We are absolutely through the roof that we finally got to see the newest additions to the Kambula Pride out in the open!
The day before, we had spent hours with their mother as she feasted alongside two other lionesses and both Ndzhenga Males, tucking into not just one, but two zebra foal carcasses. With her belly full, we were certain she would return to her cubs soon. But as the day faded, she stayed put.
The following morning, determined to see this story through, we returned. Fresh tracks pointed us in the right direction—straight toward the den. And finally, after waiting patiently for weeks, the tiny cubs revealed themselves, tumbling about in the open for a brief but magical moment.
On our way back, we stumbled upon a small herd of elephants indulging in a glorious mud bath—a classic attempt to cool off as the morning heat began to build.
Later, we found the Nkoveni Female on the move—though not with any great urgency. With a full belly and no sign of scent-marking, we guessed she had just finished a meal and was now possibly heading off to find her son. Eventually, she settled in the Maxabene Riverbed, seeking shade and swatting away an infuriating number of small biting flies.
The Nkoveni Young Male had stumbled across a large impala carcass. It seemed unlikely that he had made the kill himself—perhaps the impala had died from natural causes—but either way, the young leopard was determined to claim his prize. Watching him summon every ounce of strength to drag the carcass under cover was an impressive show of power for a leopard barely over a year old.
As the rain poured down, the scene took on an almost cinematic quality—the young male, completely exposed, battling the elements as he fought to secure his meal. A leopard in the rain, showcasing the raw beauty and resilience of the wild. If this young male keeps going at this rate, he is bound to grow into a truly formidable leopard.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
To view the Vimeo link, click here.
To Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, click here.
Thanks very much for a very entertaining video. Enjoyed it!! Any news on Tsalala female? Any sign of pregnancy?
Thank you, Jos. The Tsalala Female has been seen on the odd occasion. It is difficult to tell if she is pregnant at this stage but based on her recent mating bouts, I hope that she is pregnant.
Hi Sean, you managed to film those incredible sweet little round balls! Do you know the relationship between their mother and the other lionesses? The Ndzenga males have protected so well their pride, hopefully they will go on with this new ones! The elephants are always a great pleasure to see and watch, and so the gorgeous Nkoveni Female and her son, what a spectacular male he’s becoming, he reminds me the progresses made by the Ntomi males! After all they are half brothers… from an incredibly resilient genepool. What a video. The vegetation is superb. Thank you
The mother has been seen with two other lionesses from the Kambula Pride and all seems amicable. However, I am not sure of the relationship between her and the rest of the pride. I guess only time will tell when she tries to integrate back into the pride.
Thank you so much, Francesca. Yes, the Nkoveni Young Male has some great genetics.
Did the Nkoveni Young Male take down that impala? That would be his second adult impala kill (that we’re aware of anyway) and quite impressive for such a young leopard! He’s certainly learning all the right skills from Mom.
I don’t think he took it down. It might be a bit of a tall order to bring down a fully grown impala ram.
Dear Sean, amazing views of the lion cubs. Thanks a lot.
You are welcome, Jutta. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Those little cubs are just so cute. I’ve fingers crossed that we will be able to see them in another week+. Are there three or four? I had read there were three males and a female but this time I only saw three males. Equally fun to view were the elephants enjoying their mud bath – that little one was so funny trying to emulate its mother and others. Seeing Nkoveni is always a gift as she is so much the lady of Londolozi now that Mashaba has moved further south. She looked so uncomfortable and annoyed, batting the biting flies away but then, it’s part of life. Her son looks so big now, perhaps a bit larger than her at this point. He did seem to be struggling with that carcass but didn’t give up – hopefully he enjoyed a good feed before it was discovered by other prey animals. All in all, a wonderful Sunday stroll through Londolozi!
They are super cute. For your sake I hope they are still around when you are here. There are four cubs.
Spending time with elephants is always entertaining.
I am glad you enjoyed this Virtual Safari.
These tiny lion cubs are so mega cute. Adorable!
The whole video is great again, as every week, Sean.
The Nkoveni Young Male seems to be quite independent from his mother already, as he is managing his own kills or stolen kills. For how long might they stay together? Another year maybe, or less?
Thank you so much, Christa. The Nkoveni Young Male is showing promising signs. Typically a young male leopard will stay with his mother for about 2 years. They can become independent earlier. So my guess would be that he still has a good 8-12 months with her.
Hi Sean, oh those three little lion cubs are toooo gorgeous for words. I can just sit and watch them milling about all day long. So glad the mother had a good meal to eat and will sustain her for at least a day or two. Nkoveni is my favorite leopardess as is her mother the Mashaba female. Is Mashaba still alive, we don’t hear anything about her wear abouts. The Nkoveni young male is going to be a stunning male just like the Ntomi male. Hope he had a good meal from his lucky impala before some hyena would come and steal it.
The cubs are super cute.
Nkoveni Female is a stunning leopardess. The Mashaba Female is still alive and doing well given her age. We don’t see her too often but she is still around.
Great video Sean! So great to see those cubs!!!! We loved seeing the elephants in action and it must have been quite a site for the guests who were so close!
Thank you so much, Michael and Terri.
Very Special to watch the small tau cubs.
Sean, thank you for the wonderful video today. The cute lion cubs and the elephants in the mud wallow were very entertaining. I really was impressed with the young male leopard dragging his found carcass.