At Londolozi, as most of you know, we’re incredibly fortunate with the animals we see daily. Our leopard viewing, in particular, is world-renowned, thanks to individuals like the Ximungwe Female, who continues to provide us with breathtaking sightings.
The Ximungwe Female and Ntomi Male in a dead leadwood. The Ntomi Male was the last cub she raised to independence. He is still seldom seen on Londolozi.
Born 2021, son of Ximungwe Female. Distinguished by eye freckle, grown into formidable male dominant in the west.
The Ximungwe Female is one of the most frequently seen leopards here, largely due to her territory being in the heart of Londolozi. However, over the past few months, she’s been more elusive—understandably so, as she’s been raising her most recent cub which is now about four months old.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
I’ve noticed that when she has cubs, she behaves slightly differently. Almost as if she vanishes. She avoids the usual areas we’re used to seeing her in, keeping to more secluded spots, away from too much attention. It’s likely this cautious nature that has made her such a successful mother in an environment where raising cubs is anything but easy.
One of the first photos that was taken of her current cub.
One afternoon, while searching for the perfect sundowner spot—somewhere to enjoy a gin and tonic as the sun dipped below the horizon—we were driving along one of the high crests within the Ximungwe Female’s territory. Just as we were about to stop, Tracker Dorence suddenly pointed to the south and shouted, “Leopard!”
Dorence then turned to me and said, “It’s the Ximungwe Female.” He hadn’t even gotten a proper look at her yet, but his certainty was enough to send a jolt of excitement through the vehicle.
As we approached, we spotted her—dragging an impala ewe through the grass, moving steadily toward a marula tree.
The Ximungwe Female dragging the impala toward the marula tree
We watched, captivated, as she pulled the carcass for nearly 100 meters before choosing a tree she deemed worthy of hoisting in. The golden light of the setting sun cast an incredible glow over the open crest, adding to the drama of the moment.
Looking up towards the marula where she eventually hoisted the kill.
Her best bet for keeping this carcass safe throughout the night was to get it off the ground. Moments later, she launched into the marula tree with the carcass in her mouth, the incredible strength and coordination required to hoist a carcass baffles me.
Her paw and impala hooves while hoisting.
Knowing that she would likely return later in the night to fetch her cub, we decided to leave her in peace and return at first light to see what had unfolded.
This was the last view we had of her before letting her be. The light was incredible this afternoon.
At dawn, we made our way back toward the marula tree where we had left her. As we approached, a small figure caught our eye, and we were greeted with a sight that made the earlier wake-up that much more worthwhile. Sitting in the fork of the tree, staring down at us, was the cub.
For a few moments, time stood still.
The first time I saw the cub!
We parked at a distance, allowing the young leopard to assess us on its own terms. At first, she simply watched. Then, slowly, she began to move, gaining confidence as she explored the branches with her mother resting above.
The Ximungwe Female was sleeping in the branch above her before waking up and beginning the morning activities.
Watching us closely as she came down the tree.
Eventually, the Ximungwe Female descended, calling softly for the cub to follow. What followed was nothing short of magical—a playful meander through the grass, mother and daughter moving together, at ease in their world. They wandered for a short while before returning to the marula, where they found refuge in the canopy, escaping the rising heat of the morning.
Climbing back up to be with her mother.
From witnessing her strength as she hoisted the impala to seeing her cub for the first time, this experience was a reminder of why I’ll never take moments like these for granted. There’s truly never a dull moment at Londolozi.
A morning I won’t forget with two incredible leopards.
A morning I won’t forget, shared with two incredible leopards.
It’s always a special treat to see a leopard in a tree, and a leopard cub. But to see a leopard cub for the first time, in a tree is another level of magic. I hope the Ximungwe female has continue success with this little one. It would be great to have a daughter carry on her lineage nearby.
What a fabulous sighting, Patrick! The only time I’ve watched a hoisting it was Ximungwe and she had Ntomi with her (he was about 9 months old then). It’s something I will never ever forget!
Brilliant photos Patrick.
Hi, it looks all so magical, with the tiny cub and it’s big ears, absolutely adorable look (is it a female then?) The Ximungwe female looks a perfectly mixture between the Mashaba female and the Robson male, she’s slender and strong, very intelligent, planning and acting carefully with high precision. The.surprised look of the cub adds something special to the scene, the colours and the environment…. there will be a bright future for her I hope! The Ntomi male is missing, I still noticed in him the heritage from the wildest leopard… the unforgotten Senegal Bush male
Hi Patrick, oh this is such a surprise to view the Ximungwe females cub. She is so cute and absolutely adorable. Your last photo of the Mother and cub together in the tree is amazing. She is an exceptional mother, look how she always protected Ntomi from all predators. Hopefully she can do the same for this 4 month female cub of her. Patrick you are so privileged to live and guide at Londolozi, where you see these amazing animals every day in their own environment.
Lucky you – and your guests, Patrick! I remember incredible moments with Ximungwe and the Ntomi male as a cub; this little female will be a joy to watch as she matures!
A fantastic time, Patrick, for you and your guests.
What a beautiful and cute leopard cub! It’s so nice that there are so many female leopards and their cubs at Londolozi that allow people to watch them.
I also believe that the Ximungwe is such a successful mother because she is so cautious and keeps her cubs well hidden away during the first, most dangerous time.
Dear Patrick, wonderful story , and indeed, a special morning with that amazing cub. Thanks for sharing
Great sighting and fabulous photos. I wish I had been there.
I hope I had a little bit of influence on the camera/lens set up! Ha ha
Like you Patrick. I had my first sighting of the Ximungwe female’s cub a couple of weeks ago, making her the smallest cub I’ve seen to date. She was deep in the grasses, when she appeared after her mother chuffed for her appearance. Ximungwe had been drinking at the pan nearby and rather than call the cub to come for water, she ventured into the deep verdant grass and bushes. She was busy climbing onto and attacking mom, providing us with great viewing. In my opinion, leopard cubs and very tiny elephants provide the most wonderful viewing in the bush – just watching new life and wishing them all the best for survival!
Amazing cub shots! I sure miss the Ntomi male tho