One of the very first things we do when welcoming guests to Londolozi is ask about their interests for the duration of their stay. It’s not just polite small talk—it helps us shape a truly personal experience. What they’re hoping to see doesn’t always align with what the bush has in store, but it gives us a good framework to tailor each drive.
This particular group of guests was fantastic—easy-going, full of humour, and always up for a good time. They had two main requests: to have a full drink in hand and to enjoy the best the bush had to offer. Simple enough. But then came one slightly more specific (and ambitious) wish:
A lion killing a buffalo.
I chuckled at that one.
“We’ll try,” I grinned, “but no promises!”
Tracker Trevor Makukule—my partner in crime who rides up front on the game viewer—and I hit the ground running with them. The sightings over the first few days were exceptional. Spirits were high. But by the time we got to our sixth drive, we still hadn’t even seen a buffalo.
That’s when one of our guests, gave me a bit of a jab:
“How are we supposed to see a lion kill a buffalo if we haven’t seen a buffalo yet?”
Fair point.
That afternoon, determined to turn our luck around, we set out in search of the large herd of buffalo that had been moving through the open grasslands. After some patient tracking, we came across a lone bull—nervous and edgy. We pushed on and eventually found the tail-end of the herd. A young calf, clearly struggling, was trying to keep up with its limping mother. Both lagged far behind the others.
What happened next, I never could’ve predicted.
We had barely arrived—twenty seconds in, maybe—when we spotted the Ntomi Male leopard sitting in the shade, gaze fixed on the vulnerable calf. The main herd melted into the thicket, likely headed for water. The mother and calf were officially left behind.
The calf, confused and calling out, was unknowingly drawing more attention to itself. The Ntomi Male began to circle, patient and calculating. The tension was electric. Then, at about ten metres out, he broke into a light trot and launched himself forward, knocking the calf clean off its feet.
Born 2021, son of Ximungwe Female. Distinguished by eye freckle, grown into formidable male dominant in the west.
It took five long minutes for the leopard to throttle the calf.
We were stunned.
A leopard taking down a buffalo calf—something even rarer than the lion kill that the guests had jokingly requested.
After the kill, the Ntomi Male dragged the calf into the shade across the clearing and collapsed into the long grass, panting beneath the guarri bushes.
We left the sighting in complete silence, still processing what we’d just seen.
In all my years, I had never witnessed a leopard take down a buffalo. It may well be the only time I ever do. And while it wasn’t the lion hunt the guests had cheekily asked for, I think we all knew—this moment was even more extraordinary.
That’s the magic of Londolozi.
You can drive for hours with nothing but the wind and birdsong… and then, just like that, everything changes.
A quiet drive becomes a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Thank you for that. Amazing footage. Never a dull moment!!
Wowwww Dean. Thanks for sharing. The old adage of ‘being in the right place at the right time’ certainly applied.
What an incredible experience!
That was really very good luck for you and your guests.
What about the calf’s mother? Did she not react or come back to see what was happening?
Astonishing- no wonder you were stunned! And one of my favourite leopards too. Do you know if he was able to hoist the calf later?
Amazing sighting
Dean, that was truly epic! No doubt it is super rare. The video has really great and it’s good to see Ntomi in action and strong!!
The Universe said, “I see your lion kill wishes and raise you a leopard kill.” I’m surprised the mother didn’t come to defend her calf, but if they were already struggling and she was limping, perhaps she knew better. What an extraordinary scene to witness.
Hi Dean, such beautiful footage of a stunning Ntomi leopard catching his buffalo calf. It was so quick and it was over. Felt sorry for the cub and mother buffalo, but that is how it goes in the wild. Ntomi is really doing very well for himself. My favorite young leopard.
How amazing was that!! The Ntomi male has been feisty growing up – and so he continues to amaze!
It is fantastic to see Ntomi once again and in such exciting circumstances. Great photos and video to capture the moment. The comment “right place, right time” is experienced again and again. You set out on a mission for a specific sighting and it can change in a heartbeat. Thanks for this update.
Thanks Dean, the Ntomi male is such a wonderful appearance. I sometimes think of him. He reminds me his legendary parents. No animal gives me such a deep emotion like leopards. I’m glad you got him instead of lions taking an endless time to take down a buffalo and kill him. Nature is necessity. No animal plans violence, they need to eat, to fight.to defend themselves or to protect their families, they don’t kill for entertainment.
Happy Leopard Day!
This is truely remarkable!