Being on safari at Londolozi as a photographer is a serendipitous journey where each game drive offers an unexpected opportunity to capture extraordinary moments. Whether you manage to snag “the perfect shot” or decide to put your lens down and simply enjoy the unfolding scene, it’s an absolute privilege to witness the magic Londolozi has in store. The whispers of the wind, the rustle of leaves, and the distant calls of wildlife all conspire to guide your lens toward these fleeting moments. Amidst the vast landscape and ancient Leadwood trees, the unpredictable dance of nature unfolds, gifting us images that are not just photographs but timeless stories etched in shared experiences.
Ranger Jess Shillaw captures her perspective of the Talamati Male Lion beside Weavers Nest Pan at sunset; however, Ranger Melvin Sambo and his guests experience a contrasting viewpoint of the same moment.
One of my favourite parts of being on safari is the privilege of sharing unforgettable experiences with others. Witnessing people fall in love with the bush, just as I did, is an incredibly powerful feeling. Whether it’s the first-time guest experiencing the bush for the first time or a seasoned safari-goer capturing the shot they’ve been dreaming of, it’s a constant reminder of why I fell in love with this wild paradise. Their awe and wonder rekindle my own passion for the bush. It’s a privilege to share in the excitement of each sighting, revelling in the beauty and majesty of nature alongside others and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
A recent sighting we were lucky to share with alumni Ranger James Tyrell was a stark reminder of this feeling. We set out on a morning game drive with the intention of finding the Three Rivers Female and her young female cub after learning that she had made a kill late the evening before and dragged it into a nearby drainage line.
![Three Rivers Female With Impala Caracass (7) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/26091754/Three-Rivers-Female-with-Impala-Caracass-7-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
The Three Rivers Female drags the carcass of a female impala into the nearby thickets.
Forced into early independence at 11 months. Despite her small size, she's proven resilient, currently raising a cub in SE Londolozi.
The Three Rivers Female and her young female cub have been providing some spectacular viewing in recent weeks as the cub continues to grow in both size and confidence.
After heading straight toward the area where she had been seen last, dragging her prized meal, we found both mother and cub nestled in the grass of the drainage line, soaking up the morning sun. As the temperature began to rise, so did the energy levels of the leopards. What started as a serene scene quickly transformed into a delightful display of playfulness, with the mother and cub running after each other, leaping into the air, and tackling one another. The sound of their playful growls filled the air, echoing the joy of the moment. It was a mesmerising sight, capturing the vibrant spirit of the bush and the unbreakable bond between mother and cub.
The patience of a saint. The Three Rivers Female endure the playful antics of her cub whilst resting atop a fallen tree.
The privilege of sharing such a precious and intimate view into the secretive life of these elusive cats with our guests is a powerful feeling that will never get old. It’s a reminder that we all form part of something much bigger than what the chaos of our day-to-day lives leads us to believe. However, what made the morning even more special was the serendipity of how James and I managed to push our shutters at pretty much exactly the same moment in time!
One moment, different perspective…
From a photographic perspective, the challenge isn’t just capturing the spectacle but revealing the diverse perspectives within a single moment. This duality—how the same scene can resonate so differently through the lens of each observer—is both the magic and the art of wildlife photography. It’s a complex tapestry of light, focal length, positioning, shadow, behaviour, and emotion. Each angle, each click of the shutter, holds the potential to unravel a distinct story. Having your camera set to your preferred settings leading up to a sighting and predicting animal behaviour is essential to capturing the intricate dance of the wilderness.
Ranger Keagan’s perspective of a sighting of the Plaque Rock Female on a mound.
The same sighting just a different perspective taken by Kyle.
In every shared moment, the magic lies in the myriad of perspectives that culminate, each adding a unique brushstroke to the vast, ever-changing canvas of the bush. The same moment, seen through different eyes, becomes a richer, more vibrant experience. The magic of it all is truly enhanced by the ability to share it with others, as each person brings a new dimension to the adventure. Whether it’s the awe of the first-time guest or the nuanced appreciation of a seasoned safari-goer, these shared experiences create a deeper connection to the bush and to each other. This collective wonder and joy are what make every safari unforgettable, weaving a tapestry of memories cherished by all who are privileged enough to witness it.
Nice story, Reece! And of course it takes me back to our marvelous sighting of athree Rivers and her cub when the little ‘Un was feeling poorly that day. What an incredible sighting that was! I am still looking at my photos every single day. Thank you for the wonderful experience!
Interesting article Reece. I love the photo of the Three Rivers female with the cub playing on her back. She is a very tolerant Mother.
We enjoyed a great sighting of Three Rivers and her cub on September 11th, and followed them for quite awhile as they played…..the cub at one point was “pretend hoisting” a clump of grass and chasing dirt and sand down the banks of the drainage line! So cute and special!
photo of these two, 3-Rivers mother and cub, is just wonderful! All the playfulness and love of the two’s shown. I love it. And your blog is really poetic.
Dear Reece, thanks for this interesting view of different perspectives. So happy to see a few pics of Plaque rock, I am still sad, that she is gone.
Hi Reece, your enthusiasm is well expressed in this lovely blog, with two of the most beautiful leopards of Londolozi, that is to say The Three Rivers female with her too -adorable -for- words cub and the sadly passed away Plaque Rock female. When she was filmed by Sean while playing with her cub she was so alike, merry and full of life. I have always admired the Three Rivers female coat pattern and proportions, sometimes smaller leopards are exquisite, like the Piccadilly female or the Ndzanzeni female. The cub has a bit longer fur and reminds her father too… she’s so attached to her mum. The pictures are really stunning and telling a story of their lives, you all together created the pieces of a gorgeous puzzle…
Well expressed Reese and so true about each persons’s perspective when viewing an animal. Many times I’ve sat with my guide, in the same vehicle but our differences in where we’re sitting, our settings and a vision of what we would like to achieve always yields totally different images. Each photo taken is based on an individual’s experience at that particular moment in time and is never seen the same way by each person. I may shoot wide to capture the whole story and another person will zoom in for more impact. That’s what make photography such a satisfying and creative activity.
Wonderful photos Reece, especially the one where the Three Rivers female is playing with her cub, and the cubs paws are up in the air. So very special to see this. Every Ranger has their own way of interpreting their sightings, which makes it even more special.
Fabulous sighting, no matter the perspective! What a thrill to see it all!
Very cool post Ross. I especially loved the different perspectives of the leopard photos!