Winter at Londolozi continues to produce moments that last a life time. Being afforded the opportunity to get to photograph the things we do here, is truly incredible.
The past week was another bitterly cold one, but the game viewing that accompanies these cold mornings always make it worth it.
The Leopards of Londolozi continue to showcase their beauty. We spent the morning with the Three Rivers Female and her cub. Having recently been on leave, I couldn’t believe how much the cub had relaxed in two weeks, it was a morning to remember watching them play around the Maxabeni River. The Xhinkova Female looks to be taking over the vacant territory left by the Plaque Rock Female. The Nkoveni Female and her cubs continued to provide out-of-this-world sightings as she tried to hoist an impala into a large marula tree. Lastly, the Ntomi Male seems to flirt with the western reaches of Londolozi but sightings are still infrequent.
The Plains Camp Males and Ndzhenga Males have been letting their presence be known. Although there hasn’t been a physical altercation yet, it is definitely looming on the horizon.
With the northern hyena den being active again, these incredible animals entertain us with numerous interesting encounters that allow not only good photographic opportunities but also a good laugh.
This week has been another one for the ages, it’s weeks like these that make me feel extremely fortunate that we get to witness and photograph these animals in their day-to-day lives.
Let me know your favourites in the comments below.
Enjoy This Week in Pictures…
The Three Rivers Female and her cubs play on a fallen tree in the Maxabeni River.
The young female takes a moment away from playing with its mother’s tail to stare at a fraction walking past our vehicle.
A Yellow Billed Oxpecker examining a rhino up and down for feeding opportunities.
The Ntomi Male glances at our vehicle before heading off into the river.
A member of the pack of three, watching the den as the pups emerge after a successful hunt.
A Crested Francolin benefitting from the wild dogs leftovers.
Taking it slow on a cold winter’s morning.
One of the young hyenas venturing back to the den at the termite mound.
The Xhinkova Female looks over her shoulder at the bushbuck alarm calling at her.
A stunning young female with a very similar spot pattern to her mother, the Nkoveni Female. Litter still completely intact March 2022.
Once the bushbuck moved off, she took a moment to stare over the Sand River on Plaque Rock.
Two young Giraffe touch noses.
The Plains Camp Males respond to distant calls from the Ndzhenga Males.
Dan Hirschowitz and his guests with the Plains Camp Male listening for a response from the Ndzhenga Males.
A Cape Glossy Starling having a drink.
One of the Nkoveni Female’s cubs walking towards where she had stashed an impala kill that morning.
The Nkoveni Female dragged her kill towards a tree to try to hoist it.
A gorgeous female who is found to the east of camp. Easily recognised by her 2:2 spot pattern she is often to be found in Marula trees.
She managed to get halfway up before slipping and falling back to the ground.
An elephant trunk moments after slurping up a few litres of water.
So many beautiful portraits this week. I especially loved the sweet moment between the two young giraffes. I’m glad to see all is well on the leopard cub front.
Hi Patrick, needles to say, all pictures as usual win a prize. First of all cubs! I’m in love with the Three Rivers female ‘s cub! She has a soft, sweet look, and sports the beautiful coat alike her mum. The Nkoveni Female ‘s cubs are also very beautiful and adorable. The Ntomi male and lions are striking. I also love the “young giraffe kiss” and the starling, such a beautiful bird. The drinking trunk of the elephant is a peculiar, well done picture, very appreciated. On the opposite side, the wild dog is coming back to.the cubs, but instead of exhibiting a soft look his eyes look sinister, with that fur on them making them appear as if he had a predatory intention, in addition with the bloody face. Very well done too. It’s sad that the Plaque Rock female is no longer here, now it’s interesting to follow the lovely Xinkova moves…
You’ve really spoiled us again with this TWIP, Patrick. Hard to choose a favourite, but I’m going for the 1st image of 3 Rivers and her cub – gorgeous!
So many wonderful photos of leopards, Patrick.
I also love all your other photos. The one of the two young giraffes is also so beautiful.
Thanks for sharing
My, my. An eclectic mix. The francolin with wild dog leftovers was so surprising, as I thought they were herbivores. And the final elephant trunk shoot is so well composed. Thank you, Patrick.
After scrolling through your TWIP, my first favorite is the wild dog portrait, those piercing eyes speaking volumes. After that, the leopards are standouts, especially Xinkhova, Ntomi and Nkoveni, trying to carry that Impala carcass up the tree. Special mention for the Plains Camp images – always great to see them in context with a guest filled vehicle. Terrific work Patrick.
Patrick, great pictures this week. I liked the black and white of the two giraffes. It just caught my eye along with the elephants trunk.
Dear Patrick, thanks for that TWIP- with so wonderful leopards. Like the Three rivers with cub, fantastic eye expressure- and the Xhinkova female with a wonderful lightning on her.
But for me absolutely untypical , also the two giraffes. Thanks. And hope to see you again.
Beautiful images Patrick! Our favorite (and added to our favorites) is the first one of the Three Rivers Female and her cub!
Hi Patrick, my favorite this week is the photo of the two young giraffe touching noises. All you photo’s are beautiful and I also loved the Nkoveni cub coming to look for food. Do you know if the cubs are one male and one female.
Super photos, the opening shot of the Three Rivers female and the Hunting Dog would grace any photographer’s wall
Altho the Ntomi male is my fave (is his eye birthmark becoming faint?)…the wild dog close up is my fave pic this (last! I’m a bit behind) week!