For those who enjoyed the previous photo journals of Londolozi Guest Graham Wood, the fantastic news is that we still have two more posts of his to run… of this batch of photos.
We’re sure after his next visit to the lodge he’ll provide another fantastic selection (hint, hint Graham!), but for now enjoy this next gallery of spectacular wildlife images:
It’s not easy to get such a gripping image of a cheetah. Hooded brows mean they don’t often have good light falling in their eyes, and the blood on this one’s chin begs the question, “What just happened?”. This photo is both beautiful and engaging.
Slower shutter speeds allow for motion blur, this time on a more unconventional subject in the form of a white-backed vulture descending to a kill. Panning shots are all about implying movement, which this shot does brilliantly.
The Senegal Bush male leopard has only pushed into the territory in the last couple of months. The fact that his arrival has coincided with the arrival of other males from different directions at the same time is strong evidence of the fact that the previously dominant Inyathini male is ageing.
A silent spectre. This low-light silhouette is subtly evocative of the shy nature of leopards.
There are few species more worthy of a motion blur shot than Wild Dogs. They can move a long way, and quickly. In fact sightings of them can be more of a headache than anything else, trying to keep up with them in the vehicle as the pack trots through bumpy wooded terrain.
The ubiquitous red-billed oxpecker, sitting on a zebra. Certain species lend themselves more to oxpecker shots than others, and the black and white of zebras’ coats helps highlight the vivid colouration of the oxpeckers’ eyes and bill.
The Ingrid Dam young female (now the Xinzele female) has essentially moved out of the territory occupied by her mother, although the far north-west of Londolozi is usually a bit of a question mark when it comes to Leopards, so she may still be hovering around somewhere.
The Nhlanguleni young females, the best success story in the leopard population in recent years. These two sisters both survived to independence, and are now being seen further and further afield as they explore for territorial opportunities.
Giraffes are awkward drinkers, having to bend double to reach the water. They are very vulnerable in this position, but fortunately for them are physiologically unable to keep their heads down for long, as feedback mechanisms make sure they whip their heads back up again before the blood pressure in their brain spikes and they pass out.
Another of one of the Nhlanguleni young females. Young leopards like this are noted tree-climbers; their small size means they are more vulnerable and therefore feel safer up in the branches, and their light weight means they can easily clamber up the trunks. Bigger, heavier leopards often feel disinclined to climb unless there is a specific reason.
Wild Dogs get playful on an old rhino midden.
The Ximungwe female, suddenly Londolozi’s most viewed leopard.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
Wild Dogs are so special
Beautiful array of photos. Love the panning shots.
Graham, what an amazing set of photos – I liked all of them!
Will never forget my first sighting of a giraffe drinking as it unfolded itself to reach the water. (That would appear to make them very vulnerable.)
Amazing photos!!
Wonderful!!
Three weeks and we are back to Londolozi! Hoping to see wild dogs.
Graham, Thanks for sharing more of your amazing images. The motion blur ones are fantastic and so hard to get!
Wonderful photos , the cheetah photo is a real cracker