This week we find ourselves immersed in gorgeous golden light that saturates most of the images that have made it through in this week’s selection. The recent rains have not only quenched the parched earth but brought about a definitive zest for life that has filtered through every being on Londolozi. Animals of all shapes and sizes are thriving and looking in immaculate health. From the smallest of mongooses to the largest of elephants, it is a spectacular time to be on safari.
In the form of what to expect this Week in Pictures, an abundance of predators makes it through. Starting with three of the Ndzhenga Males were found together after a long evening’s territorial patrol. Leopards have lived up to their names with the Senegal Bush Male being found a few times as he goes about his territorial patrols too. The Ntomi Male, or Ximungwe Young Male for those that are not used to his new name yet, stay tuned for more this coming Monday. The Plaque Rock Female has actually been fairly scarce of late, so it was great to see her again resting on a termite mound.
We also thoroughly enjoy an afternoon with the wild dogs as they move through the property once again.
In other news there is an abundance of elephants around and many of them with very young calves which always makes for good viewing. They are such entertaining little ones to watch.
Let us know your favourite image in the comments section below.
Enjoy this Week in Pictures…
Three of the Ndzhenga Males rest in the shade of a large river thorn acacia near a waterhole. We have not seen these three males all together for quite some time and so we were delighted to see them all together when we eventually found them.
While driving along the river we came across this herd of elephants, within which there were a number of tiny young calves that kept us entertained for a while.
There is something particularly striking about zebra in the golden light. The contrast between the black and white stripes seems to stand out a little more.
After spotting something rustling in the grass at the base of the termite mound, the Ntomi Male was quick to his feet and began stalking.
A single cub of the Ximungwe Female's second litter. Initially rather skittish but is very relaxed now. Birth mark in his left eye.
A memorable afternoon was spent following the wild dogs across the crests in the northern parts of the reserve. After catching a small scrub hare they had flushed out of the long grass, we watched as they eyed out a herd of impala in the distance.
Wild dogs always appear to have a playfulness about them.
The Senegal Bush Male settles on a termite mound to groom at eye level to the vehicle, which is always a great photographic opportunity.
Initially seen as a young male in 2016, this leopard only properly established territory on Londolozi in mid-2019
Zebra stallions are highly competitive with each other. They will challenge other males for the right to claim one of their females. In these battles, the males rear up, bite kick and do whatever they can to overpower and subdue the rival. In these bouts, males will often bite at the rump and can in fact snip off the tail of the opponent. This little interaction was a lot milder and the zebras were just playing.
A curious mongoose peaks out of a termite mound hole while covered in spider webs.
With its mother just out of the frame, this little inquisitive elephant calf held its trunk up to the air hoping to work out what we are. However, using its trunk for this advanced form of sensory input is slightly beyond this little guy.
Kyle and Jerry positioned their guests perfectly for a walk-by from the Senegal Bush Male as he crossed the airstrip.
With the morning light shining through a layer of mist, this wildebeest slowly moved up the slope feeding on the delectable new grass shoots.
A couple of Yellow-billed Oxpeckers perch on the back of a buffalo peak over the top of its back in the afternoon light.
The textures of the skin of a large elephant bull are fascinating.
While we sat with the Ntsevu Breakaway Pride feeding on the remains of a giraffe kill, we watched as several hyenas make their way into the area – curious and eager to try their luck at getting close to the kill.
Still a little wobbly on its legs, this young elephant looked up and was perfectly framed by its mother’s trunk and front legs.
Shortly after leaving the camp on our morning game drive, expert tracker Equalizer spotted the Plaque Rock Female lying atop a termite mound not even two minutes after leaving camp!
A pretty young playful female found along the river to the east of camp
It is certainly entertaining watching the boisterous nature of young male elephants, the tussle and play non-stop.
The Senegal Bush Male walks with a purpose towards our vehicle. You could tell his intention was now to patrol his territory.
Beautiful images this week from everyone, but Chris’s zebra duo gets my #1 vote. I like the lighting, the symmetry and composition. It’s always a difficult decision, and Sean’s baby elephant was compelling, but I placed my vote towards an image that captured my attention.
The picture of the 2 young male elephants is my pic of the week. Like you, I enjoy spending time with a breeding herd of elephant that has a few youngsters in their number.
Thank you so much, Ian. There is nothing better than spending endless hours with elephants.
Mongoose are among my favorites so that one adorned with the web is my #1.
Thanks, Willa. Mongooses are such great little animals.
I love the vantage point and mood of the wildebeest image. All the baby elephants warmed my heart. 💗
Thank you so much, Chelsea. I also love the shot of the wildebeest.
Wow! Dogs, leopards, hyena, zebras, elephants and mongoose! What choices we have. I loved the 3 big male lions, but the 2 little male elephants playing caught my eye even more so! Adorable! Great TWIP!
Thank you so much, Darlene. I love baby elephants.
I’m always a sucker for photos of the powerful Senegal Bush male who frequently appears to be determined and focused.
The elephant calf framed by its mother’s trunk & leg gets my vote.
Thank you so much, Vin. I agree that the Senegal Bush Male is an impressive beast and has a seriousness about him in most photos, but I am glad you also like the baby elephants.
It is always so very difficult to pick just one picture. The pictures always bring back so many beautiful memories of my trips to Londolozi. But since you asked for just one…I have to go with the one of the two male elephants. I just love elephants. If you allow a second, it would be the mongoose, long family story on that one….!
Thank you so much, Christine. I love elephants too and that pic is stunning. We wont say no to you choosing a second photo so glad you put that in there.
Amazing collection of photos this week! This would be my fantasy game ride! Love the baby elephants!
Thank you so much, Thom. I love baby elephants too.
Another week of beautiful photos.
The atmosphere of the rising sun casting a wonderful light over the misty ground and the wildebeest is one of my favorites. The cheeky young elephants are so admirable; the three impressive male lions, the beautiful zebras, the adorable little mongoose, all the leopards, the three oxpeckers peaking over a buffalo’s back, the elephant bull in this beautiful golden light, the hyena, and the great photos of wild dogs… I love them all.
Thank you so much, Christa. There were some amazing shots in this week’s TWIP.
Thanks for another fantastic set of images Sean! It’s hard to pick this week, but we love your image of the young elephant sniffing you out!
Thank you so much, Michael and Terri. The young elephants were so playful.
Some really great pics Sean, but have to say the baby ellies melt my heart and bring me joy. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, Leonie. The baby elephants were definitely up there with the favourites.
So many wonderful pictures. so hard to choose. But my favorite has to be the zebras. next would be all the baby ellies
Thank you so much, Sandra. The zebras were great.
Agree with Denise! Wondering what the Ndzhenga Males were looking at in Kate’s pic tho…stunning shot at well!
It looks like they are all looking into the camera lens.
My favorite picture this week is the three Ndzenga males together staring at the camera. Pretty impressive group. Thanks for TWIP Sean.
p
Thank you so much, William. That is such an intense shot of all the males staring into the camera lens at the same time.
A wonderful range of images this week! The Senegal Bush male licking a paw, the 2 zebras in golden light were both special. But the little mongoose with delicate spider webs on her nose grabbed my attention and made me smile! That gets my vote for sure!
Thank you so much, Mary Beth. It is such a great and interesting shot of the little mongoose.
Is the 3 Ndzhenga males or 4 in total, just one not pictured?
There is four Ndzhenga Males, but one of them is injured and so he spends very little time with the others.
Sean your foto of the one tiny elephant with it’s trunk in the air is my favorite this week. They are so cute when trying to use their trunks. Beautiful images again this week, thank you so much.
Thank you so much, Valmai. I think it was such a cute shot of the baby elephant and so I am glad you like it too.
All photos are beautiful and I always love the leopards. However my favorite this week is the cute dwarf mongoose covered with spider webs!
Thank you so much, Lisa. The little mongoose adorned with the spider’s web was so cute.
My favorite was Sean’s baby elephant- how sweet!
Thank you so much, Kara. Baby elephants are always the best to watch.
My fave this week is the wildebeest on the open grasslands. Just something so peaceful and ‘African’ about that shot.
Thank you so much, Carly. The wildebeest in the open is great. It was such a tranquil scene.
My sister’s favourite is the calf next to its mum’s leg. I actually love them all ! It is so difficult. At first sight, a peculiar one to me was the wildebeest in the mist. Not a common picture at all it has something mystical
Thank you so much, Francesca. I agree there is a certain mystical feeling about the wildebeest in the morning mist.
A vintage week
Indeed it was.
Difficult as always to pick one, but the baby ellies & the Senegal Bush Male is standouts! Well done!