Wow! What a week. This week, the leopards of Londolozi were not shy of the cameras. The ever more photogenic Nkoveni Young Male was seen on more than one occasion, hanging around a waterhole in the middle of his mothers territory. The Nkuwa Female and her cub are doing well in the western reaches of Londolozi. The Three Rivers Female was seen with a kill this week but this time had no intention of calling her cub, is this a sign that she feels the cub is ready to move on? On that note, the Three Rivers young Female is also doing well and is spending a lot of time in the western parts of her mothers territory, making kills and showing signs of strength and independency.
The news of the Gijima coalition is spreading. No signs of the Ndzenga males this week may suggest that the Gijima males have made their mark. Despite the presence of these new male lions, the two Kambula lionesses and their six cubs made their way across from our eastern boundary into the south western regions, possibly finding shelter from the new threat in town (the Gijima males). Although they do not feature in the photos this week, but the Styx male is still moving around with the Kambula breakaway lioness and the Nkuhuma breakaways are keeping a low profile in the northern parts of the reserve.
This week in pictures did not end there. A few exciting features from an African Scops owl in the Maxabene drainage line, a breif sighting of the wild dogs, along with some amazing sunsets completed this week in pictures. Let us know your favourites in the comment section below.
Enjoy This Week in Pictures…
As August comes to a close, the daily temperatures are starting to rise. The Nkoveni Young Male shuts his eyes in the shade of a Guarri tree in the early hours of the afternoon.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
On this Particular the morning, the Kambula lionesses were on a mission. Covering ground, on the hunt, and using the glare of the morning sun to hide amidst the long brown grass. Even though they were unsuccessful, it was a morning full of amazing views.
My favourite photo this week. The Nkuwa female and her cub share a tender moment atop a termite mound. A bond so deep she would risk her life for the soul that sits quite literally in her hands.
Raised as an intact litter, first in 7 years, who has now made her own history by raising two males to independence as an intact litter.
The Leadwood forest is a special place for a lot of the guides at Londolozi and especially the guests. This young elephant bull made it that much more special. Leaning against one of these ancient trees, it posed in the most unique manner. What a special moment.
A sunset in winter never disappoints. As the dust settles and the orange glow deepens, this buffalo bull strolled out of the long grass to come greet us.
The Three Rivers Female descends a large leadwood tree after finishing off the remains of an Nyala kill she had hoisted earlier that afternoon.
Forced into early independence at 11 months. Despite her small size, she's proven resilient, currently raising a cub in SE Londolozi.
Another sunset photo that had to make an appearance, featuring Keagan Chasenski and his guests.
Often heard but not often seen, the African Scops owl.
After following the distinctive rasping of a leopard, we rounded a corner to find the beautiful Thamba Male on a morning patrol. Father of Nkuwas cub, he’s spending more time closer to our western boundary.
While on the search for a female leopard, we found ourselves sitting in the middle of the sand river, steam rolling off the water and the sun starting to rise over the horizon. A moment of stillness amongst the thrill of a leopard search.
To call the Nkoveni Young Male photogenic is an understatement. With every passing day he becomes stronger and more elegant as he finds his feet on the brink of becoming independent.
With the Gijima Male lions presence growing stronger on Londolozi land, the Kambula lionesses have been moving their six cubs constantly to avoid any conflict. Will they hold on or will the Gijima males eventually catch up to them?
From curious cub to a confident young female leopard. The Three Rivers young female shows off her canines with a yawn upon a granite bolder.
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
The pack. It is always a privilege to see and follow one of the most endangered animals in Africa. These 5 wild dogs were on the hunt and put on a show for us before returning back to their den site just off Londolozi land.
One of the Kambula cubs welcomes the first rays of the morning sun. A great track and find led us to all six cubs and the two Kambula lionesses lying out in the open, not a bad way to start your day.
This is a shot from a few weeks back but one I thought I should include. A black and white portrait of a Mangheni lioness drinking from a puddle of water after feasting on a buffalo kill in our south western reaches of the reserve.
I enjoyed all the photos. Excellent. The Scops Owl was my favourite. As you say, Bryce ‘often heard, seldom seen’.
A lot of magical photo’s – but i would say my favourite is the African Scops Owl!
Thanks, Bryce, for this lovely TWIP. The photo of the Nkuwa Female and her cub is indeed my favourite as well. But I also think the one of the Sand river in the morning light and the steam rising from it very beautiful.
And then there are ,of course, also the photos of these beautiful young leopards and the older ones. Not to mention the cute little lion and their mothers.
Amazing how well disguised the owl is in that tree. You have to have really sharp eyesight to make her out in a tree, so well adapted is she to the colours of that tree.
Great photos, all of them!
Super photos and if I had been the guests of the game drives that produced these photos I would have considered it a privilege
What an incredible update! The dynamics between the leopards are fascinating, especially seeing the Nkoveni Young Male carving out his own presence and the Three Rivers Young Female showing such independence. The lion movements are equally captivating – the arrival of the Gijima coalition certainly adds a new layer of intrigue, and it’s heartening to hear that the Kambula lionesses and their cubs are still holding strong. The added touches of the Scops owl, wild dogs, and those breathtaking sunsets make this week’s highlights extra special. Thank you for bringing the magic of Londolozi to life!
Hi Bryce, I miss the Scops Owls, you could hear them in the summer nights but this year they were seldom audible… lovely little predators. I agree, the Nkuwa picture with her cub is absolutely one-in-a- million… the Nkoveni young male is simply awesome. I’m so glad that the Young Three Rivers female reaches a sort of independence, she has such a worrying start, her mother is fantastic. It’s a real privilege to be welcomes by such a mighty and powerful animal as the buffalo! The picture of the elephant with the Lewdwood tree is amazing. The Thamba male looks great and confident. The lionesses and the cubs are spectacular in the sunlight, the cub has quite a long hair and looks a bit sleepy. Lovely! The sun is the great character in your images. Love the black-and – white pictures, the Nkoveni young male looks like a sphinx a real stunner and the Mangheni lioness is impressive….
Can we please get a update on the tsalala lioness? I hope she’s ok and not to sad from being alone. She needs some female cubs to grow up with her so she can become a pride
Hi Bryce, so many leopard pics this week, we are spoiled. All your pics in this TWIP are stunning. But my favorite must be the young Nkoveni male leopard. He is becoming a stunning specimen and as you say Bryce calling him photogenic is an understatement. Just every photo of him is astounding. The Ntomi male leopard was exactly the same. Also loved the little lion cub from the Kambula pride.
THE OWL WAS AMAZING NEVER OFTEN SEEN NO WONDER THEIR CAMMOFLAGE IS THE TREE THEIR FEATHERS ARE EXACTLY ALIKE AND THE LIONESS DRINKING SHE STILL IS ON FULL ALERT YOU CAN SEE IT IN HER EYES GREAT PHOTOGRAPHY
Terrific photos Bryce for this weeks offering. Favorites included the Scops owl which I’ve never seen, but heard, the wild dogs and of course your leopards, especially Nkoveni’s young male – he’s definitely camera friendly!
The animals are always gorgeous. But the beauty, peace, calm and energy of the African light is what I admire and miss the most. Thanks for capturing that!
Wonderful TWIP Bryce. I love Nkuwa and her cub, Three Rivers and her daughter, the Scops Owl…..well all of them really! Paws crossed the Kambula females can keep those 6 cubs away from the Gijima males.