This Week in Pictures features numerous leopard shots, Wild Dogs on the airstrip, as well as the Ndzhenga Coalition, along with some interesting landscape photographs.
On the leopard front, we had the surprise discovery of the Nhlanguleni Female, and great sightings, as usual, of the Nkoveni Female and her stunning male cub. We found the pair early one morning after responding to the loud bark of a kudu. On patrol with her cub in tow, the Nkoveni Female led him across a beautiful clearing, where they jumped up onto a fallen marula tree.
The Three Rivers Female was spotted in the heart of her territory, and we also had a fantastic sighting of the Ximungwe Female and her young male cub.
The lion activity has been really impressive. I had a fantastic sighting of the Ndzenga Males roaring in golden light, and the Kambula Lioness and her four adorable cubs were found moving along the drainage lines near our eastern boundary. I managed to snap a cute photograph of them.
A cheeky buffalo, a cunning jackal, and the stunning ‘Pink Moon’ also make an appearance.
The rest of the collection includes a black-and-white edit of a zebra, a close-up of a male giraffe, and a rare snap of the Diederik Cuckoo.
Let us know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy The Week in Pictures…
As he approaches independence, The Nkoveni Young Male is often snarled at by his mother as he seeks her attention. Young male leopards will stay with their mother for about two years before wondering off to another territory. It is vital that they grow big and strong and attain the necessary skills before embarking independence.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
We had a memorable afternoon following the pack of two African Painted Dogs across the Londolozi airstrip and then confronting three Zebras. If you look carefully, The dogs were interested in a small herd of Impala rams on the horizon.
The rainy season is coming to an end, however recently there have been some afternoon thunderstorms where cumulonimbus clouds develop beautifully over the landscape.
We were so fortunate to come across the Ndzenga Coalition during golden hour walking and roaring along the road. This was a goosebump causing moment!
The Three Rivers Female drinks from a mud wallow on a sunny morning. I opted for a Black and white edit as the light was harsh. There is also great contrast between her coat and the dark muddy wallow.
Forced into early independence at 11 months. Despite her small size, she's proven resilient, currently raising a cub in SE Londolozi.
A Black-backed Jackal rests in a clearing after marauding though the Bushveld all long night.
This buffalo cow was definitely posing for us with a cheeky tongue out and a side-eye glance.
An exquisite scene of a young Male leopard strolling across a fallen over Marula Tree.
I managed to capture the Diederik Cuckoo for the first time! These striking birds will be off once again on their migration route to Sub-Saharan Africa.
When there are thunder showers there are rainbows. The sun peaked out of the clouds at the perfect time illuminating this tree as the rainbow dropped towards the ground.
The Ximungwe female’s male cub pauses from a playful interaction with his mother. A perfect opportunity to get this image.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
After nursing from their mother for a while, two of the new members of the Kambula pride stare at our lens’ from the safety of their den.
I love nothing more than a full moon rising in the bush. The full moon earlier this week was known as the ‘pink moon’ which refers to the first full moon of spring, but unfortunately doesn’t mean the moon will actually shine pink.
We had a surprise sighting of the Nhlanguleni female near camp one morning. She was looking in fine condition and scent marking along a drainage line that leads to the Sand river west of Camp. Albeit that she was looking quite hungry, her leg injury has recovered well.
Initially skittish female who transformed into a regular presence. Made history by raising first intact litter since her own generation.
At Londolozi we are so fortunate to have some incredibly intimate sightings of leopards and their cubs. This is the Ximungwe Female’s young Male cub. He has a 3:2 spot pattern, unusually large ears and beautiful eyes
I love the facial features of a Giraffe. This males nostrils, eye lashes and hairy ears stood out in the image.
We looked on in awe as The Nkoveni Young male jumped up onto a fallen over Marula Tree to join his mother.
A cotton Candy sky and a dead tree make for some interesting silhouette photographs.
We discovered The Ximungwe Female drinking at a waterhole early in the morning. This was a very special sight including a really cool reflection of her golden coat in the water.
A breeding herd of elephants drink from a waterhole in the Southern grasslands of Londolozi.
A quiet moment with a dazzle of Zebra presented this opportunity to capture one of the members of the herd. A black and white edit on this subject never disappoints.
Some real interesting pics.. Thanks Nick. I particularly liked the shot with the Zebra, wild dogs & impala at/on the airstrip plus the beautiful shot of the lion on the road (magnificent) plus the Ximungwe female slaking her thirst (great reflection).
I’m so glad to see the Nhlanguleni Female’s leg has healed and that she’s thriving. Congratulations on snapping the Diederik Cuckoo image! That’s a great way to wrap up the migratory birding season.
Lovely photos , buffalo can be tricky to photograph , as their dark hides can play havoc with the camera’s metering
wonderful series of images. I particularly love the close up of the Ximungwe male cub
The two of the new members of the Kambula pride, and the Ximungwe Female’s young Male cub, and quiet moment with a dazzle of Zebra
Nick, thanks for sharing a great set of images! So great to see how well Nkoveni‘s son is doing! When do you think he will head out on his own? Our favorite image is the mother and son shot on the Marula tree!
Thanks Michael and Terri! He has started to show early signs of independence as Nkoveni has started shifting her territory a tad more west! I am writing a blog about this so keep a look out for the update.
Thanks for all the lovely photos, Nick. They are all my favorites, all of them fantastic.
The one I especially like, though, is the one of the cuckoo. I haven’t managed to get one of this species, yet and so it is very special for me.
All the cubs, whether nearly fully grown up or still tiny, are close to my heart. And it’s good to know that the Nhlanguleni female is still in good shape and around.
Thank you, Nick. Most striking pics are the male giraffe and the rust colored moon. And, by the way, isn’t that Ndzenga lion looking a little ragged? Not as robust as I remember from our last trip.
Hey Willa, thanks for the comment. The Ndzenga Males are still holding strong for now. He is nearing the age of 11 years old so not a surprise they are starting to look a bit rugged ! They are defending a big territory within the Sabi Sands which is no small feat.
Seeing these images reinforces what a special week my brother and I shared with you. I love that you were able to get a clear view of Ximungwe’s cub – is it confirmed now that it’s a male? I had noticed the large ears as well….. the b/w photos are stunning, especially your giraffe closeup. The “stink eye” from the buffalo is also a terrific capture. If I anthropomorphize an animal, it is the Nhlanguleni female, as her eyes read a bit sad or in deep thought. Beautiful photo of her. Actually, all of these are favorites as how could they not be?!
Thanks so much Denise! We had a wonderful week together and I have no doubt you recognise some of these sightings through the images.
So happy to see the Nhlanguleni female doing well! That leg injury has been concerning so I hope her looking hungry wasn’t related to ongoing leg issues.
Gorgeous ellie shot! Love that new little Ximungwe cub too 🙂
Great stuff Nick, sure do miss being there! Hoping you, Kate, and Joy are doing well…sure seems like it!
Hi Nick, this time I’m stuck in the impossibility to make a choice. I’m always bewitched by the full moon, but, as I usually choose it, this time I must change and was struck by the dead tree silhouette and the peculiar light. But the buffalo showing its tongue and its look made me smile, what a picture! Then of course the cubs…. they are too much! The Ximungwe females cub is Fantastic! His wonderful muzzle and look… the Nkoveni young male has his mother all for himself… the Nhlanguleni female is such an exquisite lady such fine lovely traits and elegant figure and coat. All leopards are striking, the Three Rivers female is another favourite picture. Among the big and strong the jackal is a pretty little character. The Ndzenga male as the leopards looks gold. The beautiful zebra is closing perfectly the series and the giraffe particulars are very peculiar… a masterpiece
Hi Nick, such stunning images again this week. My favorite would be the close up of the Ximungwe young male leopard. Then secondly the Nkoveni female leopard and her son lying on the Marula tree that has fallen over. Your photography is outstanding Nick.
Thank you Valmai!
My favourite is definitely the jackal. I have a soft spot for them. The pose of this one is really lovely. The rainbow coming down on the sunlit tree is also fantastic.