Mid-way through last year the Kangela Male made his first appearance on Londolozi. I vividly recall the thrill of that initial sighting in the western expanses, where myself and fellow guides were captivated by the sight of a new leopard traversing our reserve. His striking coat and dark facial features around his eyes, never fail to mesmerize me. Appropriately named ‘Kangela,’ meaning to observe with curious eyes, he embodies the essence of his name.
After walking through the long grass the Kangela Male lay on the road to groom the moisture off his paws until distant impalas caught his attention.
A supremely relaxed male leopard, roaming a nomadic journey for the time being.
Born towards the end of 2019, the Kangela Male, now just over four years old, has increasingly graced us with his presence. Ranger Matt Rochford shared his first sighting of this young male, and nearly eight months later, the Kangela Male continues to roam our reserve. His journey has been rife with excitement, from being seen in the same tree as the Ntomi Male to his daring tree-climbing escapades as he explores his territory, providing us with amazing sightings along the way.
At this young age, he remains nomadic, navigating the territories of dominant males, such as the Senegal Bush Male. It appears he’s had his share of conflicts, evident from the puncture wounds along his spine, likely incurred during altercations with the Senegal Bush Male. Yet, these wounds seem to be healing well, and he continues to roam, now gravitating towards the central and northern parts of the reserve.
This was the first sighting of the Kangela Male with Ranger Kate Arthur. Meandering around a new territory he explored the reserve
Of late he has been seen venturing into the northern parts of Londolozi, which comes with, exciting prospects of this potentially being a future territory of his. Recent shifts in the territories of the Senegal Bush Male and Flat Rock Male have left a portion of Marthly unclaimed—a potential haven where Kangela could establish himself with minimal conflict. These next few years are pivotal as he approaches social adulthood.
![Kangela Male Leopard Ascending Marula (4) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/26094949/Kangela-male-leopard-ascending-marula-4-RCB-1065x1598.jpg)
Despite not boasting imposing size, the Kangela Male’s elongated form exudes an undeniable impression of elegance. This along with his remarkably relaxed demeanour often renders sightings of him breathtaking, offering superb photographic opportunities.
His very unique spot pattern has a small black dot within some of his rosettes which you can see on his abdomen
I hold onto hope that Kangela will secure his place within our reserve, eagerly anticipating what the future holds for him. May he continue to evade conflicts with both leopards and lions and one day, perhaps, he’ll claim Marthly as his own, reigning as the resident territorial male.
What a beautiful leopard he is – very exciting news Kirst. Thank you for the update.
Beautiful photos of this beautiful leopard. Thanks for the blog, Kirst. It is quite exciting what the future will bring for all these leopards at Londolozi. I am looking forward to meeting them again one day.
He’s exquisite indeed, the fight with the Senegal Bush male was frightening, I thought the older was going to kill him. He might have broken his spine, so glad such a charming guy with diversed dna is making a constant appearance in Londolozi. Yes his black marking on his face is a work of natural art!
Rooting for this guy, and hoping he reigns over Marthly!!
Hello Kirst, we know he was born in Singita and his father was the Nyelethy male. But what about his mother? Did I miss it sometimes? Thank you. Jacqueline
I agree with you, Kirst, he’s an impressive looking male.And it must be tough being a nomad – you mention puncture wounds on his spine and last July, when we saw him, he had fresh puncture wounds on his upper chest. He’s fought some battles; I hope he can safely establish a territory on Londolozi soon.
Hi Kirst, he is a stunning leopard and I love those dark eyes with white eye liner right around his eye. Let’s hope he claims Marthly for himself and stays away from the Senegal Bush male. Hope he recovers completely from his injury. Thanksfor the update.
Thanks Kirst, he certainly has an interesting background, and is a stunning looking male. I hope he stays around – I’d love to see him when I come back in November.
Wow, a new leopard to observe. What a treat, thank you Kirst for sharing, he is a beautiful leopard.
His father Nyeleti was born on Londolozi in the last successful litter of three in the Sabi Sand. So he has ancestral ties to the reserve as well!
Another handsome cat! How lucky!
Another stunning, young male leopard gracing Londolozi with his presence is exciting news and hopefully he can find a bit of available territory to continue to provide great viewing. I believe his mother was the well known Schotia (sp) who spent her time around the Singita camp, Ebony. I recall seeing images of him as a cub after his sister was killed. Thanks for the update Kirst!
I find your writings and descriptions of this magnificent creature so enticing to learn more and more about before my first trip to Londolozi. Is there literature to understand the language, names such as Kangela?
It would be so wonderful for him to establish territory on Londolozi. He’s such a handsome leopard!
Super photos, do you know which area he comes from?