As we move deeper into May, winter is definitely showing its teeth. The mornings have turned properly cold, with a crispness to the air that signals the season has well and truly shifted. What continues to surprise me, though, is just how green the bush remains. Following one of the wettest seasons in recent memory, this is the greenest and thickest I have ever seen Londolozi at this time of year, and we’re nearly in June.
On the leopard front, the Ximungwe Female is showing herself more and more, but her cub continues to remain elusive in the thick vegetation. Patience will be rewarded as winter opens the bush up. The Shingi Male is ranging further afield with every passing week, his confidence visibly growing. The Nkoveni Female is looking very pregnant, and we’re crossing fingers that she gives birth soon. The Three Rivers Female, meanwhile, continues to hold her territory firmly in the southeast.
Lions have been a real highlight. The Mhangeni Pride’s cubs are tiny but bursting with personality, while the Msuthlu Pride remains the one we are most accustomed to, spending almost all their time on Londolozi. A spectacular afternoon with them overlooking the Sand River was a definite standout. The Gijima Males, though a little beaten up, continue to have a stronghold in the southeast.
With water still abundant across the reserve, the elephants are in their element. Some of the most content herds I’ve spent time with at this time of year. The bird life, too, has been something special, and going into winter, it’s honestly the best I can remember.
Enjoy this Week in Pictures…
Once finished feeding, the Ximungwe Female gives us one last stare before heading into the drainage to find her cub.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
A Pearl-spotted Owlet perches in the open at the edge of a thicket, scanning for any hunting opportunity.
One of my favourite butterflies, a Spotted Joker, landed on our vehicle just long enough for me to capture it.
A Mhangeni lioness walks through an open clearing while a herd of wildebeest watch her closely.
The Nkoveni Female watches as a few hyena circle the base of the tree where her kill is hoisted.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
A curious slender mongoose watches our vehicle as we take a few quick photos.
A Gijima Male yawns as the sun rises behind him.
The Three Rivers Female rests in the Maxebene after a long day of hunting.
Forced into early independence at 11 months. Despite her small size, she's proven resilient, currently raising a cub in SE Londolozi.
Two young elephant calves quenching their thirst.
A leopard tortoise makes its way through a welcome wallow on a hot day.
One of the Msuthlu young males sits on the banks of the Sand River.
A hyena cub comes to investigate our vehicle at the den.
One of the Mhangeni lionesses not entirely enjoying the presence of her cubs as she tries to rest.
Shortly after, a tender moment is shared between them.
The Tinxiya Female notices a breeding herd of elephants approaching as she rests in a marula.
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
A dwarf mongoose pup getting up close and personal with one of its parents.
The Shingi Male, growing at a rapid rate. He’s soon going to be a force to be reckoned with.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
An African Green Pigeon. Notoriously shy, they are hard birds to photograph.
The Ximungwe Female lifts her tail as a rattling cisticola alarms at her.
Very impressive photo selection, thanks Patrick.
Great photos Patrick!
Stunning big cat photography , but my favourite leopard is the leopard tortoise