As we move deeper into May, the bush continues to hold onto the lushness brought by one of the wettest seasons in recent memory. The mornings have definitely started to cool down, but the reserve still feels incredibly alive. The grass remains long, many drainage lines are still holding water, and the landscape has a richness to it that has made every drive feel beautiful in its own way.
The thicker vegetation has made predator viewing a bit trickier at times but that only makes the successful sightings feel even more rewarding. Leopards continue to melt through dense thickets and riverbeds, while lions remain ever present across different parts of the reserve. The Londolozi Guiding and Tracking team are the type to dig our heels in and really give the landscape a good search!
The abundance of water and grazing has meant fantastic time spent with elephants, including a few truly impressive tuskers. Spending time with these giants remains one of my favourite things to do out here. Birding has also been excellent recently. Eagles in particular have been very active, and with the cooler air and softer light around, photographic conditions have been fantastic.
As always, it’s the variety that continues to amaze me out here. One moment can be filled with chaos and energy, while the next is quiet and still.
Enjoy this Week in Pictures…
The Ximnugwe Female pauses in some soft late morning light to gaze up at her kill in a nearby tree. This female really embodies the toughness and intensity of female leopards in general!
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
Moments before take off. They really are incredible eagles to photograph. Again patience is key!
A beautiful immature Martial Eagle takes flight. I scrambled but managed to get it just as it jumped from its perch.
The Tinxiya Female looking up. I was a bit limited in this sighting with the prime lens I was using, but I wasn’t about to let that stop me when I spent time with the Tinxiya Female.
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
The dark-maned Gijima Male has been spent quite some time with the barren Ntsevu lioness.
It is great news for us that the Gijima Males are becoming more familiar with the Ntsevu Pride.
With the golden morning light at this time of year, every scene seems to pop. Especially the golden coat of the Three Rivers Female on a patrol.
play time at the local hyena den.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying the cooler mornings, as we regularly get treated to sunrises like the above. I edited the contrast slightly on this shot but otherwise this is the RAW version!
A member of the Msuthlu pride meets my viewfinder. What a privilege to have this pride around!
A newborn buffalo calf. What an incredibly special morning as we witnessed a buffalo cow give birth. The entire ordeal was about 45 minutes. The calf stood in under ten minutes – how incredible…
One of the bigger tuskers I have personally seen in the Sabi Sands. This picture as per usual barely does it justice…
The Nkuwa Female rests peacefully in a marula as she is instinctually drawn to the movement of a distant herd of impala.
Raised as an intact litter, first in 7 years, who has now made her own history by raising two males to independence as an intact litter.
A different angle on the Nkuwa Female.
The Styx Male and Kambula Female consistently provide good viewing. I really hope he can find a partner to form a coalition with!
A family of waterbuck of varying ages. I’m sure they’ve enjoyed having all this water around!
The Nkoveni Female sharpens her claws on a fallen jackalberry
3… 2… 1… Take off!
A close-up on the albino zebra foal.
The ever-present Three Rivers Female stops to gaze at some distant impala.
Forced into early independence at 11 months. Despite her small size, she's proven resilient, currently raising a cub in SE Londolozi.
Some of the older Hyena cubs decided it was time to gang up on their younger cousin.
The youngest black coloured cub at this point has just recognised the impending chase!
And off he/she ran to mum’s side. This Hyena den really has been delivering the most incredible sightings of late. Patience is key but every now and then you are really treated to something special!
The Ximungwe female attempts to hoist an impala ram carcass! These animals’ strength is off the charts! As a joke, I tried something similar in the gym. Needless to say, gravity won…
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on The Week in Pictures #753