In today’s Virtual Safari, we reconnect with a true Londolozi legend—a remarkable 16-year-old female leopard who has captivated countless visitors over the years. Once a familiar sight around the Londolozi Camps, her territory has shifted in recent times, making her appearances increasingly rare. This sighting is a special reminder to savour every moment we get with her, as we never know when it could be the last.
We were thrilled to find her looking in fantastic condition, sparking hope that she might continue to defy the odds and live for a few more years. Although the record for the oldest leopard at Londolozi belongs to the Nottens Female, who reached an impressive 18 years of age, it’s not impossible that this iconic leopard could come close.
Adding to the magic of the moment was a personal connection—this leopard was the first one I ever saw at Londolozi back in January 2017, making this encounter even more meaningful.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
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Mashaba, a legend in her own time. When I think about the leopards of Londolozi, besides the Mother Leopard, the first one that comes to mind is the well-known female, Mashaba, who although has raised only two daughters to independence, has definitely left her imprint on anyone who has seen her or been following her story.
She looks amazing considering her age and the difficulties she must be facing in securing food whilst avoiding other predators. I was hoping to see her last month during my time south of your border, but she was deep in a drainage line, and so your video is extra special. Hopefully she will stay around for many more sightings.
I suspected it was the Mashaba female once you mentioned her age, but when I saw the spot on her nose I knew. 🙂 She looks remarkable for a 16 year old leopard. Let’s hope she has a couple of years left. As a great-grandmother I’d say she’s left an important legacy beyond being beloved by so many.
She looks superb. Our last encounter with her was on an August 2022 afternoon drive. Mashaba and her daughter, the Ximungwe female, were grumpily sharing a kill. Suddenly, up from the left comes another leopard. It was Ntomi, then called the Ximungwe young male. So grandma, momma, son. Impressive family!
It was very exciting to be there the day a little over a week ago when Patrick and Dorence first sighted her. They had both left the vehicle looking for a small pride of lions reportedly in the area when they both suddenly burst out of the brush at a dead run, leaping into the vehicle. Their excitement was evident as they explained to us her history and that it had been quite some time since she had been seen. We were fortunate to follow her for some time, and as we left her I recall seeing you headed toward her. Great blog.
What a gift to see the Mashaba female. Thank you for sharing! She is an inspiration
Hi Sean, oh that was such a surprise to see the Mashaba female again. She is looking absolutely wonderful for a 16 year old female. I remember her from when I first started following Londolozi Safari emails way back then. I always just wanted to know if Mashaba is okay and what she is up to. She is very special and a real legend
as you say Sean. Thanks for sharing and let’s hope her last days or years are peaceful and quiet.
Dear Sean, so happy to see Mashaba still alive, and in a good healthy condition. It is true, in the 6 times I was at Londolozi, I saw her a often- very special with her three cubs. And her daughters are doing well, so I hope she stay a long time -as a mother leopard. Thanks for that emotional moment too see her again.
Forget-My profile is one of the three Mahaba cubs.
So wonderful to see the Mashaba Female again, if only on video, and to know that she is still in such a good shape. It’s really great that we can follow these leopards for such a long time when they come as old as the Mashaba is. Hopefully she will have a couple of more peaceful years.
Sean, It’s so great that you found her – Terri is thrilled! We have followed her since 2011 when she was still Vomba Young Female and we have literally 100’s of images of her! The special mark on her nose was always the giveaway. We did see her in 2023 and hope to see her again in 2025 when we return. She looks healthy and strong!
It’s so reassuring to see the Mashaba female and in such good shape. We searched for her during our visit but to no avail; great news that she’s been seen on the reserve.
What a gift Sean! You were blessed with such an encounter, I’m over the moon to see her, a symbol, a magic creature of the bush… I’m sorry she lost her last litter. I look forward to receiving more news again… big thank you
Ps I recognised her as soon as I saw her picture. Unmistakable!
Sean, like many of the other commenters, I knew it was Mashaba before the video started – I could have been on one else with the unique spot on her nose and her age. I first saw her in 2015, heavily pregnant with Ximungwe female, and she has been for years the home screen on my phone. So happy she is back on Londolozi for a while. I wish her a peaceful next couple of years.
Correction – It could have been no one else!
What a moving instant ! Mashaba is back… Don’t you think Sean that – as old leopards (mostly females), often do – she came back to her birth place and to the place she gave birth to her own cubs? A place she knows well and perhaps regarded as safer?
Wow, so wonderful to see the legendary Mashaba Female leopard Sean! And even better to see her in such excellent condition. I really hope she can continue to survive the tricky dynamics of the leopard population at Londolozi, and steer clear of danger. Wishing her the very best!
We were lucky enough to see her on our last game drive on Friday morning, and thought she looked in great condition. It was an extra special sighting as had already seen Xinkhova and Nkoveni with her male cub.