This week’s Virtual Safari takes us on an unforgettable journey with the stunning yet elusive Ngungwe Female Leopard. From an awesome throwback to an incredible sighting of her near Finfoot Crossing, to a recent and astonishing discovery, this episode is packed with wildlife magic.
Our adventure begins with a sighting of the Ngungwe Female feeding on an impala carcass over the course of two whole game drives. But as mesmerizing as she is, our focus shifts to an extraordinary gathering of around 60 elephants at the Sand River. Watching them drink, mud-wallow, and cool off after a toasty day is an experience we won’t forget.
Fast forward to the present day, and while exploring the northern reaches of Londolozi, we find a pack of wild dogs as it is getting dark and a brewing thunderstorm in the distance. It’s always thrilling to see these endangered predators. But the true highlight comes the following morning when Megan shares some intriguing news. She has strong evidence suggesting the Ngungwe Female may be denning near Marthly Pools.
What happens next takes us completely by surprise.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
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What a fabulous way to end 2024, thank you Sean. I’m sure I’m not alone in loving the longer format as it makes it a much more immersive experience (though probably a lot of extra work for you!) Being able to listen to,as well as watch, the ellies in the Sand river splashing about is joyous, especially that little one charging you! And I could watch leopards grooming all day – and it was wonderful to watch Ngungwe carrying that tiny cub.
Happy New Year!
Oh wow! A mother leopard carrying a cub with drone footage is certainly a first for me. Let’s hope this little family stays safe and well for the long haul.
Hi, the Ngungwe female is stunning… she lives in a beautiful place. Elephants are so relaxing and calves so funny to watch, they roll all together in mould and the charge was great! Nice to see wild dogs rolling on the grass instead of being always running after some animals. I hear buzzing and singing, there must be lots of birds and insects, so flowers as well! Looking forward to seeing the cub/s…
Phenomenal video this week Sean, thanks !
What a spectacular video to end this year, Sean. I could have watched the elephants for hours, not to speak of the wonderful fact that the Ngungwe female has cubs or at least one cub. She has really chosen a very good hiding place for her cub/s.
I am looking forward to hearing more about them.
This little elephant mock attacking the car was also such great fun.
What a wonderful job you have!
I wish everybody including all these fantastic animals a happy and healthy new year!
You absolutely do have one of the greatest jobs on earth! And I’m so happy that you are able to share with all of us 🫶🏽 Fabulous video!
Epic virtual safari today Sean! Watching the Ngungwe female in the early part of your video took me back to ’21 when I watched her mother, Piccadilly, move about her territory for a good couple of hours, only to settle down on a fallen over tree and assume the typical leopard position of back legs handing on either side. She is definitely her mother’s daughter by just looking at her face. Ngungwe was a cub then and extremely skittish, affording me a less than a minute’s view. I couldn’t believe how far she carried her tiny cub to the new rocky den. It’s fortunate you had the drone camera with you. Between her and Ximungwe, you should have some amazing leopard sightings in the next few weeks if all goes well.
Finfoot is a phenomenal crossing to watch the elephants drink, play and enjoy their mud baths. I captured some fun footage of them in October during my visit – moms, calves and feisty young bulls. Finding a family of elephants to observe is always magical and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyones’ faces. Looking forward to seeing more adventures in the new year. Happy New Year to everyone!!