After a particularly busy period, I had the rare opportunity where I did not have any guests for a morning. Hearing that the Nottens Male had been seen on Londolozi, my completely out of routine planned sleep-in the following morning never really stood a chance. There’s a certain kind of excitement that lingers when a leopard like him moves into the area, and I’ll admit, a touch of jealousy crept in knowing he’d been found close to our eastern boundary.
Born 2021, mirrors father Nweti's presence. Young force showing remarkable confidence while navigating nomadic phase in southern territories
A Healthy Obsession… I Think
I’ve mentioned it before, but I have a particular affinity for both the Tinxiya Female and the Nottens Male. In fact, these days this affinity has manifested itself into what I can only describe as a healthy obsession! You begin to recognise patterns, behaviours, even what feels like personality. Leopards and lions especially start to reveal something of themselves the more you see them, and no two are ever quite the same.
The Tinxiya Female, is slowly carving out a piece of territory in the southeastern parts of Londolozi and is now navigating the life of an independent leopardess.
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
Mr Ever Capable
The Nottens Male carries himself with a quiet confidence. There’s something about him that suggests he’ll handle the challenges ahead in his own time, without fuss. A young male, still finding his place, but already showing signs of what he might become.
Striking resemblance to his father, the Nweti Male
So coffee in hand and camera at the ready, I set off as the first vehicle out that morning. Without a tracker, I took a slightly more patient approach, allowing other vehicles to cover ground ahead of me in case I missed any tracks. The morning began to warm when the ever-reliable Jerry Sibiya called over the radio, confirming he had found the Nottens Male.
I waited for my turn.
Patience Is A Virtue
By around nine o’clock, most vehicles had begun making their way back toward camp as the heat settled in. That’s when I headed in. The moment I caught my first glimpse of him, that sense of satisfaction kicked in. There he was, completely unfazed by our presence, moving steadily through a thick section of the reserve. He carried himself like many young nomadic males do, stopping to smell and listen, drifting without urgency, reading the landscape as he went.
Matt’s Birthday Present
Matt Rochford (It was Matt’s birthday that morning) and I were on the same page as we stuck with him, navigating some fairly tricky terrain with the hope that he might eventually move into something more open. Out here, patience is everything. These animals don’t operate on our schedule, and the best moments often come to those willing to wait.
Sure enough, he gave us exactly that.
He stepped out into a clearing, offering a full, unobstructed view. I was practically jumping out of my seat at this point with excitement. But the best was still to come. Anticipating his movement, we positioned ourselves near a small waterhole. Shortly thereafter, he appeared, walking calmly in and dropping his head to drink less than ten metres from us. It was one of those moments where everything just lines up.
This was THE MOMENT of the morning
A black and white version.
A Legacy Loading
At this stage, the Nottens Male will likely remain nomadic for a while longer, continuing to test boundaries and assess the pressures from dominant males in the surrounding areas. Where he eventually settles is anyone’s guess. What does feel certain, though, is that somewhere, whether within the Sabi Sands or beyond, there is a future territory waiting for him. And whichever area he claims will gain a striking, confident young male with all the makings of something special.
A legacy in the making of which I have no doubt!
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on My Healthy Obsession: A Morning With The Nottens Male