoticed until the elephant came too close for comfort.
A lone elephant bull still unaware of the leopards in the distance feeding on the Red Bushwilllows as the hyena searches for scraps below.
The tension escalated when the elephant, now well within the fold, yet still unaware of the leopards’ presence, ambled closer. The hyena made a speedy getaway. The Mashaba Female with nowhere to go, just remained as still as can be in the marula tree. The elephant suddenly disturbed by the Nweti Male’s presence in the long grass beneath a fallen marula, shook his head vigorously, issuing a stern trumpet as a warning.
Quick to his feet, the Nweti Male readied himself for a hasty retreat should it be necessary.
Clearly not happy with the presence of the Nweti Male, the head shake and trumpet were enough to assert his dominance over the leopard.
The elephant’s flapping ears teased the leopard below, a display of dominance over the smaller opposition. Satisfied with his warning, the elephant continued grazing, allowing the Nweti Male a moment to retreat.
The low head of the Nweti male as he carefully watches the elephant bull move off.
As the elephant bull meandered away, peace returned, and both leopards settled down—the Nweti Male under a tree nearby and the Mashaba Female high above in the marula tree. It was unclear to us which of the two leopards had made the kill, but both appeared well-fed and content.
Just as the elephant bull moved off I couldn’t help but hope for this elephant bull to frame the foreground of the Nweti Male in the background.
The most likely sequence of events was that the Mashaba Female had made the kill, and hoisted it into the marula tree. While she was there, the Nweti Male would have probably stumbled across them while on a territorial patrol and joined her. Either way, they appeared to have shared the carcass and were comfortable with each other’s company.
Digesting his meal in the shade of a Red Bushwillow
We left the two leopards resting and digesting their meal as we headed back to camp for breakfast, the hyena lurking in the shadows, in the hopes of cashing in on a free meal.
Hi, just seeing the Mashaba female is a unique experience and joy, then the whole sequence is exhilarating- that handsome Nweti male sharing the kill and tree with her (glad to see she’s able to hunt and climb a tree with a heavy burden to
secure her prey!). The elephant bull adds the pathos to the scene, it’s funny he felt the need to menace to scare off the leopard, maybe he thought he might have been a lion or a lion pride. Anyway a bull has no enemies perhaps he just shows off as his testosterone levels are high. Superb, very welcome Blog!
What a fantastic sighting you had, Kirst! To see the 2 seldom-seen leopards together plus the interaction with the ellie must have been amazing.
How remarkable to see them interact through your pictures!
So his territory? Do you think he’ll let her hang out?!
Great encounter First. Thank you for sharing. The elephant intrusion was interesting the witness I am sure.
The Mashaba female sharing her kill with the Nweti male is spectacular. Both leopards are stunning and I am glad the Nweti male did not run away from scene when the elephant bull came crashing in on their time together. Kirst do you think the Mashaba female could still have cubs, with her being of age. She is special and having any images of her know is a bonus.
How exciting to have viewed both of these leopards in such close proximity considering that they are legends within their own territories. Add to the sighting a hyena and bull elephant to make the encounter even more memorable. The hyena disappeared quickly which I found curious but perhaps it was due to the intimidating size. More interesting was that Nweti didn’t run away, but stayed close by, gauging the elephant’s demeanor and movements. Animal behavior is truly amazing as one can never assume or predict behavior. Wish I’d been there….
Great photos, Kirst, of these leopards, the hyena and the elephant bull.
It’s also such good news to hear that the Mashaba Female is still around though seen only on rare occasions.
Amazing, that she still has the strength to hoist her prey into a tree.
That was a special sighting – lucky guests
Kirst, So happy to hear that you found Mashaba! We have followed her since she was sub-adult. Hoping she might mate again and try for another litter!
Great sighting Kirst, and happy to see the Mashaba female in a post and apparently doing well!