The summer rains have transformed the Sabi Sands into what I can only describe as an emerald fortress. While the vibrant greenery signals a time of plenty for the herds, for the great cats of Londolozi, it has turned the landscape into a labyrinth of noise and high-stakes gambling.
In this week’s Virtual Safari, we follow the Nkoveni Female and the Three Rivers Female as they navigate the long grass in an attempt to hunt. Every footstep in the heavy grass is a potential whistle-blower to a herd of impala and wildebeest.
Beyond the leopard stalks, this episode captures a rare moment in the history of our wilderness. In the bush, information is the most valuable currency we hold. When our neighbours at Mala Mala shared news on and incredibly rare bird, our mission changed from morning game drive to covert operation.
It wasn’t about the pursuit of the perfect cinematic shot; it was about the proof of life.
This sighting was a reminder that while we often focus on the territorial boundaries of leopards and lions, the human connection is what truly sustains this ecosystem. Seeing two iconic reserves set aside their borders to share in a fleeting moment in remarkable history reflects the deep mutual respect that defines modern conservation in the Sabi Sands. We extend an immense thanks to the Mala Mala team for making this mission possible.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
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Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
Forced into early independence at 11 months. Despite her small size, she's proven resilient, currently raising a cub in SE Londolozi.
Thanks for this exciting video, Sean. Watching leopard while he or she is trying to hunt is always so special, even if the outcome is negative for the leopard. Watching two of your most well-known females on such a hunt is indeed a special treat.
Great that Malamala had this very special bird on their property and you were able to see it as well.
Thanks so much, Christa.
Hi Sean, congratulations on seeing the rare bird, I am sure that was a highlight for you and the other Rangers. Seeing the Three Rivers female and Nkoveni female trying to hunt in the long grass, is an exceptional task for them. Both of them are gorgeous females. Loved the way the Blue wildbeast and their calves walked past the Nkoveni female and she did not try and catch one calf. She knows too well the mothers will react immediately and she can get hurt.
We were so excited to see the bird. A very rare one to see.
Congratulations on spotting the Allen’s Gallinule, definitely a “lifer” for you and anyone else who was there when it was spotted. It is a testament to the shared love of the wild that afforded both ranger teams the opportunity to search for this rare and elusive bird in the Sabi Sand. It looks to be a beautifully colored bird from the photos in Robert’s Guide and your video.
All the rains have certainly left the property covered with lush, green mile high grasses , easy for predator species to crouch whilst stalking and hopefully capture a meal. But I do understand that the slightest movement by a leopard can alert the herd and the birds and monkeys don’t help with their alarm calling. I believe Nkoveni has earned the title of Queen of Londolozi now that Mashaba has disappeared, demonstrating her success as a mother raising 4 cubs to adulthood as well as her hunting prowess. However I will say that Three Rivers female has demonstrated her ability to successfully raise cubs, now that she raised a son and daughter, truly amazing given her demure size. Thanks for this week’s video …..
Robert’s and your video capture. And then, there are the ghosts of the summer lushness, the leopards that crouch in the verdant grasses, waiting for their moment to pounce and succeed in capturing a meal. I do see that with the number of young wildebeests and impala lambs, it can be more difficult to hunt since the herds tend to stick together – perhaps because they suspect a sense of danger in those grasses. Nkoveni has definitely earned her crown as new queen of Londolozi(in my opinion), given Mashaba has moved away or ……., and has proven once again that she is a successful mother. However, Three Rivers has also proven to be a formidable leopardess and mother, successfully raising a male and female now .
It certainly was a Lifer for me and many others. Hopefully, we see a few more of these rare and exciting birds.
Nkoveni is such an awesome leopardess and is taking over from her mother.