Following on from last week’s Virtual Safari—where we left the Kambula Lioness with her four cubs feeding on a carcass in the den—we were curious to know what had unfolded since. It turns out the Kambula Subadults had pushed her off the carcass, prompting her to move her cubs further north to a new den.
We were lucky enough to spend an intimate afternoon at the new site, where the cubs, curious and playful, ventured closer to the vehicle for a better look at us. There’s something truly heartwarming about being still and quiet while tiny lion cubs try to figure you out.
From there, we shift to another incredible sighting—the Three Rivers Female in full hunting mode. We found her locked onto a herd of impalas, crouched low in the long grass as a gusty wind carried her scent away from the herd. Every movement she made was deliberate, and measured. It felt like something was going to happen at any moment…
But, in typical leopard fashion, she surprised us. As the impala moved closer—well within striking distance—she stayed put. No chase, no pounce. Just patience.
And just when we thought the show was over, she gave us the moment I’d been hoping for over the last eight years: she climbed into a Schotia tree that I’ve long imagined a leopard resting in. A perfect ending to the sighting, and a perfect way to close this week’s Virtual Safari.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
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The cubs are so darn adorable.
They really are so cute.
Hello Sean, Tack you for an amazing Virtual Safari!
Always fantastic to watch! Thank you for sharing!
You are most welcome. I am glad you enjoyed it.
I love your virtual safaris. There the best part of my week. I can’t wait to come back & do it in person.
That is so nice to hear, I am glad I am able to keep you in touch with this incredible piece of wilderness until your next visit.
Hi Sean, the little cubs are over the top of sweetness and very entertaining, the one falling asleep is incredibly irresistible! Always great to see elephants and the Three Rivers female, the vision of her on the Scotia tree which is magnificent, one of the most beautiful trees, the landscape from above absolutely a dream with the king Scotia in the middle and the lovely leopard resting. Where was her daughter? I still have a soft spot for her… the way she behaves… who knows how her way to independence will be…
It was so cute watching the lion cubs. THe view of the Three Rivers Female in that Schotia tree was spectacular. Her daughter was no where around so she must have been left behind by her mother while she was out hunting.
Hi Sean, what amazing footage of the Three Rivers Female leopard, just a pity she never caught any impala for dinner. Something must of been hindering her, as you say maybe she could not move freely in that bush to get the actual kill. But nevertheless the viewing of her was fantastic. So glad Mom lioness moved her beautiful cubs away from the carcass, there where she is now is much safer for the cubs. They are so gorgeous, just watching them makes you smile and hoping that they all 4 will grow up to adulthood.
I was so surprised that the Three Rivers Female didn’t have a go after the impalas but there must have been a reason for her to not. I agree, watching the tiny lions does make you smile.
Another wonderful video of the week, Sean.
These lion cubs are incredibly cute and so curious. It’s such a pleasure to watch them.
And really bad luck for the Three Rivers female that she missed catching one of the Impalas. Though good luck for them, of course.
A fantastic video!
Thank you so much, Christa. The lion cubs are super cute. It was such a shame for the Three Rivers Female , but very lucky impalas.
The Three Rivers female is looking great and what a fantastic moment to see her climb that Schotia tree and strike the perfect pose. I was sorry to have missed seeing her but she had gone over to the other side. The cubs are so darn cute and you captured some terrific footage of them. Seeing them was one of the highlights of my stay, rolling over each other, a couple venturing away from mom to explore in the thick grasses, then spotting us in the vehicle, staring tentatively all the while curious at the same time. Elephants are always a highlight!