This week the Nkoveni story continued — and tested my patience in ways I probably deserved.
If you watched last week’s episode, you’ll know where we left off. She’d finished her carcass and started moving. This week I want to tell you what happened next, how close we got, and why I drove back to camp at eleven o’clock in the morning knowing exactly what I was leaving behind.
There’s also a buffalo hunt that the Msuthlu Pride made considerably harder work than they probably anticipated. The bush wasn’t handing them anything on a plate. Or us a clear view, for that matter.
After everything else, it was exactly what I needed.
Press play. Come along for the ride.
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Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
Another great video, Sean.
Watching animals needs a lot of patience, indeed.
The Nkoveni Female is such a wonderful leopard.
The encounter between the lions and the buffalos was amazing. And also the playful cockfights of these young lions. to watch a pride of young lions fool around with each other is always such a fantastic sighting. Can’t get enough of it.
Thanks for this really pleasant video and I admire your patience.
It looks like the Nkoveni female has a large gash on her back right leg, but she seemed to be moving alright. Or is the cover image playing tricks on me?
Thanks Sean for taking us along on your quest to find Nkoveni’s cubs. I know from a guest’s point of view, how maddening it is to know how close you are to the den, yet just can’t get there. However, she cannot hide them forever and one of you will experience that magical moment when you hear or see those little fluff balls — I know I certainly did when we discovered Xinkhova’s cubs.
The stand-off between the Buffaloes and the Msuthlu pride was fascinating to watch. At times it was as though they were performing on a grass stage – lions move aggressively towards them, only to be pushed back by the frontline of cows. I saw this pride with their young cubs in October 2024 at your southern neighbors, and I believe most of the sub-adults are those same once little lion cubs. It was great to see them playing once again, two of them once again holding branches in their teeth, as they were doing a couple of years ago…..did they manage to take down a buffalo?
Hi Sean, just goes to show the animals and bush are in control, not what we want to see. Frustrating for you as you were so close to seeing Nkoveni’s den and maybe get a glimpse of the cubs. Hopefully this week she will be kinder and lead you to her den. Forsure the animals are in control and their time counts. The buffalo’s and lions charging each other and then turning back and running is nerve racking. Just when you think the lions will leave them alone, then come back charging again. Lovely to see them playing in the middel of this whole episode.
Hi Sean, the Nkoveni Female is a tough guy, and very smart! You will find them. The prospect that it is probably the last litter for her makes it all even more special. Her mother was unlucky in her last years. I had hoped so much for her. Any news on the Ximungwe female ‘s cub?
Sean, you are a very patient man! Nkoveni will show you the Cubs when she is ready. We are sure. The Lions met their match that morning, but for sure they will have success at some point. It was fun to see them playing and climbing. And you are right – Londolozi’s wildlife is in control!