Another wonderful week of sightings! Following on from the latest updates on the Virtual Safaris, we’ve had several exciting sightings of the Gijima Males as well as the Talamati and Nkuhuma Male Lions on central Londolozi, and fewer of the Ndzhenga Males. The Ntsevu Pride has also been spending a lot of time north of the Sand River.
A big highlight for the week was the Makathini Family of Cheetah spending several days in the central parts of the property, traversing our open crests, as well as another unbelievable pangolin sighting!
On the leopard front, it was a beautiful surprise to find the Stonedrift Female one afternoon (as she has been territorial east of our property since gaining independence), as well as several amazing sightings with the Nkoveni Young Male and Three Rivers Female.
Let us know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy This Week in Pictures…
We followed the Three Rivers Female as she led us to one of my favourite trees (prominent Natal Mahogany). She milled around the base of the impressively large trunk and root structure before moving off. A special sight seeing her at the base of this tree!
Forced into early independence at 11 months. Despite her small size, she's proven resilient, currently raising a cub in SE Londolozi.
It is always the biggest privilege to encounter one of Africa’s most elusive creatures. This pangolin, illuminated by the soft light of dusk, continues its methodical search for ants, revealing itself to us as it moved across the clearing from bush to bush.
Inhale. The Talamati Male lifts his nose to the incoming breeze.
Perfect combination of dusky hues lighting up this giraffe atop a crest.
Dawn. As pink and orange hues paint the morning sky, we came across the Ntsevu Pride intent on continuing to move through the reserve in search of their next meal.
Nature’s bounty on display. A Yellow-billed Hornbill shows off its successful hunt, gripping a Platanna (African Clawed Frog) in its distinctive curved beak.
My personal favourite of the week. Perfectly camouflaged among the golden winter grasses, the Nkoveni Young Male creeps up to the top of a termite mound, intent on not being spotted by whatever he has his gaze focused on.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
The epitome of power and presence. This magnificent Gijima Male Lion, illuminated by perfect golden light, embodies everything majestic about Africa’s king of beasts.
Perfect vantage point. The Makhatini Subadult Cheetahs use the elevated termite mound to watch their mother head off in an attempt to close the gap on a herd of impala.
Restlessly waiting in anticipation for their mother’s contact call.
The gentle giant at work. An elephant cow carefully navigates through thorny vegetation, using its trunk with remarkable precision to select the choicest browse.
This Ndhzenga Male’s regal posture and distant gaze embody the quiet confidence of Africa’s apex predator at rest.
Golden hour magic. The last rays of sunlight illuminate the Three Rivers Female’s gaze and rosettes as she scans the surrounding trees for a safe place to hoist her impressive impala ram kill.
Self-care routine of mud masks for this family of elephants.
Surprised to find the Stonedrift Female in the middle of Londolozi one afternoon! I was pleasantly surprised by how this image turned out (as it was taken in such a rush!). I especially like how she is naturally framed through the thickets.
Born 2021, larger daughter of Nkoveni. Successfully established territory in Mala Mala and now raising her first litter east of Londolozi.
Two wildebeest bulls caught the attention of our vehicle as they tested their strength. An iconic scene emerged as a herd of elephants moved through the area in the same scene, revealing themselves behind the dust kicked up by the wildebeest.
Emerging from the dust, wildebeests in oblivion.
Bathed in the soft light of early morning, one of the Kambula Lionesses moves with purpose through her territory, every step deliberate and graceful.
Portrait of patience.
Kate: Well done array. I especially admire the Three Rivers female leopard pix (at natal mahogany tree & framed in golden light) along with the yellow hornbill and its froggy.
Kate, you made superb pictures, but the Nkoveni young male is ready to become a star looking at people from desktops and hanging posters! The whole photos of him are incredible! I also liked so much he three rivers female with the mahogany and the sunset light… the cheetah, they are aligned perfectly like soldiers… and lions are spectacular. I’m so pleased too that The Stone Drift female paid a visit, she’s alike her mother a lot… do you know who’s her father? Doesn’t look like the Maxim male anyway. The fighting bulls are a remarkable picture, emotional. Very beautiful! Brava!
I love all your beautiful photos Kate. Great to see the Stonedrift Female again. The lions are so impressive. And the soft morning light in lots of your photos is gorgeous. The young cheetahs are such a wonderful sight, all of them grown up or nearly so and well. What a successful mother.
Stunning photos. How much longer will the Makhatini subadult cheetahs stay with their mother?
Beautiful photos Kate! 3 rivers with her face illuminated is my favorite ❤️.
The Three Rivers female, looking up during the golden hour is breathtaking…..reminds me why I have been back to Londo so many times. Must be time to come again.
Dear Kate, this is a wonderful TWIP. Your favorite is also mine, great pic with that light.
I agree with your fave this week…his flatten ears are so great! But also the cheetah siblings and the Gijima Male Lion! So regal!
I really enjoyed these images, Kate. The Nkoveni Young Male is sure a handsome dude and the three cheetahs are maturing and beautiful as well. But that pangolin – although I’ve seen 2 pangolin, they’ve both been head into a bush, head/face not to be seen. Next time…!
Hi Kate, my favorite is the same as your favorite the Nkoveni young male lying low down staring at something in the distance. He is becoming a stunning leopard 🐆. Secondly I am also delighted to see the Stone drift female, have not seen her for a while. She and her sister the must carry on the Sunsetbend lineage from there Mother the Nkoveni female. Good to see the images of the lions and the Cheetahs as well, but my favorite will always be the leopards of Londolozi.
Beautiful TWIP Kate, thanks very much. Hard to choose, but your favourite is my favourite! Good to see Stone Drift again.
Thoroughly enjoyed your TWIP Kate. I’m so happy to see another Pangolin as they are one of the holy grails of sightings. Other favorites include Stonedrift female in that perfect setting, the Nkoveni young male crouched on the termite mound, the Makhatini sub-adults waiting for their mother to call, the stunning Gijima male and the beautiful Three Rivers female captured in that golden light. Thanks for sharing your amazing images.
It is so wonderful to see how much the Makhatini Subadult Cheetahs have grown. We spent time with them last September (courtesy of Megan and Veatence) when they truly were itty bitty playful cubs. A year from now, when I’m back, they will like be off on their own. Cannot wait.
All excellent photos Kate – I love the Three Rivers Female against the texture of such a huge Natal Mahogany and especially the most obedient Cheetah Cubs, poised in anticipation! Thank you for sharing.
All the Lion ‘poses’ this week is special for me. Especially the Talamati sniffing the air