As the temperatures continue to dip and the mornings take on a cooler edge, the bushveld settles into the rhythm of the dry season. Autumn at Londolozi brings a golden stillness — clear skies, crisp air, and that unmistakable rustle of dry grass underfoot. The change in season doesn’t slow the pace of life out here, though. If anything, the cooler weather makes for easier movement and longer activity among the predators and prey alike.
This week’s sightings reflected just that — from one of the Ndzhenga Males striding purposefully through the morning golden light to a cheetah soaking up the afternoon sun, the crisp conditions made for incredible moments. The Ximungwe Female and Xinkhova Female reminded us of the effortless elegance of leopards in marula trees, while down at ground level, hyena cubs laze around their den and prey gathered cautiously to drink as water becomes more scarce. There’s a particular clarity to this time of year — in the light, the air, and the sightings — and this week it all came together beautifully.
Let us know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy This Week In Pictures…
One of the Ndzhenga Males strides through the grasslands, as the morning light catches his eye, his powerful presence commanding the landscape.
Clear blue skies in the background as the Ximungwe Female rests up in a marula tree, keeping a watchful eye on her cub down below.
A black and white edit of the Ximungwe Female in the same marula tree, now noticing the sound of the rutting impala in the distance.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
A Saddle-billed Stork stands elegantly in the wetlands, its vibrant bill contrasting the lush greenery and the surrounding dried grasslands of the autumn months.
As the ranging team would describe, this hyena den has been “highly active” of late. This youngster is taking it easy, leaning back on the termite mound while the rest of the clan cubs playfully potter around the den.
Soaking up the afternoon golden light and then disappearing into the sunset. We had a phenomenal sighting with this male cheetah strolling across an open crest and weaving between termite mounds in the central parts of the reserve.
We all know that moment when the flies pester us too much and we try to maintain our composure.
A trio of zebras enjoys a refreshing drink, their stripes shimmering in the morning light.
A young elephant calf spreads its ears wide, exploring the world with innocent wonder.
The Xinkhova Female loves to climb a Marula tree. In fact, she settled up in this marula tree after she had already entertained us by rather clumsily manoeuvring around a bushwillow tree.
Born 2021, daughter of Nkoveni. Young dynamo actively claiming territory near camps, showing promise as next generation's dominant female.
Tracker Rich’s spotlight catches the ominous claw of a rock monitor lizard peeking out from a tree hollow, spotted on the way home one evening. Monitor lizards often use tree hollows as resting spots or nests, laying their eggs in the safety of these natural shelters. These reptiles are most active during the day, typically foraging in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more favourable.
A lioness from the Kambula Pride locks eyes on a warthog passing by, her focus unwavering as the pride rests behind her.
The Nkoveni Young Male rests on a termite mound. He can often be found along the banks of the Maxabene Riverbed exploring on his own as he starts to near the age of independence.
Two giraffes share a seemingly tender moment, a precursor to the more serious fights they’ll face later in life.
Stunning hues of the late afternoon light as this cheetah gazes into the distance.
We have been fortunate to have enjoyed many cheetah sightings of late. Here the male cheetah pauses briefly while grooming to look up.
Outstanding pictures of the week. Hard to pick a favorite!! I hope we are that lucky in August
Beautiful pics Kelsey. Looking forward to returning in September.
A fine array, Kelsey. The rock monitor claw is spectacular and the twisty giraffes are a treat.
Awesome array of photos Kelsey!
Spectacular photos this week.
Cannot wait to return in September.
Great TWIP Kelsey, thank you. My favourite this week is your gorgeous shot of the Nkoveni young male – since we had the spectacular sighting of him last November with you and Rich, I’m a massive fan!
A wonderful collection of photos, Kelsey. Beautiful colors. The most “mysterious” one in my opinion is that claw of a rock monitor kind of coming out of the tree.
Absolutely beautiful photography! The Giraffe heads in battle you should forward to the International Wildlife Photography Competition in London. I think the competition is part of the Natural History Museum. Exceptional photographs!
That hyena cub is too cute!!!
Dear Kelsey, great compilation. Love the pic of the Nkoveni young male.
All pictures are nr ones. But the male cheetah is absolutely regal. You got him in a beautiful light. The Xinkova female has something pensive in her beautiful green eyes… she looks far, somewhere… the giraffe twisting their necks are spectacular. The little elephant funny and lions and Ximungwe female always a treat. The lizard paw is a peculiar picture.
Hi Kelsey, my favorite for this week’s TWIP is the Nkoveni young male and secondly the Xinkhova female in the Marula tree. Beautiful images all of them.
Fantastic collection of photos Kelsey! Each one is special but to choose a few, I choose the graceful curves of the two giraffes, the trio of zebra as I liked the detail of the water trailing from the larger two mouths, the prehistoric rock monitor claw, and Nkoveni’s sub-adult male. I’ve only been home a month and already yearning to return…..
My favorites are trio of zebras and elephant calf spreads its ears
Great post Kelsey. Love the Ximungwe female B&W edit and the rock monitor claw pic is awesome! Great spot Rich. Can’t wait to see you guys in Dec again.
Love the young Spottie and Ellie!