This Week in Pictures features an incredible variety of wildlife sightings from across Londolozi, with lions taking centre stage.
The N’waswitshaka Males from the south, the Ntsevu Pride and the Plains Camp males from the West all make an appearance, as does the Talamati male, one of the males from the Nkomati Coalition that roams the south-western parts of the reserve. There has been plenty of lion activity across Londolozi recently, and it has been epic to spend some time watching these impressive animals go about their lives. Especially the males roaring nonstop for nights on end.
There have also been some beautiful mornings out on the road, with spectacular sunrises framed by the silhouettes of old dead trees. As the days give way to clear winter nights, the stars have been equally impressive, providing some unforgettable moments beneath the night sky.
Leopards feature strongly this week too, with sightings of the Nkoveni female, Ximungwe female, Shingi male and Tinxiya female. Each leopard has its own character, and spending time with these animals has always been one of the great privileges of guiding at Londolozi. This is why they are my favourite animals to photograph
The rest of the week brought an equally entertaining mix of sightings, from a rather special honey badger and a pair of cheetah brothers to a magnificent Kudu bull. We were fortunate enough to find rhinos mating, a pair of martial eagles perched up beautifully, colourful bee-eaters, and some adorable hyena pups. The patient Hamerkops at the causeway also made an appearance, providing plenty of photographic opportunities.
This TWIP is a particularly special one for me, as it will be my final Week in Pictures from Londolozi.
I have been incredibly fortunate to spend my final week on the road doing what first brought me here – to guide, share stories and spend precious time in the wilderness, with some truly incredible wildlife along the way.
For now, though,
Enjoy This Week in Pictures…
A beast of the highest form, the Plains Camp Male marching in the early sunlight
One of the young N’waswitshaka males drinking to quench his thirst.
The Shingi Male locks his focus onto a Vulture soaring overhead.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
The Makhotini Brothers have been wondering the open grasslands in the West constantly showing off their hunting prowess.
A pleasant surprise as we watched this confident Honey Badger looking for food in a recently burnt area on the reserve.
We marvelled at the Nkoveni Female feeding in a tree. This was an intimate sighting while she took her time carefully manoeuvring her kill in a Tambotie tree.
Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
“Anticipation” is the word that comes to mind when I look at this photo. Its difficult to describe the feeling of getting up before sunrise and waiting to see what is discovered around the next corner…
We watched two playful zebras gallop towards us as they rejoined a large dazzle behind the camera.
One of my favroite birds to see is the mischievous Little Bee-eater.
Another capture of the growing Shingi Male. He hasn’t been viewed consistently as of late and his time to move away from the Nkoveni females territory is here.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
A wild Dog peers over his shoulder at some marauding hyenas on the bank of the Sand River
A mirror image of two members of the Kambula Pride looking at some giraffe in the distance.
The Ximungwe female grooms herself after another bout of feeding on an Impala carcass stashed in the branches of a Tambotie tree.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
A Kudu Bull with some impressive horns.
The journey of independence for the Tinxiya Female continues. Her name means “eyebrow’ in Shangaan and you can see why.
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
A fascinating interaction of rhinos! A dominant bull mounted a female in heat right in front of her subadult calf.
A stunning portrait of one of the N’waswitshaka males
The N’waswitshaka brothers drinking together at sunset was an amazing scene!
A young Ntsevu Lioness walks straight into the golden light.
A quiet moment with the Hamerkops watching the water flow over the causeway.
A focused Talamati Male listening carefully to presumably the Plains Camp Males roaring in the distance.
Watching and photographing golden sunsets will never get old.
These are two of the youngest members of the Hyena clan denning in the south of Londolozi.
The ever-watchful Martial Eagle. I admire the presence this bird holds over the landscape.
This image of the Milky way shining bright over the bush will always hold a special place in my heart.
Following any male lion on a morning patrol is exhilarating, but following these enormous Plains Camp Males takes it to the next level.
The lion dynamics have been interesting of late and so we eagerly sit and watch is going to unfold in the coming months, will these males continue to push further east?
What a wonderful blog/TWIP, Nick! A huge variety of animals and birds all beautifully photographed. Thanks, Nick. Sorry to see you go; much luck in your next chapter.
Smashing photographs, Nick. Congratulations. I liked them all.
Thanks for this great group of photos Nick, ( esp Honey Badger & Martial Eagle).
Best to you moving forward in your life!
Sorry to hear you’re leaving, Nick – but what a great TWIP to round off! What’s next for you?
Nick: Simply stunning. Sex Ed looked back breaking! Wishing you the best of success with your ‘what’s next’. Thank you.
Farewell Nick. We are sad to see you go. Great sightings in your final week!
Stunning week! Love those little bee-eaters too! Happy new adventures to you!
Amazing pics, Nick. Fascinating leopards, and the honey badger is cute. Excellent photo of the face from Tinxiya
Hi Nick, I have always been so surprised and pleased by your blog editions. Your pictures are outstanding. If I had to pick up one, the Shingi male in black and white looks an absolutely astonishing beauty. Then I may repeat myself, but I find the Milky Way totally fascinating! I will miss your pictures and sensitive, accurate tales…
Good luck!
Hi Nick, stunning images in your last TWIP. Sorry to see you go and I wish you all the best on your new adventure. The lions are really busy in the last few days, I hope there won’t be any altercations between them. Shingi male is a favorite of mine and off course his Mom the Nkoveni female. Ximungwe also a beauty.
Thanks, Nick, for this beautiful TWIP.Great photos.
One of my favourites is that cute Little Bee-eater lifting its foot.
The lions are impressive, the little hyenas ever so cute, the dynamic of the photo of the two zebras is amazing.
and, of course, to see all these lovely cats and as an extra even a honey badger, are real treats.
What a fabulous collection to showcase your variety of photos included in your final TWIP. You will be missed by your colleagues of course, but especially by those of us that you guided during your tenure at Londolozi. All the best in your next cycle wherever it takes you – I suspect you and Kate are not quite done with guiding, yet…
Best wishes for your next chapter, Nick, I’ve enjoyed your contributions to the blog over the years. Those rhinos! That was certainly not an everyday sighting! Your sunset was also spectacular.
Terrific TWIP Nick, and godspeed on your next adventure!!
Thank you for all the wonderful photos, especially the cats. I would like to point out that the Talamati male belongs to the Nkumati Coalition.. They took the beginning of Nkuhuma & the end of Talamati.
Lovely photos ,
Best wishes for the future
Ian
It’s been a distinct privilege getting to know you beyond your photos. Your knowledge and preparation have been so thorough. Your next stops will, undoubtably, be very successful. Enjoy them!