There is no leopard who has etched itself more vividly into my memory banks than the Senegal Bush Male. As a trainee ranger almost four years ago now, during one of our initial training drives we heard that a leopard had been found nearby. Very eager to see our first Londolozi Leopard, we wasted no time and got over to the area.
Initially seen as a young male in 2016, this leopard only properly established territory on Londolozi in mid-2019
Upon rounding a gentle bend in the road, we saw two Land Rovers in the distance, and in front of them, heading towards us was an absolute brute of a leopard. We slowly moved out of his path and waited in silence as he approached us.
The Senegal Bush Male marches down a dirt track on one of his territorial patrols.
It was a still, beautiful summer afternoon. We could hear his paws against the soft sand as he came closer. His lucid pale golden coat was in full view only a couple metres away; what a sight it was. He glanced up at us for a brief moment as he walked by. The sunlight struck his eyes as they met with mine, and it felt like time stood still. A special moment I’ll never forget. This was an incredible introduction to the leopard viewing here and it made a lasting impression on me.
He has always been known for the incredible depth of his eyes.
Since then, years have passed and the Senegal Bush Male has continued to provide many of the same such experiences for countless Londolozi guests. He has occupied every square inch of the Londolozi reserve between the Tugwaan Riverbed and the Sand River throughout his days. Most recently he has been occupying a large portion of eastern Singita, and seldom venturing into Londolozi during 2024. This has been mostly because of the Maxims Male’s westward territory shift and uncontested territory for the Senegal Bush Male to his west.
The Senegal Bush Male crosses the Sand River during a territorial patrol.
Unfortunately, the last confirmed sighting of the Senegal Bush Male was on the 10th of June this year in Singita. He has not been seen since. We have had no recent tracks or signs of him on any of the routes or paths that we know he likes to use. As the days go on, we’ve started to lean more on the belief that his time might have come to an end. He was still in great condition and aside from some scars and his signature tattered ears, he showed few signs of his age.
It is anyone’s guess as to exactly what might have happened to him. But as is the case most times, it can usually be put down to a fatal encounter with lions. Leopards are masters at maintaining total awareness of their surroundings, but even they can be caught off guard sometimes. Mother Nature has no favourites.
On the positive side, his most recent progeny, the two Nkuwa Young Males and the Ntomi Male are all doing incredibly well. The Ntomi Male has gained considerable size of late and is certainly following in his father’s footsteps. These three young males, wherever they end up, will go on to continue his legacy across an enormous area one day, ultimately fulfilling his life’s purpose. I hope we are all shocked by the miraculous return of the Senegal Bush Male, but for now, we’ll hold onto the many incredible sightings and memories he’s left us with.
How heartbreaking, I sure hope he’s still around. He will be in my thoughts and tonight I’ll be a lot sadder thinking if him
My fingers crossed are for this wonderful animal
Thanks for the update Matt. We can only hope that he turns up someday.
Sad news about this fabulous male leopard. I remember him very well.
Let’s hope that he is still alive somewhere out there in the Sabi area. If not, he will certainly always be remembered as one of the great leopards who gave much pleasure to the people at Londolozi, be it staff or guests. It’s always sad to say good bye to such a good friend.
Hi Matt, that picture of his eye I remember it above hundreds. He’s such a unique guy. I remember the Inyathini male was thought to be dead, then he suddenly reappeared, and even killed the last Mashaba ‘s cubs. They are both two old leopards masters of resilience. Who knows… still, lions have killed a high number of leopards. The only step is to wait and see… a fight with the Maxim male sounds very unlikely… he had sired gorgeous sons anyway, he will stay in them. Even though, a single leopard with its unique traits and personality is very difficult to be forgotten…
While we know we have their presence for only a short time, it always feels that is was a very short period of time. I remember him as a cub called Kunyuma, he was the feisty one and called Mr. Snarly Pants. His brother Quarantine was the more tolerant one. They stayed around their mother Karula until they were past 3 yrs old. Karula once had 3 kills in three different trees for each of them so she could eat in peace. What wonderful memories. I was overjoyed to know he had setteled where we could continue to follow him.. He had a wonderful life on Londolozi and I bid his spirit peace, and thank him for sharing his life with us. I hope he reappears, but it doesn’t look like it will happen now. Thank you for the write up and the gorgeous photos. Kunyuma/Senegal Bush Nov 2012 – 2024
Matt, you describe that 1st leopard encounter so vividly. I’ll never forget my 1st either – the Vomba female in 2010, and her graceful beauty was overwhelming. It’s sad, but as you say he has left quite some legacy. Presumably he is also the likely father of some of the younger females?
That is a long time for the Senegal Bush Male not to be seen , here’s hoping that he has been laying very low
The Senegal Bush male has long been a favorite with many memorable sightings. During our ‘23 visit we watched in awe as he grabbed a warthog as it burst out of a burrow and wrestled it to its death. A never to forget experience! I will miss seeing him next month.
Both Senagal Bush Male and Flat Rock shall always exist in the many sightings and memories over the years of our visits !
Where has the Ntomi male (my fave!) been lately? There hasn’t been any info/pics of him lately. I hope dad is just being extra elusive and still around.
Thanks for the post, it brought me back to 2016 and the first moment this magical leopard allowed me to see him. Your post absolutely transported me.
The bush is a tough place for older male leopards as the younger, bolder, stronger ones begin to push their weight to acquire more territory, leaving leopards such as Senagal Bush being pushed out of his area. I hope he’s okay, just being elusive as he’s one of my favorites. The first time I saw him, we locked eyes for a second, and I’ll never forget those black-rimmed, deep-set eyes. I’ll keep him in my thoughts and hope to see him once more!
That is upsetting news of not knowing where he is or if he is still alive. I love the Senegal bush male and although he was grumpy sometimes. Well let’s hope he makes his return real soon, so that we can see him again. Ntomi male is a stunning male and yes he will carry the Senegal bush males genes as the Nkuwa as well.
I’ve watched him as a young cub. I hope and pray he is still alive and thriving.
His eyes always reminded me of Noel Fielding–very gothic. I was always able to identify him in photos. Like others, I hope he is still alive and well, but if not, I hope his end was quick without suffering. Regardless, his legacy lives on in hundreds of photos and the genes of his offspring.
Great photos and story. Im glad we had the chance to meet him last year.
One of my favorite leopards, such a brute! Sad to think he is gone.
A powerful leopard.
This week is my first visit since 2013 that I have not encountered him. Very sad!
Thanks for this update Matt, and here’s to hoping he resurfaces for at least one last swan song!! Viva the Senegal Bush Male!!!
I started watching Safari Live when him and his brother Quarentine Male, were just small cubs. I am so sorry to hear the news as to his possible death! Thank you for the great photos of him!