Winter has definitely set in here at Londolozi, bringing with it those beautiful golden hues that we so strongly associate with this time of year. With the landscape opening up more each day, this wilderness is fast becoming even more of a photographer’s paradise.
This Week in Pictures features a diverse array of animals and birds basking in the warm winter sun.
On the leopard front, we’ve been seeing the Nkoveni Female and her now almost fully-grown young male regularly, as she seems to be shifting her territory. Interestingly, she’s spending more time in the area where she was born, which is exciting as it’s now closer to camp. I
The Kambula Cubs are growing at a rapid rate and it is always amazing to spend time with them. They continue to move around the Maxabene Riverbed—hopefully, we’ll see them with the rest of the pride in the weeks to come. The Talamati and Nkuhuma Males have both been seen calling over the past week… Is it their time to try and claim a territory of their own? Only time will tell.
We spent a good portion of one morning with the Makatini Family of cheetah as they moved through the open grasslands. Watching the young male, who’s almost at the age of independence, was an incredible experience. I really hope the two young bulls eventually form a coalition.
What really stood out for me this week was a rare sighting of a flock of flamingos flying overhead one morning. They didn’t settle, but just seeing them was a first for all the rangers out on a drive at the time. A truly special moment!
It’s been another amazing week at Londolozi. Although there is a crispness to the mornings and evenings, this time of year holds a magic all its own.
As always, let us know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy This Week in Pictures…
Watching this ever-growing young male has been a true privilege. The Nkoveni Young Male watches his mother feed in the jackalberry while the sun sets in the background.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
After watching his mother feed, he moved to this mound, allowing us to capture in the last moments of light.
The often heard but seldom seen Coqui Francolin warming up in the morning light.
A young giraffe watches her mother feed as the sun sets behind her.
Two adventurous hyena cubs play in the open areas around Ximpalapala Koppie.
Knowing that the Cheetah Family were seen in the open areas we had in the southwestern parts of Londolozi the night before, we rushed down there to see if we could find them close to their last position. This was the sight that we were greeted with!
Shortly after finding the mother, her three cubs popped out and they began their morning activities.
A shot I have always wanted to take of them on a termite mound.
A zebra has a moment with a termite mound.
A male ostrich searching for the rest of his flock as the sun rises behind him.
A first for me at Londolozi, a flock of flamingos flying overhead. They unfortunately didn’t settle on Londolozi, but at least we managed to capture a shot while in flight.
A dwarf mongoose warming itself up with the first light of the morning.
Two of the Kambula Cubs play in the Maxebene. Already around five months old, they are beginning to build their own personalities.
One of the youngsters intently watching the rest of its siblings as they play in the river bed below.
A buffalo bull wading his way through a waterhole while a Yellow Billed Oxpecker catches a ride.
A Yellow-billed Hornbill warming up in the morning sun.
The Talamati and Nkuhuma Males listened for any response after they had let out a roar. They are really making a name for themselves around Londolozi.
A vervet monkey listening to elephants moving through the thickets behind us.
The Nkoveni Female watches two impala rams rut in the clearings behind us.
The Black and white photo of the Zebra i would say this week for me – If that Zebra could talk!
Hi Patrick, the zoned out zebra on the termite mound is my favourite. So untypical of a zebra.
Such beautiful golden light! They hyena cubs got me wondering at what age do they start patrolling and foraging? I’m assuming they go with their mothers in small groups at first before gaining the confidence to explore on their own. Is that right?
Fantastic photos again, Patrick. The lion cubs are super cute. The cheetah family on that termite mound is such a great shot, the monkey and zebra in black and white – their bodies and faces express so much emotion, great!
I also think that the dwarf mongoose and the buffalo wading through water are really special.
My favorites are: zebra has a moment and Kambula Cubs play in the Maxebene.
Great shots Patrick! We especially loved the one of the two Kambula Cubs! Heading your way next week and we can’t wait!!
Love that cheetah family! Another great week!
Dear Patrick, what a wonderful collection. The lights in the pics are fantastic
Really all very high level for lights, colours, subjects and expressions! About the last, I was hit by the “laughing ” cheetah cub and the eyes of the vervet monkey… I can’t see pictures well on my phone so those are the ones that caught my attention in particular, along with the cubs of course, and the Nkoveni Female… she and her sister the Ximungwe female will always be queens to look at with reverence, and her son is becoming a real impressive gorgeous male
I love the photo of the whole cheetah family on the mound, and the Nkoveni young male yawning- haven’t seen a good yawn in ages!
Pat, great shots! We especially enjoyed the cheetah pictures!
Terrific images this week Patrick, highlighting some of the wildlife activity as the season begins to change. A favorite is your b/w zebra at the termite mound but a close second is the Makhatini family, also on a termite mound.
Fantastic group of pictures Patrick!
Hi Patrick, for me the Nkoveni young male leopard is my favorite this week. Beautiful images once again this week in TWIP. The lion cubs are getting bigger by the day and they are cute. Zebra standing by the mount is also a lovely image.
Hi Patrick. I have been at Tree Camp for the last 9 days. On every Game Drive we hope to see the Kambula cubs. We shall keep trying because we have been unsuccessful so far. Fingers crossed!
Lovely photos , I remember when the ostriches were very new to Londolozi and now you have ostriches and cheetah