Water is the lifeblood of Londolozi and we are very fortunate to have that in abundance at this time of year. A couple weeks ago we had a beautiful downpour of rain that filled up all the water holes and small mud wallows around the reserve but more importantly, the catchment area of the Sand River received a good helping causing it to rise significantly.
An aerial photo of the Sand River.
With the Sand River being a permanent source of water there is always an abundance of animals that congregate here and although there is water all around the reserve, still at this time of year it is no different. Driving the roads along the river you can almost guarantee there will be at least one herd of elephants enjoying the coolness that the water brings on hot summer days. We are often encapsulated for hours with these big herds of elephants as we closely watch the youngsters trying to emulate the actions of the rest of the herd while drinking and trying to coat themselves in water. Often the youngsters don’t have control over their trunks and it’s very amusing watching them try to navigate and fine-tune these motor skills.
Along with a lot of the antelope species you can see along the way, the causeway is a great spot to be as you head along the river, with an abundance of bird life, often a pod of hippos sheltering themselves from the sun and a fair few crocodiles lying on the causeway itself awaiting the flowing water to bring a fish into its jaws. As well as the river being a great place for all antelope and a myriad of other animals it is also a great place for predators to be as well. The thick vegetation and riverine thickets make it an ideal place to hunt, sneak around and remain undetected and therefore a great place for us to search for them.
What Leopards do we see along the Sand River?
Starting to the west of camps for a long time it has been the territory of the Nhlanguleni Female and still is. In the last 12 months, she has started to venture further west but she is still seen in and around camp. Being born in 2011 she is one of the older leopards we see on the reserve and she is looking fairly healthy for a leopard this age, albeit still recovering from that injury to her back left foot from a few months ago. As she is in prime territory I’m sure she will face a lot of pressures from younger female leopards looking to take over her spot.
The Nhlanguleni Female provided great viewing as she rested up on a rock with a beautiful rock fig growing out of the cavities.
Initially skittish female who transformed into a regular presence. Made history by raising first intact litter since her own generation.
Heading further east along the river is the complete opposite, the Xinkhova Female is territorial here and she is probably the youngest independent leopard we see regularly. Unlike the Nhlanguleni Female her journey as an independent leopard has just begun having recently taken over this territory from the late Plaque Rock Female. Being four years old her first litter is imminent which will be an unbelievable moment for her, and hopefully provide us with some more unbelievable viewing.
A thrilling sighting as we tried to keep up with the Xinkhova Female as she moved through the Sand River. Eventually, we got a spectacular view of her as she walked out into the open across the boulders in the morning golden light.
Born 2021, daughter of Nkoveni. Young dynamo actively claiming territory near camps, showing promise as next generation's dominant female.
If we cross the Sand River into the north, we have starting to see the Ngungwe Female more frequently venturing down to the river and spending time around the boulders in front of the Londolozi camps. This first-time mother is now raising two cubs so we are hoping that this will anchor her a little more and help us predict her movements. What we have tended to see is that the Sand River is a natural boundary between the leopard territories and it is not often we see them crossing the river. However, we have seen the Nhlanguleni Female venture quite deep into the north and chase the Ngungwe Female off of a carcass.
In terms of Male leopards, there’s only one to really speak about and that’s the Maxims Male. He has a huge territory, being dominant over this whole section of the river encompassing both the Nhlanguleni Female and Xinkhova Females’ territories. So if both were to have cubs at this point I assume the Maxim’s Male would be the father. He has been an extremely successful leopard here at Londolozi having presumably fathered several cubs that have gone independent as well as two that will hopefully become independent in the next 12 or so months.
Dominant since 2019. Once skittish Kruger-born giant now rules vast territory, transforming from elusive presence to formidable force.
Although I wouldn’t say that we see him along the Sand River too frequently, a young but sizeable male leopard is starting to feature more frequently and could begin to put pressure on the Maxim’s Male in the near future. The Hlambela Male is a stunning and fairly large young male that could be a regular feature soon. Watch this space.
The Sand River is a place that is ever changing in terms of territories and there is always something new that is happening. In terms of vegetation, it is the ideal spot for a leopard to hunt and raise their young. This is not to say these are the only leopards we see along here there are often sightings of young males moving through the area as well as various females trying to expand their territories and being seen here. Stay tuned for the next blog where we take a look at the different lion prides and coalitions that spend their time around the river.
Londolozi certainly seems to be blessed with leopard activity. Such an elusive cat yet you guys have such an abundance of sightings. Thanks Ross for the great pictures. The Maxim male is certainly a magnificent specimen. I was just wondering how many female leopard territories could Londolozi theoretically support and secondly how your identification convention works? I see the Nkoveni female plus her offspring (Xinkhova) both are 2:2.
This feels like a silly question, but what do guests do when it rains? Do the rains there tend to come in quick downpours that pass, or does it rain all day? I’d hate to travel all that way and be rained out (which is why we visited in the fall). I’m glad the water levels are looking healthy now. Do we know if the Xinkhova leopard is pregnant, or is it just a matter of time?
Thanks for the update Ross! We really look forward to seeing Xinkhova on our next visit!
Hi Ross, the Nhlanguleni female is always so lovely, beautiful slender and elegant, I’m sorry she hasn’t still recovered from her injury. The Xinkova female being the Nkoveni ‘s daughter couldn’t be less successful. Great expectation for cubs! The Maxim male has an incredible muzzle, his ears seem small in comparison, he looks a good- tempered guy, his expression is the opposite to leopards like the Senegal Bush male or the Inyathini male. This new male leopard has beautiful refined features, who knows what will happen. Has anybody seen the Maxim male fighting with other males? I followed tales about him, but never read such a thing. He appears to be very large in size and also quite balanced….
Ps I meant to say, great expectation for news about the Ngungwe female, which is so amazing, and the Xinkova in the future
Hi Ross I don’t know the Hlambela young male, but is going to be a stunning leopard. I love the Maxim’s male, so huge and absolutely stunning. Nhlanguleni is really getting old know as is Mashaba female. But they are both still looking in good condition. The sand river brings lots of animals together, because water brings life.
Xinkhova female is also a beauty in her own right. Thanks for the update Ross.
Based upon experience, the Sand River always delivers something interesting to see, whether it’s a predator or prey, and as far as the latter goes, there have been many amazing sightings of leopards in and around the river. It’s good to learn that Nhlanguleni has recovered from her foot injury, enough that’s she’s able to hunt and keep healthy. It’s hard to believe that the Maxim male’s territory is so all encompassing as I remember when both the Flat Rock and Senegal Bush males shared the reserve, along with a stray male now and then. So who is Hlambela? I would have thought Nottens, Tortoise Pan, or even Ntsumi might try to carve out some territory.
Nice update on all the leopards that call the Sand River area home, Ross. Thanks.
Thanks, Ross, for this update on some of Londolozi’s most prominent leopards.
It’s good to know that they are all fine, especially the older ones and that the younger generation is gaining some territory of their own