This week has had some incredible moments, although punctuated with some rainy days and surprisingly cool mornings, it certainly has felt like two seasons over the last 7 days.
On the lion front, we have been fortunate to see the Kambula Pride and their eight additions, born March/April this year. We can only hope that with these cubs growing up they continue to roam their territory more, and we would get to see them more regularly. It seems the Ntsevu pride have also returned and very excitingly, the two young females have been accepted by the Gijima males, and so we have begun to see these five females back in their old territory once more.
The two young male cheetahs who are still nomadic have continued to provide us with some unexpected sightings. The hyena den has two new additions that on the rare occasion, are out with the presence of their mother suckling – they are still completely black in colour.
The Maxim’s male has been seen a couple of times this week roaming the southern parts of his territory along with the Tinxiya female, who has continued to be seen in her mother’s territory. We can only hope to see more of these two leopards.
The Wild Dog den continues to steal the spotlight, with the pups now getting a little bit of golden hue on their coats and spending more time outside of the den.
With the recent rains, waterholes are still full with hippos and a large herd of buffalo seeking refuge during the warmer parts of the day, while the bird life seems to have taken off.
Let us know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy This Week In Pictures…
After nursing this young hyena cub, curious of its surroundings looked up towards us.
These two young male cheetahs have been roaming the reserve for the past couple of months, which has led to some incredible cheetah viewings. Sitting at eye level, he scanned the surroundings.
His brother rested on rocks below him
The older Ntsevu lionesses born in 2013 have successfully raised their previous litter and have mated with the Gijima males. Could this be a new beginning for this pride?
An exciting new chapter awaits this young female of the Ntsevu pride as she has been accepted by the Gijima males.
After resting on this termite mound for quite some time, the Tinxiya female paused briefly to stretch before walking down the mound.
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
Seven of the eight cubs born to the Kambula females lay in an open clearing soaking up the warmth of the morning sun.
It’s almost difficult to tell where the one lion cub begins, and the other one ends as they both suckle simultaneously
The impressive Maxism’s male surprised us on our way back north. Each time I see him I am captivated by his size and stature.
Dominant since 2019. Once skittish Kruger-born giant now rules vast territory, transforming from elusive presence to formidable force.
This hippo bull put on a display as it flung water into the air while showing off his impressive incisors
An unusual view of a hippo after flinging itself backwards after showing us its impressive teeth, he rolled over and at this moment just its one leg was pointed upwards.
A moment I will remember as the first of the pups came to greet the adult and emerged from the den.
We spent some time watching this Purple Roller and its young as it fed the juvenile. The colours and cloudy lighting brought out this bird’s magnificent and often overlooked colouration.
The texture of the bark from a Leadwood tree.
It’s hard to convey the number of buffalo that approached this waterhole in the early morning heat of the day
This Bateleur turned perfectly for the light to capture its colouration, as is not often seen from above
Thanks Kirsten for the wonderful array of photos’. They were all pretty awesome however I was captivated and enchanted by the Ntsevu lioness’s beauty, majesty & appearance of power.
I love all your photos Kirsten! Such great captures – I can’t get over how beautiful the Tinxiya female is, but the ones of the pups are also adorable. Ok, they are all amazing 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Wow Kirsten, what a great TWIP! Spoilt for choice this week with all the cats and simply can’t pick a favourite.
Hi Kirst, great pictures, really all deserving a wait-and-watch… the leadwood tree bark is hypnotising. I found my self at watching at it carefully… the cheetah brothers look like noble creatures waiting for something to happen. All cubs are absolutely adorable! The little lions made me smile, and the contrast between the older and the younger lioness is simply fascinating. I see how nice may look a mother hyena when, instead of galloping, stays put at her den with her cub close to her… lovely breasted rollers! Father and daughter, the Maxim male and the Tinxyia female, with their gorgeous golden coat! Still thinking at the beautiful three rivers female… impressive buffalo and a spectacular Bateleur close this unique “episode ” of this blog…
I forgot the hippo, actually, after the bark it was the particular that made me stop!
Hi Kirst, such a vast majority of images this week and all are beautiful. Loved the Ntsevu lioness and also the Bateleur image. Buffalo are also one of my favourite images.
Beautiful photos, Kirst! Hope all is well with you!
Waiting to get our framed canvases back that you helped me with! Just love the lion face one! Which lion was he?😘
Enjoyed the pics and the relaxed poses of the cheetah and lions. I do think the hippo is trying out for Olympic synchronised swimming with his awkwardly artistic move!!!
A great collection of photos, this week, Kirsten. I love them all.
The cubs and pups are always so cute.
The lovely photo of the leopard stretching is a reminder that a leopard and a domestic moggie are sister or brothers under the skin or should that be under the fur ?
Great TWIP Kirst! Too many great photos, but I’ll pick the nomadic cheetah males!
Fun photos this week, Kirst! It was the bataleur in flight that really captured me, though. The wing coloration is amazing and so special to have captured!
the baby hyena!!!!!!
Dear Kirst, great collection- love the cats , must be a beautiful week.
Your pictures are fantastic this week Kirsten. I especially enjoyed the variety from the water, earth and sky. It was a beautiful capture of the Purple rollers, a bird I’ve only seen once. Love seeing the Cheetah brothers and the sweet duo of Lion cubs suckling together, one sibling’s paw draped over another. It was a lovely photo of Tinxiya stretching, reminding me of a morning we spent with Piccadilly, capturing her in a similar stretch after resting on a termite mound. Basically, they’re all favorites this week! Take care.
Extraordinary collection! The hyena cub and the lion cubs – so adorable. The sleeping lion cubs and the sleepy cheetah also awesome. And then that hippo! – in FULL display! Wow!
That leadwood tree bark looks remarkably like elephant skin
Wonderful uplifting photos –