Leopard sightings in the southeastern parts of Londolozi have always been exceptional, and recently, they’ve been more remarkable than ever. Two mothers, both with cubs at that playful age where everything is an adventure, are offering us consistently incredible viewing opportunities.
The Nkoveni Female has done a stellar job of raising two of her three cubs to an age where play, climbing, and chasing are the order of the day. Recently, after she caught a young impala, she brought the cubs to the feast. The youngsters, after a bit of grooming and cuddling on the ground, began exploring the tree where the carcass was stashed. One cub, eager to feed, quickly found herself in a tricky spot—the way the carcass was hoisted made it difficult to reach the meat. Frustrated but determined, she chewed on the leg bones before eventually giving up and joining her mother and brother in the grass below.
Not far from there, the Three Rivers Female, also raising a female cub, was spotted with a carcass just a few days prior. This sighting was particularly special, as it marked my first encounter with her adorable little cub. Given how close these two mothers’ territories are, I couldn’t help but recall the intense altercation between them last year.
Both mothers are doing a fantastic job, and we eagerly anticipate many more incredible sightings of these remarkable leopards and their playful cubs.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
Forced into early independence as her mother was killed by the Southern Avoca Males.
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.
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Great stuff! I hope I get to see these two mums and their cubs when I visit in mid September!!! Can’t wait!
Hopefully, you get to see both these mothers and their cubs.
Oh what a stunning video of both mothers and their gorgeous cubs Sean. How old is the Three Rivers cub, and you think it is female cub. Nkoveni’s cubs are know 7 months old. Hope both mothers raise their cubs to adulthood without anymore altercations between the two of them.
Thanks, Valmai. The Three Rivers Cub was thought to have been born in late March and it is a little female.
Absolutely gorgeous, Sean. Let’s hope they continue to keep their distance from one another.
So, Nkoveni’s 3 cubs that she’s raised to independence have all been female. Do you know if she’s had a male cub before?
Let’s hope so. So as far as we recall the only male cub she has had prior to this one was in her most recent litter before, I believe it was one male and one female cub. But she hasn’t raised any to independence, obviously.
Fantastic to see all the little ones doing so well. Nkoveni has definitely proved herself to be a great Mom and 3 Rivers as well, raising her son. I’ve fingers crossed to see these three cubs and perhaps others 🤞during my early October visit. Tsalala and her cubs are on my list but I know it’s a long shot……a lot can happen between now and then.
They have both been great mothers. I hope they are all around when you visit, fingers crossed.
Hi Sean, after the birth of the giraffe calf this is one of the best video ever, as the cubs are doing great with their mums, the two great rivals and special females with special stories of survival each, they are all so lovely, gorgeous. I have a soft spot for the Three Rivers female ‘s cub, i find her particularly adorable, she looks so calm and sweet. The Nkoveni Female’s cubs have the same unique mesmerising eye shape of their mum and vitality. I do hope all is going the best way for those little fighters, and that their mums are not going to meet again, or any hyenas or lions!
Thank you so much, Francesca. They are big rivals but both doing sterling jobs as mothers, let’s hope that they both have as easy a journey forward as possible.
Fantastic video Sean. I never tire of watching leopards.
Thanks so much, William. Leopards are so incredible to spend time with.
Nearly nothing in the world is as enjoyable as seeing these leopard cubs. So great! that there are three of them at the moment at Londolozi. I hope that they will still be around in two and a half weeks time. I am counting the days, no joke. Looking forward to meeting them so much. Both mothers s are such successful mothers (if they don’t fight each other).
Thanks Sean for the great video
They are such a pleasure to watch. I hope, for your sake, that they are still around when you are here.
Do we know who the dads are? Maybe they’re cousins?! The siblings sure look different! One looks more like mom, which is what made me think about dad. Super hard to watch the females fighting, even tho I’ve already seen it. So scary but thankfully they are both fine!
Dear Sean, what a great video-leopards at is best- wonderful to have the chance for those impressions. Thanks a lot. Nkoveni as her best .
I hope that everyone stays safe and well and that I get to see them in a couple of weeks!
It’s wonderful to see the two of them successfully(so far) raising cubs after the tragedy between them last year.