As we approach the end of the year, a usual time for reflection on the year gone by, I found myself scrolling through the archives of my content and came across a particular sighting that was a highlight from the first quarter of this year.
A series of moments that took the entire vehicle by surprise, I thought I would share how one morning’s game drive unfolded through a selection of images below…
Curious Crocodile
One morning in the middle of February, we set out on game drive with the hope of finding the Nkoveni Female. We headed straight towards Shingi Dam (a prominent water hole within her territory), and as we were driving around the clearing next to the water, we slammed on brakes after spotting an enormous crocodile on the move through the clearing.
While typically tied to water, crocodiles can travel surprising distances on land, sometimes venturing several kilometers to reach new water sources or scavenge for food. These terrestrial journeys, though infrequent, highlight their adaptability and determination.
Fixated by an unusual sighting of a crocodile on the move and away from water’s edge, our eyes focused on it as it moved further and further away from the water.
After a few moments assessing the scene, myself and Equalizer began to scan our surroundings, knowing too well that there must be a strong reason motivating the crocodile to venture across the clearing.
Drawn by the scent of a kill and the crunching of bones, this crocodile ventured beyond its watery realm, on the hunt for its share of the feast.
The Distracted Nkoveni Female
Initially hidden in the grass in the middle of the clearing, the Nkoveni Female suddenly popped her head up revealing herself to our vehicle and the crocodile. After an exhilarating moment of discovery realizing we had found the leopard we set out to find (thanks to simply stopping to view the crocodile), we quickly realized she was feeding on an impala kill at her feet hidden by the grass.
Nothing could ever dampen the satisfaction of spotting a leopard in the wild. Feeling grateful to have been in the right place at the right time on this particular morning, thanks to the crocodile catching our attention!
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
An Opportunistic Hyena
Moments after spotting the Nkoveni Female (and before I even had the chance to explain to our guests that the crocodile was clearly on a hot pursuit in the direction of the leopard having heard her feeding on the kill), an opportunistic hyena came running towards the clearing. Clearly with the same intention as the crocodile.
We lost view of the crocodile after it got spooked by the hyena running past at speed and it steadily returned to the water. Without any trees nearby to hoist the remaining kill, the Nkoveni Female was also on the backfoot and so within a few seconds the scene changed and we were suddenly watching a hyena hastily take possession of the remaining kill.
Given leopard’s solitary nature, they often avoid conflict where necessary, and often hyena will be able to overpower female leopards in these types of situations. However, the Nkoveni Female initially seemed persistent as if she wanted to try to steal her meal back.
Back in February, Nkoveni was mother to her latest litter, at that time she was still raising three two-month old cubs that were being kept in the area. It was therefore important for her to hunt and replenish her energy at every given chance given her motherly responsibilities. It was clear that given her situation, she was adamant in sticking around and patiently waiting to see if there would be an opportunity to claim back her kill from the hyena.
Walking in circles around the hyena, trying to encroach on his space, the Nkoveni Female seemed to come away from this second best. Without a nearby tree to hoist the kill with speed to get away from the hyena, she eventually took the loss and slinked away from the clearing.
Within what had only been about 15 minutes but felt like a much longer period of time and whirlwind of chaos and action, the scene settled with the Nkoveni Female slinking away having admitted her loss and to get away from alarming monkeys that were also in the area observing. The hyena proudly stood in the middle of the clearing, with immense satisfaction for the free food he had managed to claim.
What a memorable morning!
How interesting. I had no idea crocodile would venture out of the water so far to investigate a carcass. I’m surprised it was spooked by the hyena, but perhaps it felt uncomfortable being on land. Definitely not your everyday sighting!
What an incredible tableau, Kate! And as always, the insightful Equalizer enhanced the sighting. Many good wishes to both of you for a splendid 2025
At first I was surprised to see the crocodile quickly reatreating… after all, a hyena bite isn’t a good option, outside of water they are vulnerable to predators. The Nkoveni Female surely is able to judge the situation, being a female, even if large and strong, she hasn’t the chance of fighting for morsel like several male leopards do..
Hi Kate, you certainly had a front row viewing of these three predators in a time space of about 15 minutes. The crocodile would of given me the creeps, but the leopard and especially Nkoveni is one of my favorite female leopards, would of been the highlight of the drive. Just to be upset seeing the hyena coming to steal the kill. It is heartbreaking to see the leopards work so hard to catch a kill, just to be stolen by a hyena. So unfair!!!
High drama in the bush today. Thanks for the story Kate.
What a cool and very special sighting!
The bush is. So full of incredible surprises.
This also makes in so addictive. One wants to see all these incredible encounters between different species.
What an incredible drive to witness three predators within a short period of time, and one being completely out of his normal habitat. It’s definitely one to remember!!