This transition period which is Spring, with its mild weather and increasing warmth, offers unparalleled opportunities for photographers. The golden morning and afternoon light bathes the reserve in a soft, enchanting glow, highlighting the beauty of Londolozi in warm hues. It’s a time when every sunrise and sunset paints the sky with brilliant colours, creating the perfect backdrop for capturing magical moments on safari.
This week’s focus has seen the Leopards of Londolozi take centre stage. The Nkoveni Female and her adventurous two continue to provide spectacular viewing for all of those who spend some time with them, the Three Rivers Female and her cub (who has been growing in confidence with each passing week) have stolen the show with some very memorable sightings – a photographers dream! The Xinzele Female soaking in the last of the daylight in the middle of the Manyelethi River. The ever-impressive Nweti Male perches atop a termite mound for us to enjoy and last but not least, the Makomsava Female provides an opportune moment to try a high-key edit that I have been dying to capture.
The cubs of the Kambula Pride provided us with a sighting packed with emotion. One of the young males found himself in a very intense situation as he narrowly escaped from a very disgruntled herd of Buffalo. All turned out for the better as the pride moved off and continued with their playful and inquisitive nature. The Wild Dogs of Londolozi in some picturesque scenes on the airstrip and the railway line. A male Cheetah in the golden afternoon light atop a termite mound in the open grasslands.
Time spent around water holes is always such a pleasure with many different species coming to quench their thirst to combat the rising temperatures. A Lilac-breasted Roller provided a very unique sighting with it showing off its prized meal just next to the road. A breath-taking sunset and silhouetted Waterbuck bull make for one of my favourite types of photographs on safari and lastly, a curious little Rhino calf provided endless entertainment with his playful antics.
Let us know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy This Week in Pictures…
The Three Rivers Young Female gazes up at a Bateleur passing by Gert’s Pan.
After the Bateleur moved off, the young female proceeded to follow the Three Rivers Female toward the drainage line to settle for the evening.
The Three Rivers Female and her young female cub quench their thirst at the oasis that is Gert’s Pan.
Forced into early independence as her mother was killed by the Southern Avoca Males.
A young male of the Kambula Pride practices his pouncing skills.
Golden Reflections – A young male from the Kambula Pride pauses from quenching his thirst at Tugwaan Dam.
A narrow escape! A young male from the Kambula Pride has us all with our hearts in our throats as he seemed to “bite off a bit more than he could chew”.
A dazzle of Zebra bask in the golden morning light at Mandevu Pan.
Taking off. A Wild Dog trots down the newly resurfaced airstrip.
A shot I have been waiting to capture for so long! The Makomsava Female makes her way to her prized meal stashed atop the branches of a marula tree.
The only surviving cub of the Nanga female, currently territorial north of Marthly.
Sunsets and Silhouettes.
The Mystery of the Manyelethi – The Xinzele Female contemplates her next move as the last light of the day begins to fade.
A small female often found in NW Marthly. Similar spot pattern to her mother the Ingrid Dam Female.
No better feeling than being able to gaze back into the eyes of a breathtaking Leopardess – The Xinzele Female.
Thirst Quenching – This time of year it is always fruitful to head towards the water holes during the latter stages of the morning drive. It is always a good bet to find a herd of elephants surrounding the water’s edge.
A Male Cheetah scans the surrounding grasslands from a termite mound and the golden hues of the afternoon.
The impressive Nweti Male takes a moment to scan his surroundings during a territorial patrol.
He is a large, tall, and long male that has an incredible coat and a tuft of hair on his neck
The road less travelled. The lone male out of seven from the Toulon Pack scans for any potential prey along the old railway line.
Nature’s Palette: A Lilac-breasted Roller poses with its prized meal.
Nestled in the branches of a Jackalberry Tree, the cub of the Three Rivers Female, enjoys the warmth of the late afternoon sun.
Caught in the Act -An exhilarating display of agility of the Three Rivers Female and her cub. A moment captured in mid-air synchrony.
A true testament to the circle of life – The Nkoveni Female drags her next meal for her and her cubs into a nearby drainage line.
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.
The Nkoveni Female on patrol though an open clearing in the golden morning light.
Exchanging gazes with the male cub of the Nkoveni Female at eye level.
The Nkoveni Female’s male cub basks in the warm morning light atop a termite mound.
Bathed in golden hues, the female cub of the Nkoveni Female patiently waits for her mothers return.
The Nkoveni Female’s female cub perches herself atop a fallen over branch beside Shingi Dam.
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Hi, what a fantastic fashion show those leopards did! When I first watched the blog I thought “aaawwww” the Three Rivers female with her adorable cub! She’s so attached to her mum and a softie, her fur looks a bit longer, she’s absolutely adorable, i am totally in love. The Nkoveni Female ‘s cubs too they are absolutely amazing, their eyes are immediately recognisable, such a top model the girl is. All males and females are a top show. Lions great too, the playing cub is so funny, the meeting with the buffalo could have ended very badly, what a picture. My best is maybe the “caught- in act” Three Rivers duo… the cheetah is regal and handsome, the lilac Brasted roller is my favourite small bird. Beautiful kudu silouhette… bravo!
What a showcase of photos this week in TWIP. I loved the cub of the Three Rivers female lying in the fork of the tree, that is my favorite for this week. She is so beautiful and playing with her mom, brings a smile to my face. Nkoveni and her cubs are very special and she is such an exceptional mother. Both her cubs are so very cute. Oh my word, that poor lion cub nearly lost his life with that buffalo. Thank goodness everything turned out well.
Pictures of all the cubs are my favorites. so hard to choose. but the one overall is Three Rivers Female cub in the tree.
Reece. Last week was yet again a spectacular week at Londolozi. Seeing the girth of the Maxim’s male in the drainage line and the Cheetah mom and three cubs, stole my heart. Reconnecting with all at Londolozi made our end of safari holiday oh so special. Until next time.
Wow, what a great collection of peoples photos you have shown us today!
So beautiful, all of them. I also love your other photos as well. The zebras are so beautiful in that golden light.
Lovely photos, Reece. My favourite this week has to be 3 Rivers and her cub airbound, amazing!
Reece, great pictures this week. I enjoyed the many leopard and lion shots with my favorite of the Three Rivers female and her cub in mid air. Great shot!
Dear Reece, OMG, what a wonderful album of fantastic impressions. So special moments, the act of the both cubs , all the sightings at water hole, really amazing. Thanks a lot.
What fantastic photos Reece. My favourites are of the Three Rivers female and her cub. I saw them in June. The cub has certainly grown! She is gorgeous.
What an exciting collection of photos, Reece! And even the Makomsava female! Great job!
Wow Reece! Amazing shots! Leopard cubs in trees…cutest! Love the shot of mom and cub playing…perfection!
Triple Wow Reese!! You and your Sony truly captured some fantastic shots this week, treating us to so many amazing big cats images. To choose a favorite is not possible but at the top of my “wish I’d seen this” is the playful interaction between 3Rivers female and her cub. Catching them both airborne and in focus is magical. Not to be outdone, is the young Kambula lion who found himself in a precarious situation with the buffalo. Other wonderful shots are the high key of Makomsova, the regal male cheetah, beautiful Xinzele, plus Nkoveni and her adorable cubs. That really are carbon copies of their mother. Nweti is also impressive as well as your dazzle of zebra. In summary, really terrific week of pictures!!
Terrific TWIP Reese, for all the reasons Francesca outlined!!! Too many brilliant images to choose from, but if I had to, my favorite would be the stunning b/w image of the Makomsava female leopard; quickly followed by the amazing image of the solitary cheetah male!!