Winter is in full swing, and the fresh cold mornings and spectacular sunrises are something I cherish during this season. The vegetation has somewhat thinned out, and the brown hues of the bush lead to some spectacular sightings. The dusty roads and game paths have also provided some really great tracking opportunities.
On the leopard front, the Ximungwe Female has been roaming her territory increasingly, and it has been great to see her on her territorial patrols. The Three Rivers Female has also been seen more regularly. The Nkoveni Female and her two cubs continue to provide some unforgettable moments as she continues to raise them. Sightings of ‘less frequently seen’ leopards have added a new dimension to our leopard viewing, such as the Kangela Male, and further south from the camp, I was thrilled to have my first sighting of the Nottens Male who is the spitting image of his father, the Nweti Male. As well as the Ndzanzeni Female who although is not seen often, still seems to be roaming the southern reaches of the reserve.
The Kambula Pride have been seen on and off the reserve with the older of the youngsters now beginning to grow their manes. This pride still consists of 18 individuals (5 lionesses and 13 cubs) and is always an impressive feat seeing all these lions together.
Although most migratory birds have left, the gold hues of winter (which often seem too good to be true) provide some amazing shades for photographing birds, and my personal favourite is the White-fronted Bee-eater colony along the sand river. There is a new hyena den in the northern parts of the reserve with some very young and inquisitive cubs. The cooler mornings also allow us to see hippos out of the water as they begin to head to their territorial dam later and later in the day.
The afternoon drives are ended with incredible sunsets and the golden hour is something that cannot be quite explained.
Enjoy This Week In Pictures…
After enduring a very cold winters night this Little Bee-eater ruffled its feather in the morning sun before foraging for the day.
From the initial view, it looks like there could potentially be two litters in this hyena den. In the upcoming months, these little cubs will begin to get spots as they lose their dark brown coats.
Two hyena cubs make the most of the final moments of the afternoon sunlight before heading into their den for the cooler evenings.
The Nkoveni female continues to hunt regally for the survival of her and her two cubs. These three leopards were found early in the morning so the contrasting light made for a great opportunity for a black and white high-key image.
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.
This cub watches its sibling play in the branches above.
My first pangolin sighting this year just as the sun had set. It is always a privilege to view these secretive and elusive animals.
Although the rutting season has come to an end the abundance of the impala herds always amazes me. Their tawny-shaded coats in the golden light are hard not to marvel at.
My first sighting of the impressive Nottens Male. As his name suggests he is from just south of the reserve and although still very young he is spending his time in his father’s territory as his mother, the Ntumsi Female, begins to raise her new litter.
A splitting image of his father the Nweti Male. He is a young leopard roaming the southern extent of Londolozi at the moment.
It is always remarkable to see the interactions between the Kambula Pride as they continuously groom one another. The playful nature of the youngsters is always a pleasure to watch. You can just start to see the mane of this young male beginning to take shape.
After covering a lot of ground from the night before this young cub rests as the heat of the day sets in.
Two young giraffes watch a kudu feed nearby.
The breathtaking sunrise over the Sand River is always mesmerising especially during this time of year. With more dust particles around, the reflective golden and orange hues create unbelievably captivating scenes.
As the waters of the Sand River begin to diminish the herons are taking full advantage of the shallower water. This goliath heron waits patiently for its next meal.
The attention of the Ndzanzeni Female quickly turned towards an impala wandering in the near distance.
This female is a success story all in herself, being born as a single cub to the Riverbank 3:3 female in early 2012.
This wide lip of hippo allows him to graze the grass at night. Just after sunrise this hippo remained at the waters edge as he awaited for the warmth of the day to set in.
Two of the Kambula lionesses’ attention is caught by a distant warthog. It is also interesting to see the eye colour difference between these two lionesses.
The dead Deadwood tree behind the Ximungwe female creates an interesting background as she awaits on top of the termite mound.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
One of the first photos I have managed to capture of the Ximungwe female with both of her ears facing directly forwards. He gaze was caught by the distant Nkoveni female who had a kill in a nearby tree.
A colony of White-fronted Bee-eaters fly off from dust bathing in the afternoon sunlight.
The initial take off after dust bathing.
The curious eyes of the Kangela male as unfortunately watched the Senegal Bush male finish the remains of his impala carcass.
The harsh realities of hippo fighting. This bull is covered in scars from likely a battle with another hippo. During winter months when water becomes less and less, there is a lot more competition between these animals.
The Three Rivers Female stops for a quick drink before continuing her territorial patrol.
Forced into early independence as her mother was killed by the Southern Avoca Males.
Thanks Kirst, you’ve certainly got some gorgeous images for the TWIP, especially those of the bee-eaters – stunning!
Kirst, Thanks for a really beautiful set of images! They are all special, but our favorites are the two of the bee-eaters in flight! Spectacular!
Amazing pictures this week Kirst. My favorite is the sun rise over the Sand river.
Love the wide array of photos, Kirst. My favorite is the head down hippo with oxpecker. And by the way: I initially thought the scarred hippo was covered with a bunch of golden orb spider webs!
A super selection of images this week, Kirst! Love the leopard update and the hippo/oxpecker portrait! But the white-fronted bee-eaters images are wonderful! I never realized that they have blue hindquarters- lovely!
I’ve NEVER seen a colony of bee eaters like that! WOW!!
Yes Jess, as always it is such a difficult choice, the birds are spectacular indeed and the pictures catching them in flight is a masterpiece. How not to mention the little leopard, sporting a full belly and an innocent look? The adult leopards are absolutely gorgeous, the Three Rivers female and the Ndzanzeni female (yey good news of her!) are visibly smaller and exquisite. It takes time to observe all different spots, markings, expression, they are true pearls.. The Nottens male has a lovely face! They are all one more beautiful than the other. I am glad you put the hippo. It’s an animal I’m fond of. Now they aren’t in the best time time of the year… lovely giraffe and the lionesses seem to pose for you, the first one seems to smile… the lion cub already bears a scarf .
I forgot the exceptional view of the pangolin and the sunrise. The birds and cats took my attention!
Wonderful photos, Kirst. What a fantastic week you had at Londolozi. I love the white-fronted bee-eaters; they are such pretty, colorful birds. And I really envy you regarding the sighting of the pangolin. It is still on top of my list.
Dear Kirst , thanks for that impressive TWIP, love the pingulin and the two giraffes. And fantastic shots of the leopards.
This is such a fabulous week in pictures, each one special in its own way. Your detail shot of the hippo is incredible, definitely worth framing. Nottens has grown into a beast of a leopard, much larger and more intense looking than when I saw him last year, still sneaking a meal from his mother’s kill. I was excited to see another pangolin image , given their rareness and elusive nature. My favorite however is that image of all the white fronted bee eaters flying away from their dust bath – brilliantly captured! Thanks for sharing these.
So many beautiful images Kirst this week in TWIP. I personally loved the two lionessess together, seeing the difference in eye colour is remarkable. The leopards are always a special treat for me seeing them in their own environment. Your images of the bee-eaters in flight are stunning, so many colours they have displayed in their flight. Your sunrise image is also stunning.
I have to give a 10/10 for this week’s TWIP.
I would love to have taken many of these photos , especially the flock of bee-eaters , that would go on my wall
hyena pups!!!! another great week! thank you 🙂