Leopards are elusive creatures, but patterns often emerge in the areas they favour. The Nkoveni Female has long been one of the more reliable individuals in the southeastern reaches of the reserve. Lately, however, she’s been shifting her movements. What’s behind this change? In this week’s Virtual Safari, we explore a few driving factors behind this shift, which could work out hugely in our favour going forward.
We then share a heartwarming moment, a relaxed afternoon with the Ximungwe Female and her cub, joined by none other than the ever-impressive Maxim’s Male. What unfolds is subtle, rare, and utterly beautiful. Contact calls between a dominant male and a small cub are uncommon, but here, we witness it firsthand—a brief but intimate glimpse into leopard social dynamics.
And lastly, those who watched TWIP #700 may recognise the scene we wrap up this virtual safari with, the Makhatini Female Cheetah and her playful cubs, tumbling and wrestling out in the open. This is what the wild offers at its best—raw, unscripted moments of joy.
Enjoy this week’s Virtual Safari…
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Sean, this is your best video ever! The Nkoveni Female is almost a supercreature, her incredible beauty reflects the perfection of her mind, the strategies she performs all the time. Staying in the too crowded lion territory is an neverending risk and it’s better move to her daughter’s territory at last. Then, if the Nhlanguleni female is weak… it doesn’t seem so at the moment, but we all know that the Nkoveni Female doesn’t stop in front of any difficulties… what a wonderful family reunion once again with the Maxim male, how soft he is with his little too cute son! I had already supposed that he has a soft attitude, he bears no scars, likely other leopards just run at the sight of his size… he looks for company of mothers and his offsprings. May he be dominant for long! The cheetah are soooo lovely. The way the cubs play among flowers, their mother is a delightful creature and they have such a soft face… the cub looking at the camera with his huge brown eyes is heart-melting. Probably the two males will stay together and the female will look for her right spot to go on hunting and having her own cubs. For now, playing, eating and suckling is all they have to do, mum thinks of all…. Just exceptional. 👏🏻 bravo
So glad you enjoyed this one—it really was a week full of heart-melting moments! Let’s hope for more magic like this soon…
This interaction between the Maxim’s male, the Ximungwe Female and their cub was awesome. As you said, a very rare thing to watch. I wonder if the cub knows that the Maxim’s Male is his father? Anyway, it was lovely to see this little scene. So special.
That the Makhatini family is fine, is great to hear. All three cubs now about one year old or older? The mother has really done a very good job considering how many stronger predators are around.
Thanks for this great video, I am already looking forward to next week’s.
Yes, I think the cub must know that he is his father. A lot of it also comes down to how the mother reacts to the presence of the male around the cub. Yes, the Makhatini Cubs are approaching a year old. We think that they were born in June/July. the mother is doing a great hob indeed.
We are looking forward to sharing the next episode with you.
Hi Sean, that was just the best video seeing the Maxim’s male contact calling his cub. Very precious moment, and also watching the Ximungwe female playing with her cub. Nkoveni is such a beautiful leopardess and I have a soft spot in my heart for her. Cheetah family are beautiful and doing well. Mom has done a wonderful job raising the 3 cubs so far.
Thank you so much, Valmai. All three mothers are doing so well. It has not been an easy road for any of them, I guess it isn’t for any mother but we are so delighted to follow the journey of these youngsters so closely.
This is a wonderful virtual safari highlighting a few of my favorite big cats. Your assessment of Nkoveni’s movement westwards is interesting and I think any of the four reasons that may be influencing her movements are valid.
Especially intriguing was the interaction between the Maxim male and the young Ximungwe male cub. After seeing him with the Three Rivers female cub, it leads me to believe that the males do know who their offspring are.
Finally, it was joyful to watch the three cheetahs cubs at play. Watching them so free and innocent, at that moment in time unaware of the dangers that lurk around every bush, gave me immense pleasure. This was a wonderful way to begin my Sunday. !
Thank you so much, Denise. It is going to be interesting to see what happens going forward with this westward shift from the Nkoveni Female. Yes, I think the males do know who their offspring are and tolerate them when they are around.
Sean, Great videos today! We look forward to them every week and have encouraged the next group of guests joining us next month to tune in. Incredible to see three leopards together and so cool that the male was interested in the cub in a good way!
Thank you so much. Yes, please share them with as many people as you can. Its a great way to get people in touch with Londolozi from all over the world before they come.
How wonderful for you to witness 2 incredibly rare events – the Maxim’s male bonding with his young cub, and the Makathini female with her 3 cubs. Have you ever seen a cheetah bring 3 cubs through to adolescence (guess they’re around a year old now) before? Astonishing!
It was awesome to be able to spend so much time in all of these sightings and witness some pretty rare encounters.
Any update on the Nkoveni Young Male?
Hi Brad, he appears to be doing alright. I think the injuries are superficial. We will give more information as soon as we can.
The cheetahs are so beautiful!
They really are stunning.