After a relatively dry patch with little rain, the heavens finally opened up and gave us some significant downpours. With Easter and Autumn around the corner, the rains couldn’t have come at a better time, allowing the water table to fill up again before we head into the drier winter months. This is my favourite time to be in the bush, the last bit of greenery still decorates each scene, we still get to see the migratory birds, tortoises are still active and the summer heat has begun to subside.
Leopard activity continues to meet the Londolozi standards.
Nkoveni Female has three cubs! We believe that they are a month or so younger than Ximungwes cubs. After initially being denned on our neighbour’s property, the Nkoveni Female has only recently brought them on to Londolozi. Seeing three cubs together was a first for me, exciting times lay ahead.
The Ximungwe Female is still keeping her cubs around the Maxebene, her relaxed nature is rubbing off on her cubs as we continue with the habitation process. In the North, The Tumbela Female continues to roam around the Manyalethi Riverbed, taking independence in her stride.
Lion Dynamics are as interesting as ever. The Kumbula Pride continue to dominate the southeastern parts of Londolozi. Their younger cubs are reaching an age now where they move with pride daily, keeping up with their movements through their large territory. The Ntsevu Males continue to move huge distances, at one point last week, we had tracks of them crossing south over our northern boundary and hours later finally finding them close towards our southern boundary. They are making a name for themselves, applying extra pressure on the Nkuhuma Young Males and the last remaining Avoca Male, who have also been spending time in the north.
The pack of three has been moving through Londolozi for the past couple of weeks, causing havoc everywhere they go. Following them one morning, they led us straight to a buffalo carcass that seemed to have died of natural causes. The vulture and hyena activity around the buffalo was incredible to see.
The general game and bird life have been relishing the extra rain we have received. These are special times at Londolozi and we are all taking in these last bits of summer before we head into the winter months.
Let me know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy This Week In Pictures…
Two monkeys look off into the distance as the sun begins to rise on Londolozi.
A sight that can send a shiver up anyone’s spine. The Nkuhuma Young Males and their father the Avoca Male march through the long grass in the direction of a herd of buffalo.
After finding tracks of the Nkoveni Female the night before, heading into a drainage line near the Maxebene River and knowing that she has cubs, we decided to head straight there the following morning. As we approached the drainage line, we saw her laying up on the Tamboti tree, the excitement started to grow.
A gorgeous female who is found to the east of camp. Easily recognised by her 2:2 spot pattern she is often to be found in Marula trees.
She let off a soft contact call and we could not believe our eyes when three cubs eventually came out to suckle. Something I had never seen before.
Sitting some distance away, to allow the cubs to comfortably move around and be with their mother and not be impacted by our presence eventually rewarded us with the magical scene.
A very impressive Martial Eagle with a Dwarf Mongoose kill.
One of the Ntsevu Males looking at a herd of zebras in the distance.
We Found the Ximungwe Female one afternoon on her way back to the den. What followed was breathtaking.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
Leading us into a thicket close to where we found her, we were greeted with this sight. Her cubs are fast approaching 4 months and sightings seem to just keep getting better and better.
Both cubs were extremely playful while she slept under a bushwillow thicket.
Not something you see every day. A Cape Clawless Otter examines a dead catfish on the causeway before noticing us and hurrying back to the safety of the deeper pools.
One of the Nkuhuma Young Males quenches his thirst after a failed attempt at taking down a buffalo.
It is so exciting to see the Nkoveni Female with cubs again. We will keep you updated on their movements.
After a long tracking mission, basically across the entire length of the Londolozi property, we found the Ntsevu Males moments before they crossed our southern boundary.
While following a pack of wild dogs, we noticed some vultures in the distance. Upon our arrival we determined that it was a buffalo carcass that the vultures were feeding on and it most likely died of natural causes.
An unhappy hyena would rather not share the carcass with the numerous vultures.
Now firmly independent, the Thumbela Female is becoming a regularly seen leopard in the north.
Born into a litter of two, male cub did not survive. She is seen more and more in central Marthly and rapidly approaching full independence.
After some recent rains, the termite activity has increased as they attempt to rebuild some new chimney structures on top of their mounds.
Two members of the pack of three paused moments before they notice the vultures in the distance.
The Kambula Cubs on our airstrip, waiting patiently for their mothers to rise.
A massive elephant bull moves through the Sand River.
Carrying on from your previous post, I’m choosing your images of Nkoveni and her precious cubs as well as Ximungwe and her two cubs. The viewing is definitely phenomenal right now and I only wish I was returning sooner rather than later (October). I also found your closeup of the Btsevu make equally stunning. Thanks for your fabulous TWIP!!
Fab TWIP, Patrick. My favourites have to be the cubs of Nkoveni and Ximungwe, can’t pick just one.
Nkoveni and her cubs are my favorites.
Patrick, Your images this week are amazing! We’ve added a few to our favorites library. Our favorite this week is the close-up of the Ntsevu Male and our second place goes to the close-up of Ximungwe Female’s cub in the tree!
What a week! Thank you for your spectacular pictures and wonderful commentary
As always… new cubs just melt my heart! What great photos… another of my favorite is of the
Ntsevu Males… the lighting in the photo is just beautiful! Thank you for another great week!
The pic w/ the hyena and the vultures is stuff of nightmares! Such an interesting shot with the white teeth in the middle of the feathers! The contrast of colors in almost all the shots this week are stunning. The Martial Eagle looks bad a**!! But fave (besides the leopard cubs of course!) is the black and white of Ximungwe Female. So elegant!
There are some seriously good photos here.
My favourite email lives up to it’s impeccable standards
Oh Patrick my favorite this week is forsure Nkoveni female and her 3 cubs. Secondly Ximungwe females two cubs playing on tree stumble. The image of the Kambula cubs on the airstrip is so cute with the middle cubs one paw curled in. I must say the Ntsevu males are stunning males. So many images to choose from Patrick, your selection of images in this week’s TWIP is phenomenal.
Counting down the days until my return in early November. Londolozi fills my soul… thank you for the beautiful TWIP!
Of course, Nkoveni and her cubs are #1, but I also like the shot of the 2 Ntsevu males in the golden light – impressive guys!
Pat incredible photos of the obvious and non obvious. Regards
Patrick, many wonderful pictures this week. My favorite is the Nkoveni female with her three cubs. More just a special event than the picture being unique. Thanks for sharing.
Great TWIP Patrick!! The shots of the Nkoveni and Ximungwe Females with their cubs are amazing, and solo shot of the Ximungwe Female is simple stunning and regal! But there is something about the opening image of the two that seems to capture the wild spirit of the bush for me this week!!
Amazing photography Pat. My guests love your booming voice. keep up the incredible photos and thanks for all your help out in the field.
Thanks, Patrick, for another week of phenomenal pictures. I love all of them. The otter is so rare that I declare it my favourite this week. However, the leopard cubs are just adorable.
Needless to say that the leopards with the cubs are nr1, they also symbolise the spirit of new life and Easter. The otter are a fantastic view. The elephant bull is something to keep in mind and all big cats are superb. The Thumbela female has a special look. Termites news are always welcome
Three leopard cubs is a treat! But the stare of the Martial Eagle that is incredible!