We have now passed the Winter Solstice, yet the days have only just started their slow shift into spring. The bush, however, continues to reveal a different, drier and harsher kind of beauty. The mornings are crisp, the golden light lingers a little longer, and the rustle of dry grass has entirely replaced the hum of summer insects. Tracks stay etched in the dust, and the sightings seem sharper, both in light and in feeling.
This week has offered a blend of stillness and movement: moments where leopards stalked silently through golden light, elephants dusted themselves in orange haze, and sleeping lions waited for warthm. Each photograph I took this week was a reminder to myself – a still frame in the ever-changing story of the bush. A story that plays out quietly while we watch, listen, and learn.
Dominated by leopard and lion, the sightings this week have been nothing short of spectacular. The Nkoveni Female and her cub have been ever present, while the Ntomi Male, bathed in the last light of day, provided the opportunity for the perfect sunset silhouette shot. The Ximungwe Female, despite her latest injury, has displayed a remarkable show of resilience. On the lion front, the Nkuhuma Female and the Talamati Male were seen together in a rare moment of calm amidst all the changing lion dynamics, while the formidable Kambula Pride showed their strength and presence in numbers as they moved through the reserve with intent.
Let us know which images are your favourites in the comments below.
Enjoy This Week In Pictures…
The golden grass and some back lighting in winter allowed for the perfect conditions for a more artistic edit as the Nkoveni Female paused her territorial patrol.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
High up in the branches of a marula tree, the Ntomi Male moves his hard-earned kill at sunset
Born 2021, son of Ximungwe Female. Distinguished by eye freckle, grown into formidable male dominant in the west.
During a bout of playful exploration with her cub, the Ximungwe Female jumped into the branches of a bushwillow tree, and the light shining through the branches was perfect.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
A very impressive male lion, the Nkhuma Male, was made even more so by a scarred eye.
Always my favourite animal to spend time with, elephants’ dust bathing allows for some creative,e detailed shots
We spent hours with the family group as they blocked the road – no complaints from our side.
Spending time with the Nkhuma Male, the Talamti Male lion is an impressive individual. Nothing quite like staring into the eyes of a male lion.
The spiralled horns and incredibly thick neck muscles of a kudu bull on full display.
A young and inquisitive hippo came out of the shadows – young, but not to be underestimated.
Side by side at the water’s edge, the Ximungwe Female and her cub quench their thirst after a kill -reflections perfectly mirrored, both literal and symbolic. With her recent injury, the future may seem uncertain, the bond built on implicit trust from her cub may be the strongest force driving her to survive.
The Kambula Pride on patrol early one morning
It’s not often we get to see impala drinking (as they are extremely nervous around water), and rarer yet to get such a nice reflection when doing so.
The golden light early in the morning as one of the newest additions to the Kambula Pride starts its day.
Turning into a rather impressive male leopard, the Nkoveni Young Male is seen more and more regularly alone, exploring his mother’s territory.
A dazzle of zebras came down to drink at a waterhole as the sun was setting – an awesome sight. Better yet still was the watching as they noticed the three female lions of the Kambula Pride who had the same idea!
Reflections and stripes at the water’s edge.
A hyena den is always worth spending time at – especially when two of the youngest hyenas in the clan are on display.
The mother, alert to noises near her den at full alert, ready to defend her cubs or perhaps scavenge a meal.
The Three Rivers Young Female grooms herself from atop a termite mound. I am always amazed at the length of their whiskers and eyebrows.
The next three images are from the same sighting. With a potentially broken front leg, the Ximungwe Female has taken to climbing easier (fallen) trees and planning her movements very carefully.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
Thankfully, however, she seems to be recovering well. A pose in the branches of this marula allowed for one of my favourite black and white shots of the year.
With a little more of the sunset in the background, the colours were perfect. Hard not to appreciate a leopard draped in the branches with that backdrop.
Incredible once again. I absolute love the 4 zebras reflections & stripes.
I’m so happy to see the Ximungwe female and cub are still thriving. Loved all the reflections this week.
Lovely photos and great use of light
Keegan… you took pictures that are absolutely magical canvas! The Nkoveni pictures is mesmerising! She seems to come out of a fairy tale… the Ximungwe pictures are incredible, they underline her perfect beauty in incredible lights and environment. The one with her cub is perfect! And the others as well. How marvellous the Nkoveni young male is ! And the Ntomi male, what a fantastic image! Lions and elephants epithomise the calm attitude of creatures that are so powerful that nothing bothers them. The Nkuhuma male absolutely stunning, what a photo. All lions and especially the cub you caught yawning in the misty light. The four zebras aligned, the impala drinking… and, finally, the hippo coming… out of the darkness into the light… a menacing and yet so fascinating, hypnotising moment… absolutely unique!the kudu bull is one of the most amazing creatures nature forged, in his prime. I can’t pick up one. I’m glad the Ntomi male is sti there and the Three Rivers young female too, she will always be in my heart. Fantastic.
Wonderful photos again, Keagan. My prize for cutest goes to the hyena cubs and the tiny lion. The Nkoveni young male’s beauty is just perfect. The reflections of Zebras, Impalas and the Ximungewe pair in the water are stunning. By the way, how old is the Ximungwe’s cub now? It’s close to a miracle that these two have been able to survive. Hope that they will continue to thrive.
Thanks for the photos- all great
Loved sitting in the airport in Johannesburg waiting for our flight and looking at your newly posted photos. They are so beautiful.
We are looking forward to being with you and Ray again.
There are so many images yet to be taken.
Londolozi never disappoints.
Wonderful pictures!! My favorites are both zebra pictures and Ximungwe Female and her cub quench their thirst.
Both the impala and zebra reflective photos are primo.
A new collection of images this week, Keagan! I love all the good news about Ximungwe and seeing photos of her looking healthy. But my fav has got to be the 4 zebras – the tightly cropped version as I see it on my iPhone!
Keagen: Your pictures always are so emotionally evocative. We cannot wait to get back to Londo.
Great photos…
The lighting is stunning! Especially love the young hippo… quite a stealthy photo
But the best is truly to see the Ximungwe Female and her cub.
She truly is a miracle ♥️
Dear Keagan, very nice collection of different animals with a mirrow in the water. Great.
Hi Keagan, the Ximungwe female foto’s with her male cub are very special and one of my favorite leopards. Seeing that she and her cub are okay and looking well fed. I hope her front leg heals quickly. Nkoveni and her male cub is also a favorite of mine, seeing him growing up so quickly and he such a stunning specimen just like the Ntomi male is my ultimate favorite male leopard. The photo of the Zebra drinking water with the reflection in the water is beautiful.
You’ve provided us with many wonderful images this week Keagan but there are a series of photos that stand out for me – namely Ximungwe’s. The one of her with her cub at water’s edge is stunning as are her portraits in the tree. She truly is a survivor given her leg injury and if it is broken, then let’s hope it heals well enough for her to continue to hunt and care for her cub. Other notables include, Ntomi in the tree at sunset, the elephants enjoying a dust bath and the handsome young male of Nkoveni. Here’s wishing you all another week of amazing sightings!
Lots of gorgeous images this week, Keagan. I especially loved Ntomi at sunset and the ones of the Ximungwe female and her cub – so happy to see how well they are both doing.
Gosh!!,.. Another week of FABULOUS Pictures!!
Love little Simba! Also so happy to see the Ntomi male doing well!
All beautiful and varied images Keagan !
My 2 favorites.. Ntomi male w his kill in the tree… just gorgeous, and Reflections and stripes
Londolozi never disappoints!! Enjoy
Keagan, This set of images is spectacular! We loved all the shots with the reflections! The photo of Nkoveni is our favorite. The colors and whispy grass created a magical image – beautiful!
Great set of photos! Glad to see the Ximungwe female hanging in and still recovering.
These photos are pure magic!
A super TWIP, thank you Keags. Not possible to choose a favourite, but very special to see the Ximungwe female and her little cub doing well despite her injury. Holding thumbs this progress continues.
I would like to say that the Nkoveni Young Male has his mother’s eyes, but I am only fantasizing!