When I started training at the start of 2020, little did I know I would still be here over six years later. My first leopard at Londolozi was the Plaque Rock Female on the 21st of January 2020, quite close to camp, and I remember thinking: how am I ever going to be able to tell these leopards apart?
So I started a list. I noted down each leopard I saw, along with any anecdotal stories guides or trackers would share along the way. I cut out small maps and coloured in their territories to try to understand how all these leopards co-existed and, more importantly, where I would go to find which individual. Slowly over time, the list grew — until today, with the Thamba Male moving eastwards, I saw my 49th leopard on Londolozi.
Although it was a brief loop onto Londolozi, my guests and I watched this impressive male scent mark before he returned westwards.
The parameters have always been simple: the leopard must be over two years old and must be physically on Londolozi. No near misses or glimpses across the boundary. Although I have been incredibly fortunate to see a few different litters of cubs from various females, the list stayed focused on the adults — the ones whose territories I was trying to understand, whose lineages I was slowly piecing together, whose stories the trackers had been carrying long before I arrived. And so over six years, the list grew. Not dramatically, not all at once, but steadily — the way knowledge of a place tends to accumulate. Now I can’t help but wonder who my 50th leopard will be.
Looking back, I can’t deny that starting to unravel the Mashaba Female’s lineage is what allowed me to begin to comprehend the leopards of Londolozi.
The last time I saw the Mashaba Female, her face told a story. The infamous Mashaba Female — the leopard I have countless memories of, from my early days as a trainee ranger through to her later years. Her lineage is the one I have watched grow most over the years, from both her daughters, the Nkoveni Female and Ximungwe Female, and their various offspring. Her legacy certainly lives on.
Londolozi's oldest territorial female. Distinguished by her nose spot, this Sunsetbend matriarch's legacy lives on through her daughters.
The Nweti Male was briefly chased off by a large bull elephant as he and the Mashaba Female finished off the remains of their kill. Sadly, both of these leopards are no longer seen. The Nweti Male’s son, the Nottens Male, looks just like him and in time we hope he settles back into the southern reaches of the reserve.
Born 2014, dominant force in southern Londolozi. Notable for jaguar-like rosettes and exceptional hunting prowess, particularly of warthogs
Reflecting back has brought me such joy, and it has been fascinating to consider how much has changed over these past six years. From the Flat Rock Male being dominant south and west of camp, to shifting completely off the reserve. The journey of the Nkoveni Female, who we used to see close to the river, then shifted eastwards, raising the now independent Xinkhova and Stone Drift Females, to now being back on Londolozi and potentially expecting her next litter. The memories, the changes, and the ever-shifting dynamics have been a privilege to witness over these last six years.
Sadly, 21 of these leopards have either died or dispersed beyond the Sabi Sands. Yet I still find myself driving the reserve constantly, remembering moments with these animals and sightings I have had over the years. I hope you enjoy going through some of my favourite moments with these magnificent animals.
The characteristic eyes of the Flat Rock Male back in 2023, when he used to roam the northern parts of the reserve. One of the first leopards I was able to identify, due to his eyes and tail spots. Although still thriving, we no longer see him as he has shifted eastwards off the reserve. He walked through the clearings on a misty morning before rasping into the distance.
Born 2013 Kruger, seized prime territory at young age. Strategic dominance led to successful lineage before current eastward shift.
The Nkoveni Female being led by the now Xinkhova Female and Stone Drift Female along the boundary. She spent most of their formative years east of our boundary and would occasionally move further west in search of food while raising these youngsters. I was driving with Ranger Shaun D’Araujo when we found these three together. It’s incredible to know that both of these young females have since entered into motherhood themselves. The countless memories with the Nkoveni Female are hard to put into words.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
Born 2021, larger daughter of Nkoveni. Successfully established territory in Mala Mala and now raising her first litter east of Londolozi.
Born 2021, daughter of Nkoveni. Young dynamo actively claiming territory near camps, showing promise as next generation's dominant female.
The Ndzanzeni Female — whose name translates to “far away” — and her territory in thick, long grasslands, walked towards us. This female has not been seen in the last few months. Although that could mean she has become nomadic or has since died, she always showed remarkable resilience over the years despite her back leg injury.
Royal descendant of Mother Leopard lineage. Remarkable single cub success story who overcame injury to continue the royal bloodline.
Little did I know this would be my final sighting of the Senegal Bush Male, in the Sand River west of camp, before his tracks disappeared and his presence left a notable gap in our drives. The first time I saw him, he hissed and charged the vehicle while mating with the Mashaba Female near Shingi Dam. I was apprehensive of this male after that. Incredibly, over time and through trust, he became one of the most viewed and photographed leopards at Londolozi.
Dominant from 2019-2024, transformed from cautious visitor to powerful territorial force. Mastered central Londolozi until his final days.
To this day I still drive past this Tamboti thicket and remember this moment in the middle of winter, sitting with the Ximungwe Female as she rested in the shade of the tree canopy. I have had countless sightings with this female — from watching her successfully raise the Mhlahla Male when I first arrived, to the Ntomi Male now dominant in the western sector.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
A rare sighting of the elusive Mawelawela Male — and my only photograph of him.
Born 2013, initially a fairly aggressive elusive male that has somewhat relaxed. Found in unconventional leopard territory of the grasslands
The Senegal Bush Male and Ximungwe Female mating once again. We had found the Ximungwe Female with the remains of a kill, rasping frequently. We left her after some time and returned later that drive to find the Senegal Bush Male had responded to her calls, and the two mated for the next few days.
Dominant from 2019-2024, transformed from cautious visitor to powerful territorial force. Mastered central Londolozi until his final days.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
My early days behind a camera, with a very different lens. This was the Flat Rock Male mating with the Piccadilly Female at one of my favourite places on the reserve — Marthly Pools.
Born 2013 Kruger, seized prime territory at young age. Strategic dominance led to successful lineage before current eastward shift.
Golden-coated of Sunsetbend lineage, this female is gradually expanding her presence south of the Sand River into Londolozi.
This young male, the Mahlahla Male, was an exciting find during our early training days. When we returned after COVID, he had since dispersed further north. I am unsure what became of him — whether he headed into neighbouring reserves or into Kruger National Park.
An inquisitive young male that has been pushed further north by the Senegal Bush Male.
The Plaque Rock Female used a Marula tree as a vantage point. The moody, rainy skies and fading light created an unforgettable backdrop as she began to descend. I have countless images of her in trees and it was a difficult one to choose. She was the first leopard I ever saw here at Londolozi, the first leopard cub den I found alongside my tracker Lucky, and she gave me one of my most memorable sightings — the moment she and one of the Ntsevu lionesses ended up in the same tree, fighting over a kill, before the branch broke and lion, leopard and impala fell together.
A bittersweet image to share. This was taken two days before the Plaque Rock Female was tragically killed in the Sand River by a Ntsevu Lioness.
Born 2018, skilled huntress and determined mother. Dominated Sand River territory until her tragic end in 2024.
The Nhlanguleni Female on a termite mound. She was the first leopard that allowed me to view her cubs at a den — a moment I can’t quite explain. When I first arrived, she was still in competition with the Finfoot and Nkuwa Females close to camp, still making kills before leaving them to feed alone. Soon these two females went their separate ways — one north of the Sand River, one south — pushing her further west into the river thickets, and sightings of her became rare. After COVID, the Finfoot Female dispersed into Kruger and we began seeing the Nhlanguleni Female more regularly. Surprisingly, the Nkuwa Female had by then shifted entirely south and west of where she had originally been establishing herself.
Initially skittish female who transformed into a regular presence. Made history by raising first intact litter since her own generation.
A moment I will never forget: a young cub emerging onto the boulder after its mother at the den.
The Nkoveni Female navigating through a herd of elephants when a young elephant caught sight of her and came crashing through the bushes. She paused briefly and looked back. It never stops amazing me how these animals coexist on a daily basis.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
The Kangela Male, who had a unique coat with spots within some of his rosettes. Accurately named after his enchanting “eyes that wander.” Although he was here for only a short period, he is a male I will never forget — including the first time I ever heard the cough of a leopard greeting another.
Born 2019, nomadic explorer named for curious eyes. Early human exposure created remarkably relaxed demeanor despite nomadic challenges.
The Piccadilly Female with a scrub hare kill, which she carried over 1.5 kilometres to the Ngungwe Female, who at the time had a deep gash on her hind leg that limited her movements. The Piccadilly Female has since shifted eastwards, ceding her territory on Londolozi to the Ngungwe Female, who is now raising a cub of her own. Who knows — perhaps we will be lucky to see her once more on the northern parts of the reserve.
Golden-coated of Sunsetbend lineage, this female is gradually expanding her presence south of the Sand River into Londolozi.
The Ntomi Male, now dominant in the western sector. His characteristic birth mark in his eye made him unmistakable. He was the last of the Ximungwe Female’s litters to reach adulthood and I have countless images of him growing up — but here, just before he dispersed, he stopped on a fallen Marula at eye level.
Born 2021, son of Ximungwe Female. Distinguished by eye freckle, grown into formidable male dominant in the west.
The Three Rivers Female and the now Tinxiya Female, reuniting. The Three Rivers Female was the first leopard I never actually laid eyes on — when I started guiding, she only had a small portion of her territory on Londolozi. Lucky had tracked her down into a thick area. As we arrived, she disappeared, and we never saw her that drive. Fortunately, we relocated her the following day before she headed east again.
Forced into early independence at 11 months. Despite her small size, she's proven resilient, currently raising a cub in SE Londolozi.
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
The first time I saw the Tortoise Pan Male was on the 23rd of February 2020. He was sitting up on his haunches, like a meerkat, watching some impala in the long grass. In an instant, he dropped down and continued down the road. I have never seen another leopard do that. Back then, he was a nomadic four-year-old male. Today he is a dominant ten-year-old, fathering cubs of his own.
Born 2016 to Ndzanzeni Female, royal descendant of Mother Leopard. Now a dominant force in the north.
Potentially one of my favourite leopard photographs I have ever taken. We got the radio call that the Ngungwe Female was up in a dead Knobthorn. The only problem was that we had to cross the Sand River while it was still running high. Fortunately we made it — and it was well worth every second.
Born 2020 during lockdown to Piccadilly Female. Once skittish, now confident mother denning her first litter in Marthly's rocky terrain.
The Shingi Male has certainly given us some extraordinary sightings over the past two and a half years.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
My first photograph of the elusive Maxim’s Male — at eye level. Still perhaps one of only five I have managed to capture. This male has secured a vast territory across the Sabi Sands, and in recent years has been seen more and more on Londolozi. The first time I spotted him in the distance, I thought he was a lioness. Still the biggest leopard I have ever seen — and still as elusive — which makes moments like this one all the more unforgettable.
Dominant since 2019. Once skittish Kruger-born giant now rules vast territory, transforming from elusive presence to formidable force.
An exciting newcomer who I can’t help but hope is here to stay. The Hlambela Male rests on a boulder, soaking in the last warmth of the day from the rock beneath him.
An impressive male, appearing as a rising force in the north. Making a name for himself by pushing other males out.
So, who will number 50 be?
Perhaps the Nkuwa Young Male — still a few months shy of his second birthday, still navigating that precarious stretch between dependence and independence. Or perhaps the Ngungwe Young Female, whom I have caught only fleeting glimpses of, not yet through binoculars but a brief flash of movement. Perhaps a dominant male from a neighbouring reserve shifting his territory westward — the Split Rock Male to our east has carved out a substantial territory and could come our way. With the current density of females on Londolozi, perhaps one will move further from her natal territory than expected. And then there is always the unknown — the possibility that my fiftieth will be a face I don’t recognise at all.
Time will certainly tell. And I can’t wait to see what the bush delivers next.
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