Another week under the belt at Londolozi, and as winter slowly begins to loosen its grip, the bush has been buzzing with activity. It’s been one of those weeks where you feel every drive has something new and exciting for us.
The Leopards, as ever, kept us on our toes. The Xinkhova Female has been moving around camp, giving us some wonderful sightings. The Shingi Male is looking bigger by the week, and although still nomadic, he’s steadily making a name for himself. The Tinxiya Female continues to take over the vacant territory left by her mother while in the north; the Hlambela Male is becoming an increasingly prominent presence.
On the lion front, the Nkuhuma Male has been announcing himself loudly in front of the camps. The Ntsevu Pride continue to flourish in the central and south-eastern parts of Londolozi.
The Makatini Coalition have been moving across Londolozi with huge confidence, and whenever they’re around, the photographic potential is always exciting. We’ve also been extremely lucky with the wild dogs. With the new den nearby, we’ve watched the pack of four hunting almost daily. As for the pups, they are just incredibly cute and growing at a rate of knots.
Throw in some birds, elephants and hippos and it has made for a week with a little bit of everything.
Let me know in the comments which ones you like the most!
Enjoy This Week in Pictures…
The Xinkhova Female noticing some Nyala in the drainage behind us.
Born 2021, daughter of Nkoveni. Young dynamo actively claiming territory near camps, showing promise as next generation's dominant female.
Elephant Calf having a blast while playing in the sand on one of the roads.
Red-breasted Swallow collecting mud to build its nest.
The Shingi Male planning his next move while enjoying the last rays of sun on a fallen Knob Thorn Tree.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
I haven’t been able to capture many shots of Arrow Marked Babblers before, so I thought it was a must to include in TWIP.
The Nkahuma Male roaring in front of camps. He has been doing this a lot lately, making his presence known.
Dorence and Sam entertaining guests while having sundowners.
Male Kudu locking into a friendly battle.
Wild Dogs and a Hyena fighting over the remains of an impala carcass.
One of the Pups at the Wild Dog Den. Can’t get enough of watching these Pups.
The Ntsevu Lioness watching a Hyena walk across our air strip.
A Martial Eagle scanning for any potential hunting opportunities.
One of the Makatini Males on a misty morning.
After spending the morning with them, they had one last scan on this fallen over Marula before settling for the day.
The Tinxiya on a big territorial patrol.
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
A Buffalo Bull watches us as we enjoy an evening drink on the Sand River.
It was quite something watching this big Hippo Bull feed with no worry in the world one afternoon.
The Hlambela Male tends to rest on Ximpalapala Koppies a lot now days, creating incredible photographic opportunities.
An impressive male, appearing as a rising force in the north. Making a name for himself by pushing other males out.
He really is an impressive male.
Gorgeous photos, Patrick! I loved them all… I have a soft spot for the leopards, but the one of the Kudu is amazing. I hope to see the cheetah(s) when we return. Seeing Sam and the Sundowner setup, I am jealous 😉
Wonderful TWIP, Patrick. Hard to choose a favourite, but I think it has to be the 2 Makathini males. Sounds like you’re being really spoilt for cheetah sightings these days!
I love your pictures, Patrick.
The one of the Arrow marked Babbler is really great because one can see the pattern of its feathers so clearly.
The Makhatini Males have turned into quite impressive big cheetahs.
And I have never seen a hippo feeding so clearly, all that grass in its mouth. Good shot!
Baby ellies will always be my fave! Leopards are just beyond beautiful. Love seeing the cheetahs and love the cool shot of the symmetrical horns of the kudus play fighting! Cheers to the weekend!
Dear Patrick, very nice TWIP. Love the Tinxiya pic and the elefant calf. Must be a good week . Thanks.
Hi Patrick, some gorgeous images from you this week. Hlambela male resting on his huge rock is my favourite this week. He is quite an impressive male. I also loved the Red-breasted Swallow fetching mud to build a nest. Beautiful bird and off course my favourite Martial eagle is also a winner.
Well done Patrick! Great week described through beautiful pictures! Loving the dog pups and new leopards. Cheetah brothers pic is a great catch! Hugs to Sam and Dorence too!
Great week captured in awesome pic! Know you are salivating over the pups. And we would love to be right there with you in person! All the best to Sam and Dorence!
Incredible kudu photo – the best I’ve seen in years. I also appreciate the cute elephant calf pic, along with the well composed arrow marked babbler. And the cheetah shots aren’t too shabby either.
Hi Patrick, what a gallery! My oh my how beautiful those pictures are! The big cats….and all… the kudu … I miss the barn swallows, I’m sure they are perfectly at home over there! Simply fantastic…
I’ve many favorites from your TWIP, but I’ll will highlight just a few: the Makhatini brothers, the Hippo bull feeding as one seldom sees them out of water, the little Elephant calf playing in the sand, the Wild dogs vs Hyena at the carcass, and finally the beautiful Tinxiya on patrol. Thanks Pat!!
With so few battle wounds, the Hlambela Male still looks so young! I wonder if this will change as he becomes more rooted in the area.
Lovely array of photos in this weeks TWIP Patrick! So many beautiful and brilliant leopard captures this week. But I have to claim the Makhatini males as my favs, as I feel, maybe wrongly, that this special cheetah family is always in a tenuous position!
Superb photos , all three of the big cat species
Wonderful