As the bush slowly but surely continues to awaken to the energy of spring, this week has been one of exhilarating patience and reward. Through setting clear intentions, manifesting, skilful tracking and of course a touch of luck led to a diversity of leopard sightings across all corners of the reserve. We were fortunate to encounter the Three Rivers female and her growing cub, the Ximungwe and Xinzele females and some of the up and coming young males – the Nottens, Ntomi and Xitsalala males – each adding their own magic to the week’s encounters. The sight of these incredible cats, often in golden-hour light, reminded us of the thrill that comes with dedicated tracking and the bush’s unique rhythm.
In addition to our leopard-filled days, the Sand River delivered a mesmerising scene of elephants crossing, their silhouettes contrasting beautifully against the glowing riverbanks. After several months without a sighting, the Kambula male lions made a surprise appearance, a strong reminder of their quiet dominance in the area. And in a more lighthearted moment, one of our resident hippos gave us a laugh, rolling over in the water with his feet in the air—a display you don’t see every day!
From the silent intensity of tracking to the laughter and surprise of nature’s more playful displays, this week captures the unpredictability and beauty of Londolozi and the spring energy… even if we are still awaiting some decent rainfall for the shades of green to emerge.
Enjoy this week’s collection, celebrating both the patience and spontaneity that make each day here so unique.
That moment when you least expect it and there they are – Three Rivers and her cub right out in the open finally revealing themselves after a long and rewarding search.
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 young female keeps her gaze focused on a squirrel that is scurrying around the branch of the tree above.
A young bull crossing the Sand River, where the burst of green are attracting numerous grazers.
Whilst originally setting our intention to find the Nottens male, we naturally changed our course as we spotted the Ximungwe female walking across the crest facing beautifully into the golden morning light.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
That afternoon we were back on the search for the Nottens male. We zig-zagged and looped around persistently in our endeavours until just before sunset when he emerged from a clump of reads at just the right moment when we were able to spot him. He then proceeded to pose from some nearby boulders which are seemingly become a favourite spot for this young male.
The Nottens male giving off a yawn before he wandered off for the evening in pursuit of his next meal.
A splitting image of his father the Nweti Male. He is a young leopard roaming the southern extent of Londolozi at the moment.
Two young male giraffes pause mid-battle, their necks still entwined against the clear blue sky creating an elegant display of strength and rivalry.
It was almost hard to gage if the Ntomi male was just having fun or scent marking – perhaps a bit of both. It was a real treat to see this young male again as his territory has shifted further west beyond our boundary for the most part.
A single cub of the Ximungwe Female's second litter. Initially rather skittish but is very relaxed now. Birth mark in his left eye.
From the more playful side to focused – A noticeable shift in the Ntomi male’s body language as he ascends a termite mound and spots a duiker off in the distance.
Looking better than ever, it was great to see the Kambula males again, head up to the wind as it seemed the scent of something had caught there attention.
Majestic and powerful – this Kambula male commands respect as he enters his prime.
With a sly grin that seems almost like a smile, this hyena cub gazes confidently at the camera. Its mischievous expression reflects the playful yet resilient nature of these often misunderstood animals in the wild.
The Xitsalala male, well framed between the two trees, lifted his gaze momentarily and struck a regal pose before continuing to snooze the afternoon away.
A handsome young male leopard that originates from Ngala in the Timbavati Reserve north of here. He had a sister who made it to independence
You never know whats around the next corner – This time it was the Xinzele female, also striking a regal pose from a termite mound along the banks of the Manyelethi River.
A small female often found in NW Marthly. Similar spot pattern to her mother the Ingrid Dam Female.
A high-key edit of the Xinzele female from the termite mound.
One of the 3 cheetah cubs dreaming big as it had its eyes set on a herd of wildebeest not to far off. The Makatini female and her 3 cubs are still thriving and providing some spectacular viewing.
This resident hippo rolls over in a playful dive to submerge its back, truly looking as happy as a hippo can be in its favourite waters.
How would be possible to choose a picture? There is such an incredible collection of big cats and cubs! The giraffe and the elephant make great pictures too, but I must say that the hippo made me smile and is an incredible picture I would choose as nr 1. The hyena cub is the nicest I’ve ever seen. Not the Three Rivers females’ cub or the cheetah cub but really nice… all cats are in their prime I see. The Ntomi male makes me smile too, he’s superb and I see the Senegal Bush male in him, his large chest and pose. At the beginning I thought the Ximungwe female was him! Then I noticed the difference
Thanks Francesca, it is hard to choose a favourite! It was a great week 🙂
Kelsey, Thanks for the update on all the activity! Your photos are spectacular. We love the image of the three Kambula males. They are very handsome men for sure!
Always a pleasure. They really are looking good!
What a thrilling leopard week, Kelsey! And your images of them are all special. And those of the Kambula males are amazing! Such huge, golden manes. More males to add to the lion dynamics!
Thanks Mary Beth! It was an exceptional week and hopefully we will be seeing more of the Kambula males again.
This is a fantastic TWIP Kelsey, highlighting so many of the favorite leopards seen in Londolozi. It was wonderful to see Ntomi as I know he’s been spending his days further west of his natal area. Your capture of the hippo, feet in the air, is priceless. Your patience, planning and tracking are definitely evident in your images shared with us today.
Thank you Denise! It was a great week and a lot of fun tracking 🙂
So many wonderful photos, Kelsey. I always appreciate the ones of cats, of course, they are just my favorite animals. The one I like the most this week is the funny one of the Naomi male in the bush. And the two giraffes and the cute cheetah cub, and, and and… So many leopards, fantastic. And the male lions look really gorgeous.
Thanks Christa, I’m glad you enjoyed them all. The sighting of Ntomi was really entertaining!
Dear Kelsey, thanks for that wonderful cat TWIP. Nice shot with Ntomi in the bush.
My pleasure Jutta! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
SO happy to see the Ntomi male…missed his beautiful face! Noticed the unusual markings on the Nottens male’s ears! Also the Xitsalala male’s fuzzy ears! Love the hyena cub’s grin too 🙂
Thanks Anita, I’m glad you enjoyed all the face, new and old!
Your last picture of the hippo reminds me of the old adage, “You can lead a horse to eater, but you can’t make them drink” which you have paraphrased to: “You can lead a hippo to water, but you’ve accomplished nothing if you can’t get him to float on his back!” Great images overall especially the cats!!!
Haha so true! Thanks Bob and Lucie 🙂
Hi Kelsey, we surely are spoilt this week with lots of photos of the leopards. So glad to see the Ntomi male again. He seems to be doing well and always looking for an opportunity to find something. Giraffe’s are beautiful and those two Kambula male lions are very impressive.
It really was a week of spoils. Thanks Valmai.
What a wonderful TWIP Kelsey. So many amazing leopard images that it’s impossible to pick a favorite!
Thanks Paul!
Kelsey, my favorite picture this week is the Ntomi male in the bush. Just an extraordinary shot.
Thank you William! He is always entertaining 🙂
So hard to choose a favorite. They are all excellent photos! The cheetah cub and Ntomi male was just having fun or scent marking
Thanks Sandra! It was an exceptional week and very hard to pick a favourite!
Great TWIP Kelsey, the image of Ntomi made me laugh and is my favourite.
Many thanks again to you and Richard for a fantastic 6 days and many wonderful memories.
Thanks Suzanne! Glad you enjoyed the Ntomi male picture – he is always very entertaining.
Such a pleasure Suzanne, see you next year!
I love the smiling hyena–I certainly smiled in return. Glad to hear the cheetah family is thriving. The Nottens male already looks so impressive that it’s hard to believe he’s a young leopard.
Glad you could share a smile with the hyena Chelsea! The Nottens is a very impressive young male and we look forward to seeing more of him
A super TWIP, thank you Kelsey. Stunning cats; cats everywhere. Loved all the pics, I never find it possible to choose a favourite. Lovely to see the little cheetah growing up.
Thank you Jane! It’s always tough to pick a favourite 🙂