For weeks, the anticipation has been building. More precisely since the day we watched the Ximungwe Female disappear into a cluster of boulders to give birth on the 25 October. We have been following the Ximungwe Female’s every move, hoping for a glimpse of her cub, but sightings have been sporadic.
The morning we found the Ximungwe Female walking across the crest in golden light, before we knew she was leading us to the den where she would give birth on 25 October 2024.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
At almost two months old, the Ximungwe Female and her cub had eluded us repeatedly, and my heart sank when it had been two weeks without anyone having seen the cub. There was a fleeting moment when we faced the harsh reality that the cub may have been lost, but the bush is never predictable, and nature has a way of surprising us when we least expect it.
Now a lot greener, a similar scene two months later as I watched the Ximungwe Female stroll across a clearing on a territorial patrol.
A recent afternoon drive turned into one of those moments. Ranger Tayla Brown and I were in an incredible sighting with the Ximungwe Female as she roamed her territory, patrolling with the quiet grace only a leopard possesses. She moved toward the Maxabene River, heading toward some prominent boulders where we thought she might still be keeping the cub. Our hope surged again, though she continued her patrol in a somewhat haphazard direction. Nevertheless, along with our guests, we remained captivated by her movements.
Little did we know where the Ximungwe Female was leading us as she walked right passed us earlier on in the afternoon.
After nearly an hour and a half of following her, we were completely bewildered by what happened next. We all heard it—the unmistakable sound of a contact call, a soft, yet urgent call from the Ximungwe Female to her cub. This was it. She was calling her cub from a fallen tree, a spot where we knew she had spent some time recently, yet no one had seen any sign of the cub there.
Then, in the blink of an eye, it happened. I caught a fleeting glimpse of something small and swift pouncing from one spot to the next. The still, very small cub dashed from under a weeping wattle tree, disappearing into the trunk of the fallen tree. It was over in a heartbeat, but that split second was enough to send waves of excitement through us all. After almost exactly two months, I had finally seen the cub—alive, healthy, and thriving. Just like the day the Ximungwe Female led us to the den where she gave birth, it was a moment I will never forget.
We waited quietly and patiently, not wanting to disturb the moment. Would the cub come out again? Would we get another glimpse? Our hopes hung on every rustle of leaves and every slight movement. The picture below says it all—the excitement, the relief, and the awe of that first sighting. It’s hard to put into words what a privilege it is to be able to view moments like this.
Quite indescribable the privilege and pure joy of this moment.
As we reflected on the journey from that first day at the boulders to this moment, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. The life of a leopard cub is precarious, and to see this young cub now so full of life and energy, curious yet cautious is a testament to the resilience of these animals. There’s much to look forward to in the coming months as the cub grows, learns, and begins to explore the wilderness that surrounds him as his mother starts to lead him to kills. For now, we celebrate the success of this hidden and elusive little leopard and the journey that lies ahead for him and his mother.
So good that the cub is alive and thriving. A clever mother that she hid her cub so well that nobody and nothing could disturb it for two months. I keep my fingers crossed that this little one will make it through all the dangers of its natural surroundings.
It has been a great journey so far and the cub is doing well so I hope too that it will stay that way.
How precious to see this. Thank you for sharing.
Too precious not to share! Glad you enjoyed the blog Sandra.
That’s fantastic Kelsey, thank you so much for sharing that.
My pleasure Suzanne
What an epic sighting. The cubs is absolutely precious and just beautiful. The Ximhungwe female is just stunning. So glad her cub is ok. Praying she can raise it to adulthood. Has she raised any cubs to adulthood?? Thanks so much for sharing such an amazing moment!!
Always happy to share these special moments Rachelle. She has successfully raised two males – the Mahalala male and the Ntomi male
Marvelous news and video. What a wonderful way to start my day…thank you
My pleasure Karen
What a happy day to hear that this little one is still alive and well. Love those blue eyes!
The blue eyes are so precious at this young age! Glad you enjoyed the update Chelsea
Hi Kelsey such a lovely surprise to see the little cub! Adorable! The Ximungwe female is such a beauty. She took a great effort in raising her previous successful litter, she’s really the kind if Nkoveni Female. The Ntomi male is so precious being her and the Senegal Bush male ‘s son. Do you know if the little one is a male again or a female? So uplifting and heartwarming…..
Hi Francesca, it has been pure magic seeing these early moments of mom and cub together! It is another male again
Hi Kelsey, this is so exciting to see the Ximungwe’s new cub. So very very precious and it is born on my mother’s birthday. She has passed away, but I will remember the date the little cub was born. The Ximungwe female is a special leopardess and her son the Ntomi male was just as special with his speck in his eye. Hope really she raise this cub to adulthood as well. You are so privileged Kelsy and Tayla for viewing this phenomenal sighting first hand. I am sure you have many more special moments to share with your guests and us on email.
Hi Valmai, what a special memory to link this little leopard cub with your mother. The Ximungwe female has done so well and yes hopefully she will continue to do so. Tayla and were overjoyed with excitement when we saw this little cub – a true privilege indeed!
Such great news Kelsey and thanks for including photos of Ximungwe, plus her cub. Since she’s raised two males to independence, I’m hopeful that given she has just one cub, it will be somewhat easier for her to take care of him, but given bush life, who knows?!
My pleasure Denise. Yes I hope see will be successful again with this young male
Sweet moments! Lucky you to have shared them.
So precious! Hopefully there will be another blog soon with more updates
Dear Kelsey, that is so a wonderful story and thanks for sharing this video. It is really a very impressive moment to see such a small cub.
Pleasure Jutta, it was a truly special moment to see this cub at such a young age!
Kelsey, thanks for the pictures of this new cub. I hope it continues to thrive.
Pleasure William, I really hope so too!
A magical game drive it was – sighting of a lifetime. Great post Kelsey.
Indeed it was!! So happy I could share it with you and the family!