As the bush slowly but surely continues to awaken to the energy of spring, this week has been one of exhilarating patience and reward. Through setting clear intentions, manifesting, skilful tracking and of course a touch of luck led to a diversity of leopard sightings across all corners of the reserve. We were fortunate to encounter the Three Rivers female and her growing cub, the Ximungwe and Xinzele females and some of the up and coming young males – the Nottens, Ntomi and Xitsalala males – each adding their own magic to the week’s encounters. The sight of these incredible cats, often in golden-hour light, reminded us of the thrill that comes with dedicated tracking and the bush’s unique rhythm.
In addition to our leopard-filled days, the Sand River delivered a mesmerising scene of elephants crossing, their silhouettes contrasting beautifully against the glowing riverbanks. After several months without a sighting, the Kambula male lions made a surprise appearance, a strong reminder of their quiet dominance in the area. And in a more lighthearted moment, one of our resident hippos gave us a laugh, rolling over in the water with his feet in the air—a display you don’t see every day!
From the silent intensity of tracking to the laughter and surprise of nature’s more playful displays, this week captures the unpredictability and beauty of Londolozi and the spring energy… even if we are still awaiting some decent rainfall for the shades of green to emerge.
Enjoy this week’s collection, celebrating both the patience and spontaneity that make each day here so unique.
That moment when you least expect it and there they are – Three Rivers and her cub right out in the open finally revealing themselves after a long and rewarding search.
Forced into early independence as her mother was killed by the Southern Avoca Males.
The Three Rivers young female keeps her gaze focused on a squirrel that is scurrying around the branch of the tree above.
A young bull crossing the Sand River, where the burst of green are attracting numerous grazers.
Whilst originally setting our intention to find the Nottens male, we naturally changed our course as we spotted the Ximungwe female walking across the crest facing beautifully into the golden morning light.
Having been viewed by vehicles from an early age, this leopard is supremely relaxed around Land Rovers.
That afternoon we were back on the search for the Nottens male. We zig-zagged and looped around persistently in our endeavours until just before sunset when he emerged from a clump of reads at just the right moment when we were able to spot him. He then proceeded to pose from some nearby boulders which are seemingly become a favourite spot for this young male.
The Nottens male giving off a yawn before he wandered off for the evening in pursuit of his next meal.
A splitting image of his father the Nweti Male. He is a young leopard roaming the southern extent of Londolozi at the moment.
Two young male giraffes pause mid-battle, their necks still entwined against the clear blue sky creating an elegant display of strength and rivalry.
It was almost hard to gage if the Ntomi male was just having fun or scent marking – perhaps a bit of both. It was a real treat to see this young male again as his territory has shifted further west beyond our boundary for the most part.
A single cub of the Ximungwe Female's second litter. Initially rather skittish but is very relaxed now. Birth mark in his left eye.
From the more playful side to focused – A noticeable shift in the Ntomi male’s body language as he ascends a termite mound and spots a duiker off in the distance.
Looking better than ever, it was great to see the Kambula males again, head up to the wind as it seemed the scent of something had caught there attention.
Majestic and powerful – this Kambula male commands respect as he enters his prime.
With a sly grin that seems almost like a smile, this hyena cub gazes confidently at the camera. Its mischievous expression reflects the playful yet resilient nature of these often misunderstood animals in the wild.
The Xitsalala male, well framed between the two trees, lifted his gaze momentarily and struck a regal pose before continuing to snooze the afternoon away.
A handsome young male leopard that originates from Ngala in the Timbavati Reserve north of here. He had a sister who made it to independence
You never know whats around the next corner – This time it was the Xinzele female, also striking a regal pose from a termite mound along the banks of the Manyelethi River.
A small female often found in NW Marthly. Similar spot pattern to her mother the Ingrid Dam Female.
A high-key edit of the Xinzele female from the termite mound.
One of the 3 cheetah cubs dreaming big as it had its eyes set on a herd of wildebeest not to far off. The Makatini female and her 3 cubs are still thriving and providing some spectacular viewing.
This resident hippo rolls over in a playful dive to submerge its back, truly looking as happy as a hippo can be in its favourite waters.
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on The Week in Pictures #674