Another remarkable week behind the lens. As lush and green as the landscape still is, the seasons are beginning to shift. The morning light is softer, the sunsets are starting to stretch a little longer, and the wildlife seems to carry a renewed intensity. This past week delivered a wonderful variety of sightings and moments. Some included intense predator encounters, while others reminded me to slow down and take it all in.
An impressive array of different leopards were on display this week. The two newly independent leopards, the Tinxiya Female and Shingi Male, are looking better than ever, both showing signs of continued growth. The northern parts of Londolozi have been showing off; the Ngungwe Female was a common denominator this week, displaying her beauty across several trees along the northern boundary. The elusive Makomsava Female made an appearance near a waterhole on our northern boundary — keep an eye out for some potential news on her in the weeks to come — and the Nkoveni Female killed an impala lamb.
As many of you know, the lion dynamics at Londolozi are forever shifting. The Gijima Males have found themselves in a spot of bother with the young Nkuhuma breakaway Male. The Msuthlu Pride has decided they love Londolozi and have been with us for two weeks straight. The Ntsevu Pride put on a display, killing a zebra foal in broad daylight — stay tuned for the full story. Lastly, is there a new threat to the male lions of Londolozi? The Nwasitshaka Males have slowly started moving further and further north…
As exciting as the predator encounters are, the smaller, more tranquil moments are the ones that stay with you. The sunsets were unforgettable this week. Our Giant Kingfisher friend posed yet again, and on my way back to my room one evening, a chameleon crossed my path.
I’d love to know which picture is your favourite – let me know in the comments.
Enjoy This Week In Pictures…
After a sharp-eyed find by master tracker Freddy Ngubene, we followed the Shingi Male as he moved from impala herd to impala herd without success. After a while, he decided that this Weeping Boerboon tree was going to be his place of comfort.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
Winter sunrises and sunsets are here and I couldn’t be happier. The photographic opportunities are endless, and when we came across this Saddle-billed Stork, I could not help but stop and take the shot.
The Tinxiya Female has been a relatively elusive leopard over the last few weeks, but when we do find her, she never disappoints. Strikingly green eyes, a pink nose and ears still unweathered by time. She is slowly becoming a favourite amongst the most-watched leopards on the reserve.
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
An interesting new addition to the lion dynamics of Londolozi. The Nwasitshaka Males are slowly making their moves. Originating from the same pride as the Ndzenga Males, these four young brothers are starting to pose a threat in the southwestern parts of the reserve.
As I said, the winter sunrises are here. The airstrip is famous for its photographic opportunities, and when this wildebeest posed against the sunrise, he was asking for his photo to be taken.
My favourite. The Ngungwe Female was a common sighting this week. Her cub has reached independence, and she is now roaming her territory alone again — her striking personality keeping us thoroughly entertained throughout.
What a morning this was. The Ntsevu Pride taking down a zebra foal. Stay tuned for the full story, because this has been a highlight of my year so far…
If you are a regular here on the blog, you will know the story between one of the Gijima Males and the Nkuhuma breakaway Male. A few scars tell the whole story.
The Msuthlu Pride has been gold again this week. Featuring on many occasions, this pride is looking as strong as ever. The concentration in the eyes of this lioness tells you exactly what was going on. The hunt begins.
My favourite photo of the week. The Ngungwe Female descends a Marula tree on Ximpalapala Crest in the north. The rolling hills in the background, the contrast of her coat against a neutral sky, and the natural framing from the horizon and the trunk of the tree — this one had to be the closer.
Seeing double. Two Msuthlu lionesses fixed on a wildebeest in the distance, plotting their next move.
Arguably one of the most photographed leopards in the world. The Nkoveni Female poses beautifully in the morning light on a fallen Marula tree. With a kill not too far away, she rested here for a good 45 minutes before returning to feed.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
The eyes of a cheetah are unlike any other animal. The hazel glare against the golden coat is always a photo worth sharing.
Over the past few weeks I have been experimenting with black and white edits more and more, and I am loving them. Another shot of one of the Msuthlu lionesses as she peers over a termite mound, watching a warthog drink from a nearby waterhole.
A leopard quite rarely viewed here at Londolozi, as her territory stretches north of our boundary. The Makomsava Female is known for her pale coat – not as golden as most, but striking in her own quiet way. Last time I saw her, she was riddled with open wounds, so it was good to find her looking healthy again.
The only surviving cub of the Nanga female, currently territorial northern Marthly. Currently denning north of boundary
The hyena den is always a good place to visit. In this instance, a cub decided a little piece of bark was the perfect chew toy — and it wasn’t wrong.
For any photographer visiting us, I highly recommend making a stop at the causeway. Life in the water, the air and on the ground is always captivating. Whether it is a crocodile in the water, an elephant feeding on the bank, or the resident Giant Kingfisher perched above the reeds, there is always something worth pointing a lens at.
Another beautiful scene. A herd of elephants moves over a crest, the rolling hills in the background creating a backdrop you can only dream of.
Another black and white edit I just had to share. This elephant bull was in the height of his musth, so we kept our distance – but he would not let us past. Strolling down the road, trunk lifted off the ground and a head big enough to stop you in your tracks.
As I said, the Ngungwe Female was a common sighting this week — and boy did she put on a show.
We had a look at the Nkuhuma breakaway male, and now we had the chance to see what the other guy looks like. The Gijima Male’s wounds look like they are healing. With a big meal in his belly and his brother nearby, he now has the time to rest and recover.
Last but definitely not least, a big Flap-necked Chameleon stopped us in the middle of our game drive and we had to take a few shots. The colours are extraordinary and those eyes were locked on my lens as he strode across the road.
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on The Week In Pictures #755