As the seasons have shifted into spring, we can slowly but surely expect the bush to start blooming and reveal an incredible diversity of wildlife and the buzz of energy that comes with it. The feeling of change is palpable – new life seems to ‘spring‘ up from every corner and there is a noticeable shift in the atmosphere among guests and staff alike. While we’ve received some rain recently, it hasn’t completely transformed the landscape, so we are still enjoying the golden hues that dominate the dry grasslands. Though slowly beginning to fill in, the thickets remain thin enough to offer clear views of the animals moving through them.
The diversity that spring brings has provided a wide range of sightings to showcase in this week’s TWIP. From black-backed jackals to a formidable buffalo bull among the herd, and a baboon looking rather lethargic yet showing off his impressive canines as he yawns. The Nkoveni Female and Three Rivers Female, along with their cubs, are still in the limelight, continuously captivating us, particularly during the golden hour in the evenings. I was also fortunate to spend an incredible morning with the Ngungwe Female, who provided several stellar photographic opportunities as she crossed riverbeds, climbed boulders, and finally rested high up in the branches of a knob thorn tree.
While photographing this week, I was lucky enough to spot a Kori Bustard, one of the more elusive birds in the area (it has been around 3 years since I last saw one!). We can also start to expect more migratory birds returning to Londolozi, adding to the buzz of activity. I hope you enjoy this week’s collection of moments that capture the magic and renewal of spring unfolding at Londolozi.
Let me know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy This Week In Pictures…
Some mornings are still on the cooler side as you can see one of the Ndzhenga Males soaking up the warmth of the morning sunshine.
This baboon found himself a great perch to survey his surroundings… and show off his impressive canines.
Golden hues and silhouettes – Nick Tennick and Joy Matebula driving by a herd of elephants as the sun starts to set.
An elephant calf reaching down to quench its thirst as it hasn’t yet figured out exactly how to control its trunk.
The rest of the herd of elephants join the young calf, all in different phases of quenching their thirst.
Playing with some editing with this male giraffe against a clear background.
A unique close-up perspective of a young giraffe calf nursing, framed by its mother’s legs.
After tracking a single Ndzhenga Male, you can only imagine our excitement when his tracks led us to the 18 lions of the Kambula Pride lying in the open riverbed of the Sand River.
I think this is the best picture I have ever managed to capture of the Maxims Male out in the open. Unfortunately, I was so excited and had to be quick before he continued into the thickets that I didn’t realise I had cut his feet off.
Fairly skittish male that is presumed to have come from the Kruger National Park.
A young warthog in a characteristic pose digging up roots and shoots on its knees.
Two of the Ntsevu Cubs bound towards their litter mate while their mother follows behind.
A herd of elephants gather at a waterhole shaded by towering leadwood trees.
The Three Rivers Female in a portrait pose as she goes about in search of her next meal.
Forced into early independence at 11 months. Despite her small size, she's proven resilient, currently raising a cub in SE Londolozi.
The Nkoveni Female leads her cubs towards a carcass from another successful hunt in the afternoon golden light.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
A rather mean-looking buffalo bull eyeing us out from amongst the herd.
We arrived at this waterhole just in time to see the first of the buffalo herd to line up for an afternoon drink.
The left-tusked elephant – This close-up highlights the notch that has formed on the left tusk after more consistent use of ripping off and twisting the outer layer of bark around the tusks.
After capturing this Grey Heron standing over its pale blue eggs, I will be keeping an eye out to see when the chicks hatch! The incubation period is normally between 23-28 days.
The Nkoveni Female has her gaze fixed on a herd of impala as she moves through the golden hues of the dry winter grass.
A black-backed jackal runs directly towards us along the path of the old Selati Railway line.
A rare sighting of a Kori Bustard on Londolozi, one of the world’s heaviest flying birds!
A spectacular start to a morning with the Ngungwe Female as she crosses the Manyelthi River bed.
Young inquisitive beautiful female, bordering on independence as of November 2021
Without a doubt the largest crocodile we have seen lately!
An action shot of a Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill feasting from an active termite mound.
Kelsey: The warthog photo is tremendous, in that those critters are so quick to disappear. I’ve wanted to see a kori bustard for the longest time, so to see one vicariously is probably the closest I’ll get. Finally, the notched tusk elephant pic is excellent.
Thank you Willa! I hope you do get to see a Kori Bustard one day soon 🙂
Amazing pictures. I have a couple that are my favorite: elephant calf reaching down to quench its thirst and the pose of the Three Rivers Female.
Thanks Sandra! I’m glad you enjoyed them, the elephant one is just too cute!
Super photos, a reminder that there are still parts of the world that are truly wonderful
Thank you Ian!
Kelsey, you have some wonderful shots of head on views of many animals this week. I do not have a favorite among those. The picture of the Kori Bustard is my favorite this week only because it is so rare and unique in its feathers and coloring.
Thank you William, glad you enjoyed the pictures. The Kori Bustard was indeed a great surprise!
Thrilling set of pictures starting with the baboon… males are something unsettling, also given their personalities. The Ndzenga male is the personalised calm and peace in resting lions. All pictures are superb, feet or not. The giraffe calf is too sweet and the elephant absolutely adorable. The bustard is one of the most spectacular bird, so happy to see it. The three rivers female and the Nkoveni Female are so beautiful. I see the cub bears the same “aegyptian eyes- like” of its mum. Lion cubs already have manes! All big cats are superb. The jackal is so pretty. The menacing buffalo look is the symbol of a great fighter and leader. I see herons like it they nest in woods close to the water. How do Hornbills nest? They are nice birds
Thank you Francesca, I enjoyed your recap of all these pictures. The hornbills usually nest in tree cavities.
I forgot the warthog not often photographed and very welcomed, so cute!
Yes they can be quite a challenge most of the time!
I really appreciate the selection of photos you’ve posted for TWIP. I especially liked the not often seen warthog as it dug for something to eat in addition to the suckling giraffe calf. The Maxim’s male is impressive even with his feet cut off, and seeing the Kori Bustard against the winter grasses was fantastic. Nkoveni and her cubs are always fun to see and I hadn’t seen Ngungwe since before she became independent. The image of the notch on the elephant’s tusk was another favorite as I always look for a detail shot. I’ve not been there during the spring and so it will be interesting to spend some time there beginning in three weeks – perhaps there will be some flowers blooming throughout the bush.
Thanks Denise, I’m glad you enjoyed the diversity. The warthogs are often quite a challenge but this one was very obliging. Hopefully you will see the flowers coming out and the Ngungwe female on your upcoming trip!
I love all your photos, Kelsey
Thank you Christa 🙂
Hi Kelsey, my favorite this week is your image of the Kambula pride lying on the sand. I also loved your image of the Grey Herion, beautiful bird and hope to see their chick’s soon. Buffalo’s drinking together is also a lovely image.
Thank you Valmai, all the lions together was an incredible sight! I’m sure there will be some pictures of the heron chicks coming soon.
FANTASTIC week!!! So much variety! Beautiful lighting this time of year too!
Thank you Anita! I’m glad you enjoyed the picture variety 🙂
Thanks, Kelsey. My favourite this week is the gently dozing Ndzhenga male – I have an irrestible urge to stroke his nose (don’t worry, I won’t be attempting this on my next visit!)
My pleasure Suzanne, I’m glad to hear that! 😉
I hope the Ntsevu Pride can overcome the infestation of the mange. It is very sad to watch the little ones succumb to this horrible pest. Your photos are fantastic, very difficult to pick one, but I think mine would have to the the left-tusk elephant. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you MJ! Yes I’m really hoping they will recover soon too!
Great shots Kelsey! We love the one you got of the Giraffe with the background dropped out! The leopard images are special and we loved seeing the full pride of lions resting in the open riverbed!
Thank you Michael and Terri! Great to hear which are your favourites!
What a variety of subjects, perspectives and edits this week! I love it, Kelsey. That sweet little elephant drinking made me smile. Loved this round-up.
Thank you Chelsea, glad the pictures could make you smile 🙂
Great pictures this week Kelsey! I was fascinated by your caption about the kori bustards being one of the world’s heaviest birds, and read that the males can reach four feet in height!! How tall would you guess this bird is?
Thanks Paul. I would say this Kori bustard was closer to around 3ft!
Wonderful photos, Kelsey!! As you know, I’m partial to the leopards, but that Kori Bustard is magnificent! And, the little elephant is adorable.
Thanks Diane! Glad you enjoyed the pictures 🙂 I hope you are keeping well.