Having recently been introduced to the Londolozi blogs, I’m thrilled to share my very first TWIP with you all!
The past few weeks at Londolozi have presented a transition period as summer begins its gradual retreat. The rains have been sporadic, and temperatures have been fluctuating – from scorching heat during the day to some crisp mornings that call for an extra layer on game drive.
With summer gradually winding down, the skies have put on a breathtaking display, creating stunning backdrops for photography. These conditions have made for some exciting opportunities to experiment with composition, particularly with animals in the foreground. As always, the past few weeks have been nothing short of spectacular. Wild dog activity has been a highlight, with three different packs moving through the reserve. Lions have been plentiful, and leopards—true to form—have maintained a strong presence.
A few standout moments include the playful antics of elephant calves and, for me personally, the joy of seeing Ximungwe’s new cub!
Let us know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy The Week in Pictures…
As the sun was setting, we heard monkeys alarm calling. Driving to see if there was any predator in the area, we spotted the Xinzele Female, who then proceeded to climb into the ‘perfect’ leopard tree.
Northern territory specialist born 2017. Successfully raised the Thumbela Female while establishing dominance in NW Marthly's dramatic lands
The larger of the magnificent Plains Camp Male lions was following the Tsalala Female across an open crest. One way to distinguish between the two dominant brothers is the distinct scar across his right eye.
The ever-dynamic interaction between wild dogs and hyenas was on display. This hyena was in the process of stealing the remains of an impala lamb from the wild dogs. The impala, as seen, is on the ground just in front of the hyena. The wild dog took exception to this and attempted to chase the hyena away by sinking its teeth into the hindquarters of the opportunistic scavenger.
A zebra perched on-top of a termite mound with rain clouds looming in the background.
My first clear sighting of the new Ximungwe Female’s cub. The cub was scanning the surroundings before descending the Marula tree to join his mother on the ground. They climbed down from the tree, where their kill was stored, to grab a drink of water from a nearby puddle.
A beautiful sighting of the Makatini family enjoying the warmth of the morning sun. They looked relaxed and content as the golden light highlighted their coats, making for a peaceful and special moment.
A martial eagle on the banks of the sand river, scanning the surrounding landscape for a possible potential meal.
Probably my favorite photo. The Jacana Female had a young waterbuck carcass in the top left of this Marula tree. As she moved to defend the tree, she paused in an open gap of the tree, gazing at us. We kept our distance out of respect for her skittish nature, allowing for this unique image.
Born 2021, striking orange-eyed leopardess. Young female boldly claiming unconventional grassland territory in southwestern Londolozi.
After discovering the Ottawa pack resting near a waterhole, we watched as they began to stir at dusk, preparing to search for a meal before settling in for the night. One of the pack members climbed a termite mound, scanning the horizon in hopes of spotting potential prey and leading the rest of the pack in the right direction.
A breathtaking sight of the Ximungwe Female and her cub intently watching a hyena that had caught the scent of her hoisted impala. Their focused gaze reflected the tension of the moment as they assessed the approaching animal.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
The Ximungwe Female resting while her cub feeds on their impala kill.
This young elephant gave us some excitement as it showed its curiosity to the vehicle, giving us a few trumpets along the way.
A portion of a few of the Kabula subadults resting in the cool sand of the Sand River on a hot summer’s afternoon.
A picture-perfect moment of the Nkoveni Female peacefully perched atop a termite mound. The overcast conditions allowed her to remain in the open later than usual that morning. Our search for her was long and challenging—we had her tracks but initially came up empty. However, after looping back, we discovered fresher tracks on top of our previous ones, confirming she was close. After nearly three hours of tracking, we finally found her, making the sighting all the more rewarding.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
Beautiful series. I especially love the Ximungwe and cub shot!
Amazing photo’s. The Plains Camp Male and the Black and white photos a standout for me.
Dean. You are showing off some beautifully draped leopards! The wild dog nipping the hyena’s flank brought a smile to my face. But the composition from that Martial Eagle taking flight from the dead truly soared!!
My goodness Dean, you’ve set the bar high for yourself! Lots of amazing shots – love the martial eagle in flight. Ximungwe in the tree with her cub is great, but my favourite one is the cub descending the tree – he is so beautifully framed by the branches and the expression on his face of “how am I going to do this?” is just wonderful!
Dean, thanks for the update and beautiful images! You seem to have a great eye for getting some really great shots! We added a few of them to our favorites. Our favorite is the one of the Ximungwe Female and her cub nestled in the tree together! Bravo!
The photo y Dean of the mother leopard and cub in tree is more than a little special .
11/10
What a collection! Wow! Leopards are the top.as always, but I do love the cheetah family too and the Plain Camp male is gorgeous. I agree with you, the Jacana female already in herself is a rare beauty and the whole picture fantastic. Happy to see the Ximungwe female and her adorable cub, the Xinzele female and the Nkoveni… the wild dog has a mean expression and he attacks by back side it’s not fair 🙂 although hyena often do the same
Lovely TWIP Dale, thank you. Really loved them all, but Ximungwe and her new cub is my definite favourite.
The picture of the hyena being bitten by the wild dog is an amazing shot. It must be my favorite this week.
It’s hard to choose but if I have to… love the cheetah family and the Martial Eagle. Thanks for your great shots!
Wonderful collection of images this week! My hands down favorite is the dramatic shot of the zebra against the angry sky. Awesome!
Absolutly stunning pics- that must be a great week-love Ximungwe and her cub.
Hi Dean, all your photos are beautiful. My favorite one is the Ximungwe female in the tree with her female cub. I also love the Nkoveni female lying on a termite mount. The Kambula sub adults are really beautiful and they are growing up so quickly.
Amazing week Dean! At first the cheetah family was my fave but then the little ellie is so sweet! And also the Ximungwe Female and her cub, finally the martial eagle w/ the dead tree and menacing sky! Perfect!
Thanks for the lovely photos.
My favorite one is the one of the Ximungwe female and her cute cub. And also the one of the hyena being bitten by a wild dog.
But the young elephant, the martial eagle and all the others are also so special and great.
You’ve assembled a fantastic series of photos for your first TWIP. Every one of your leopard shots are special from Ximungwe’s cub in a tree to the Jacana female draped so nicely in that Marula tree. I admit I laughed at the wild dog nipping at the hyena’s behind, as it’s different from your others. Looking forward to seeing more of your favorite images.
Also who does not love seeing a baby elephant pretend to charge with ears flapping and trumpeting.
Great TWIP Dean, some truly special pics – bravo!
So manny stunning images of various animals with trees–I loved it!
I love the shot of the wild dog biting the hyena’s haunch.
Great photos, Dean! Brings us back to our time there with you! The Nkoveni female will always hold a special place in my heart. Hope you’re well!
-Perla