With the warm weather settling in, the bush has been buzzing with activity and unforgettable sightings. The Msuthlu Pride provided wonderful entertainment as the lionesses and cubs chased and played with one another in the soft morning light, another reminder of how dynamic life can be in the wild.
A magnificent Martial Eagle surveys its territory, while later in the week, the Mungheni Pride found the perfect patch of shade to rest in the golden glow of the afternoon.
Leopards, as always, were a highlight. The Three Rivers Young Female continues to grow in both size and confidence. Dragging a half-eaten nyala kill into thicker cover with impressive determination. Nearby, the Nkoveni Young Male shared a rare moment with his father, the Maxims Male. A sighting that offered a special glimpse into the complex relationships of Londolozi’s leopards.
Across central Londolozi, the Talamati and Nkuhuma males made their presence known once again, their deep roars echoing through the clear night air. Another pleasant surprise came with the reappearance of the Nottens Male (my favourite leopard). The Kambula lionesses and their six cubs continue to provide heartwarming sightings.
To cap off an already incredible week, we were treated to a spectacular encounter with the rarely seen Flat Rock Male. A true legend of Londolozi and a reminder of the privilege it is to spend time with these iconic cats.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Enjoy.
Play time was in full force with the amazing Msuthlu pride this particular morning.
Two members of the Msuthlu pride chase one another around. Such an important activity for young lions
The Msuthlu pride pause to consider the opportunity of catching an unsuspecting wildebeest a few hundred meters ahead.
A Martial eagle surveys its surroundings. Incredibly impressive raptors!
One of the most powerful raptors on the continent, these incredible birds really do give off a presence.
A Mungheni lioness slowly starts to stir as the heat of the day starts to wear off. As is often the case with lions, physical touch is such an important way of strengthening pride bonds. A comfy pillow!
The Three Rivers young female carries her hard-earned meal to a different thicket for safekeeping. This young female has provided such amazing viewing to the Londolozi team. I really look forward to watching her grow and mature into a beautiful leopardess.
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
The elusive and shy Maxims male at a small wallow drinking. Getting good images of this big male leopard is few and far between! Shortly after drinking at this wallow, he was confronted by his son, the Nkoveni Young Male. They shared a brief greeting just after the sun had gone down, eventually disappearing into the thicket line.
Dominant since 2019. Once skittish Kruger-born giant now rules vast territory, transforming from elusive presence to formidable force.
The Nkoveni young male perched in an African Ebony or Jackalberry created some beautiful contrasting colours.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
The Nkoveni Young male yawning in a Jackalberry. In this particular sighting, he unfortunately dropped a kill that had been hoisted in this Jackalberry onto the ground, allowing the surrounding Hyena’s to quickly finish off the remains. Learnings like this are crucial for him as he grows up.
The Nkuhuma and Talamati males greet one another with affection after separating during a morning patrol. The bond between coalition members like these two is special to witness.
The Nkuhuma and Talamati males find some shade to rest after their morning patrol.
The Nottens male stops to smell a Natal Guarri bush. I love the contrasting vibrancy of his coat against the rich green Natal Guarri bush. I really do hope he is able to iron out some bit of territory on some part of Londolozi in the years to come.
Born 2021, mirrors father Nweti's presence. Young force showing remarkable confidence while navigating nomadic phase in southern territories
The Nottens male rests in some shade on a hot afternoon. He appears to be in great condition. Here’s to hoping he sticks around!
One of the younger Kambula prides cubs meets my eye through the lens. I really enjoyed the cheeky tongue-out captured in this moment. The Kambula lionesses continue to defy the odds, keeping their cubs alive and well, all the while, the Gijima males become more present in this area. Only time will tell if they can continue to avoid these two big males.
One of the Kambula lionesses is surrounded by a few of the cubs as she keeps a watchful eye for any danger.
The Flat Rock male provided for some magical moments as we enjoyed walk by after walk by of this beautiful male leopard. He is rarely seen these days on Londolozi, with the bulk of his territory falling east of our boundary. What a privilege!
Born 2013 Kruger, seized prime territory at young age. Strategic dominance led to successful lineage before current eastward shift.
My favourite is the Kambula lioness babysitting the cubs.
Such good value having them around! Thanks Ian
Another marvelous set of images. Have to say, the cubs win out – the Kambula lioness with cubs is just marvelous
Thanks Karen
Oh my goodness Nic, you’ve really spoilt us with the big cats this week! Great to see Flat Rock again, I think he’s about 12 now but still looks in really good condition.
How lucky you were to see the Nkoveni young male (just love the image of him yawning in the tree) with his father Maxim’s. I’m guessing the size difference is still quite considerable?
Hi Suzanne, plenty of cats in this TWIP. Flat Rock is looking great! So good to see him again.
Yes still quite a size difference. Glad you enjoyed the shots.
Superb photos – as always
Thank Ian, appreciate it.
Hello Nic,
Thank you for a very good “This week in pictures!”
My favourite photos were;
Mungheni lioness physical touch with the other lioness, for her a wonderful pillow! Fantastic photo!
And the photo of the Kambula lioness when she is surrounded by a few of the cubs. Wonderful to see!
Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Ann, appreciate it!
Nic, thanks for a great set of images. We especially liked seeing the Maxims male too!
Thanks Michael and Terri! He is a tricky male to come across so any opportunity is a welcomed with open arms.
The lion cubs are so cute! And the Maxim male is looking great!
Thanks Anita!
It’s so difficult to choose… the Flat Rock male is such a welcome view! I still regret the time when he was seen around as the Senegal Bush male, they were mythical! As the Maxim male was so shy. The Nottens is a wonderful male indeed. I love the Talamati male with the Nkuhuma male, they are so affectionate with each other and gorgeous lions. Also the Mangheni lioness resting on her relative is splendid. The cubs are a treat of course! All cubs, younger and older. Mythical male figures and sweet cubs.. delightful
Thanks Francesca! Nottens is such a powerful young male – my absolute favourite.
Hi Nic, themartia
Hi Nic, the martial eagle is a spectacular eagle, his presence says it all. Good to hear the Maxim’s male and his son the Nkoveni young male had a brief meeting. Nottens male with his golden coat is stunning. The Three Rivers young female is a gorgeous young female. Loved all your images.
Thanks Valmai
So good to see Flat Rock! He’s looking pretty good and fit. I’ve lots of memories of him over the years! And Nottens is looking very much like his father, the Nweti male. Do we know what happened to him?
Hi Mary, Flat Rock looking good indeed.
We’re unsure as to what happened to the Nweti male. I’m sure there are plenty of theories though!
Your TWIP was quite exciting today with the inclusion of three stunning male leopards – Maxim of course, and the seldom seen Flat Rock and Nottens. The latter male has grown into a carbon copy of his father and will certainly command a territory sooner rather than later. Other favorites include the Kambula lioness with her growing cubs and the Talamati/Nkuhuma duo. The Talamati can’t be missed due to his marvelous Mohawk. Thanks for sharing your weeks’ images.
Thanks Denise, glad you enjoyed them!
Thanks for this great collection of photos of this week, Nic.
Good news of theKambula Pride that the mothers are still able to protect their young ones against the Gijima Coalition. Hopefully they can continue with this protection.
Both young leopards are about to get their own names soon, I guess. Such beautiful animals.
I also love the photo of the Nkuhuma and Talamati males greeting one another in such an affectionate way. Beautiful photo.
Thanks Christa! That greeting really was great to witness.
Great , that flat rock is walking around again in Londolozi