On one of the coldest mornings this winter, we found the Ntsevu Pride, faces still bloody but clearly still on the hunt. As they searched for their next meal, a flash of movement in the distance revealed a leopard slipping away. A closer look uncovered the secret — a hoisted impala carcass high in a nearby tree. Incredibly, the lions walked right past, completely unaware of the prize dangling just above them. For the leopard, it was a very lucky escape.
The morning also gave us another chance to marvel at just how quickly the Ntsevu cubs are growing, their confidence and size increasing every week.
Later that afternoon, the Maxim’s Male made an appearance near the remains of the carcass before slipping away into the thickets. We shifted scenes to the Sand River where a small herd of elephants provided a timeless moment, their deep rumbles and gentle drinking sounds filling the evening air.
The day’s surprises didn’t end there. Alarm calls from a squirrel led us to the Nkoveni Female, moving stealthily through the golden light of late afternoon. Watching her hunt is always a privilege, but the real magic came when she reunited with her son. The bond between them is tender, even if his cheeky, aggressive behaviour around kills reminds us he’s growing into an independent young male.
We close this safari with a stunning moment — the young leopard pausing to drink right beside our vehicle, a perfect ending to a day full of drama, beauty, and quiet intimacy in the wild.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
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Hi Sean, it’s amazing how lions and leopards look magical in that light and environment, elephants in the water… the Nkoveni Female must be exhausted, she is a winner but this son is very demanding, she managed to grow up.so well both him and his sister, she has been brave and an exceptional hunter, now it seems she’s a bit annoyed with him at times, even if very affectionate as she’s always been. I smiled when he “talked ” out of frustration, for finding the right pool to drink from…. a chattering big cat, still a cub, lovely! Thank you
What wonderful footage you shot this week Sean, especially of the Nkoveni duo….stunning!
Wow, 2°c – cold enough for snow, though I guess it’s too dry for that? What’s the coldest temperature recorded at Londo?
I never seem to have a favorite part of your weekly videos. I appreciate these videos because the wildlife at Londozoli is never harassed. This is their home and you consistently respect that unlike some of the other parks.
How could I possibly choose anything other than the Nkoveni female and her male cub together. Just magnificent
What a fabulous video today Sean – three of the big five all engaged in moments of daily life. The Ntsevu youngsters are now as large as their moms and eventually, the male will have to move out of the pride. Are two of these lionesses the mothers of the Ntsevu 4 males? It’s always great to watch elephants drink, listening to their snortling – even the youngster in the back was enjoying the water. I would imagine the river is their favorite place to drink, due to its freshness. Nkoveni has to be one of the most patient leopard moms, especially now dealing with an almost full size sub-adult rambunctious son. It is sweet to watch her groom him, listening to his halfgrowl/half-chuff which I’m reading as a sign of endearment. I chuckled while watching them head off to drink as her son couldn’t help himself as he deliberately bumped into her as they were walking, but she ignored him and kept on moving.
Hi Sean, what an incredible sighting of Nkoveni female and her son interacting and watching him lapping up water so nearby your vehicle. That is my favorite part seeing him drinking. She is a patient and a phenomenal mother, keeping her cool with such a naughty son. Maxim’s male is always a pleasure to watch him on the move. Loved the elephants drinking and they can enjoy the water so much.
Thanks for these new great episodes from life at Londolozi. I loved all of it: the lions, the elephants, the Maxim’s male and the Nkoveni Female and her son. It is amazing how aggressive he can be towards his mother when he wants to steal prey from er and how cute and lovable he is in the episode here.
Lovely golden light in the video.
The winter seems to be pretty cold this year, at least in the mornings.
Never noticed how pink the young Nkoveni cubs nose is! So sweet son and mom cuddles! You cracked me up when you said you had your ‘bonehead’ move w/ the shorts in the early morning! Ha!
Truely amazing – love the vocalisation of the Leopard cup – almost liking moaning / nagging at mom