Some afternoons in the bush are all about the atmosphere, anticipation, and simply being present. This week’s Virtual Safari falls firmly into that, and it was magic.
We were treated to the company of not one, but two leopards on a particularly warm afternoon. Either one of the Shingi Male or Nkoveni Female had successfully caught a young impala and hoisted it high into a jackalberry. Both leopards lingered in the long grass, and we quietly hoped for a bit of drama. If she attempted to climb, would the Shingi Male rush up in defence of this hard-earned meal?
The stage was set.
Instead, what unfolded was something more subtle, the two leopards repositioning in the grass to escape the biting flies, shifting with the heat of the day, glancing skyward as towering clouds built overhead. We watched birds flit about, the sun slipping in and out behind a bank of cloud, the kind of golden light that makes you grateful just to be there.
The following morning, the leopards had moved on after finishing the carcass, so we checked in on a relatively new face in the area, the Southern Black Dam Male. A striking male who has caused a stir here in the past and now seems to be lingering around once more. Is he simply passing through… or is he testing the waters for something more permanent?
Only time will tell.
And just when you think the week is winding down… there is something rather exciting coming in the next episode!
Stay tuned.
Enjoy this week’s Virtual Safari…
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Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
A joyful surprise Sean, it’s always a pleasure to see the ex Nkoveni duo! But- will she gave up feeding that beast of a son and start a new life? They are an emotional view, but is he really still dependent on her…?
The Black Dam Southern male is spectacular. But- there are so many strong males in coalition around…. who knows. Always happy to see big cats dynamics! Thank you?
Hopefully Maxim’s will continue to tolerate his son for a while longer. Looking back at my notes, I last saw Tortoise Pan in Sept. ’19, when he was just over 3 years old and I think Inyathini was still tolerating him then.
I’m guessing you’ve found Ximungwe’s cubs?
Just when it was thought the Shingi male was ready to move into independence, it seems he is not ready to leave mom – yet! Her excellent hunting and mothering skills may have spoiled him a bit, so I guess until she tires of him preventing her access to food or she falls pregnant , he will hang around where she is. However as you mentioned, the Maxim male may see him as a threat as he seems to have grown into those very large laws and chase him away. Selfishly, I hope he stays around for another several weeks as I’d love to see him once again.
The Southern Black Dam male is a stunning lion to view but I doubt he could hold his own against the Gijimas, Plains Camps or even the Nkumati coalitions. Time will tell.
Sean, Great close-ups of the new lion – the eyes are amazing! Your patience was impressive with Nkoveni and Shingi, especially in the heat! We love the new caps with the 100 logo. Can’t wait get a couple in July!
Hi Sean that is still fascinating to see the Nkoveni female and her naughty but gorgeous son together. There is nothing better to view than seeing them interacting together. The male lion is huge, shame look at all those ticks on his ears and top eye lid. Can’t wait for next week to see which leopard has had 2 little fur balls, so precious.
So cool that Shingi is still with Nkoveni even though he is over 2 years old now! and both of them being cuddly and cute with each other….makes me wonder if Nkoveni being older, and probably has not come back into estrous and therefore is not really feeling the biological motivation to push him away. We saw this same scenario in 2022 in the northern SS when Thandi also was still calling and feeding and tolerating her young boy, Maribye at the age of 2 years old as well.