This past week at Londolozi has been one of shifting dynamics and quiet anticipation—a reminder that the wilderness is never still, only ever changing. The powerful Plains Camp Males made a brief but impactful visit north into the Manyelethi, their roars echoing across the river and leaving both lions and rangers wondering what their next move might be. In their absence, the Nkuhuma and Talamati Males have been growing ever more confident, their tracks and territorial calls a clear sign that they’re beginning to shape the landscape in their own right.
Among the leopards, the Three Rivers Young Female edges ever closer to full independence, spending more time alone and displaying the poise and patience of her mother—a glimpse into the future of Londolozi’s leopard lineage. And we have some incredible news that the Ngungwe Female’s Cub is still alive. Away from the dramas of the predators, the gentle giants have provided light-hearted moments: herds of young elephants splashing in the shallows and chasing egrets through the grass, their unrestrained play a joyful contrast to the intensity of the big cats. As the bushveld shifts from the dry hues of winter toward the promise of summer rains, every sighting feels like a celebration of life in motion—familiar stories evolving, new ones beginning, and the ever-present reminder that out here, no days are ever the same.
Let us know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy This Week In Pictures…
While patiently waiting for the Tortoise Pan Male Leopard to approach the waterhole, this elderly hippo bull reminded us of his true capabilities in a display that left everyone in the vehicle in awe.
While tracking the Three Rivers Young Female, Tracker Advice and I were suddenly surrounded by an unusual amount of hyenas at the base of a saffron tree. When we looked up, we caught the tiniest glimpse of a rosetted coat lying among the thick foliage.
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
A curious hyena cub sits patiently at the den site while waiting for some more calcium-rich milk from its mother.
The Talamati Male Lion walks elegantly through the clearing. This was an incredibly lucky sighting to have this male walk through the clearing in broad daylight, as he responded to contact calls of other lions near the Sand River.
A playful elephant calf proudly shows off its newfound ability to use its trunk, all the while staying in very close proximity to its mother.
With the pride dynamics of the Kambula Pride in the air, we were treated to an incredible sighting of two Kambula Lionesses and their 6 cubs with a buffalo kill in the Tugwaan riverbed. The foliage was extremely thick, but there was a moment where her eyes locked with mine.
One of the Plains Camp males plays with the idea of getting moving in the late afternoon. Having fed and finished a zebra kill earlier in the day, he decided to stay settled with his belly very full.
A guide’s dream. We spent much of the morning tracking and then following the beautiful Nkoveni Female. As the morning warmed and the sun broke through the clouds, she became eager to rest. Lucky for us, she chose this beautiful fallen Marula tree to have a quick break on her patrol.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
A breeding herd of elephants approach a waterhole with great excitement.
The Three Rivers Female pauses for a brief moment to see that her cub is still following her through the brush. The light falling through some of the large trees in the riverbed makes the composition and colour on her coat strikingly beautiful.
Forced into early independence at 11 months. Despite her small size, she's proven resilient, currently raising a cub in SE Londolozi.
Not often are we treated to a zebra being so photogenic; more commonly, they turn their backs and continue moving away. However, this curious individual allowed us to get a great look at the details of its facial markings.
After not being seen for a while, we were elated to find the Ngungwe Female’s Cub resting in the shade of a jackalberry tree on the banks of the Sand River. The dappled light in between the shade was difficult to photograph, but this sighting was definitely a highlight for me.
This young elephant was eager to show off his bravery to the rest of the herd. He walked straight up to the vehicle, affording us an amazing sighting, before scurrying back to his mother for protection.
This young elephant decided to give himself a dust-bath in the middle of the road at sunset. We were hoping to get to our sundowner on time, but this roadblock was all worthwhile.
Nic- if I am reading correctly, Advice is your new tracker! You are a very lucky ranger! He is wonderful! Here’s to great adventures for you both!
Nic, Thanks for a great update and some fabulous images! The close-up of one of the Kambula Lioness staring back at you is amazing!
Very nice collection of photos Nic! I skipped along with you this morning not singing Lions, and Tiger and Bears…Oh My, like Dorothy. But Lions and Leopards and Ellies…Oh My with a stunning Zebra and a few others tossed in. Thanks!!!
What a fantastic bunch of pictures, every one is just awesome! I can’t pick a favorite. I do have a question, how long has the Ngungwe young cub been missing, or not been seen, and how old is this cub? Male or female?
It’s always so relieving to find out they have survived!!!
What a special week in pictures! Thanks Nic!
Fun collection of images this week, Nic. My favorite is the last one – the dust-bathing elephant in the golden light. Lovely shot!
Beautiful photos Nic, and fantastic news about Ngungwe’s cub.
First of all, it’s great news that Ngungwe’s cub is still around, after being incognito for a while. In spite of the dappled light, you captured a very nice image. Other favorites include the young Three Rivers female as well as Nkoveni on the fallen log, the young elephants playing in the water, the Zebra portrait and the sweet hyena pup. It’s great to see the greening of the property now that you’ve had a bit of rain – great photos!
Hi Nick, all pictures are superb! Too difficult to pick up… I was particularly struck by the Nkoveni Female, the Three Rivers female picture, the elegant and very handsome and classy Talamati lion, the zebra, the elephant cubs playing… I’m elated that the Nkuwa cub is alive! The Three Rivers young female is adorable. The hippo as usual is a striking image. A fantastic twip
Hi Nic, your images of the Leopards are my favorites this week. The young Three Rivers female is a gorgeous leopard. Off course the Nkoveni female is my all time favorite. So very excited to hear that the cub of Ngungwe’s cub is alive.
Great week Nic! Truly! The babies always take the prize but all of the shots this week are stellar!
Wow nic, wonderful collection , love the Nkoveni pic
A great week of pictures, Nic. The hippo’s yawn or display of his deadly tusks is indeed quite impressive. Wouldn’t like to meet these teeth from too close up.
Great photos of all the other animals. How old is the Ngungwe female’s cub?
I love your portrait of the zebra this week. The colors, the lighting, the depth of field, the grass in its mouth–perfection! Happy news that eh Ngungwe female’s cub has at last been found!