As we move deeper into November, it’s hard to believe just how quickly another year has passed. The bush is changing with each passing week as the temperatures climb, bringing a noticeable increase in birding activity and adding another layer of life and movement to the landscape.
While leopards will always be among my favourite subjects to photograph, one of the things I enjoy most about putting together these weekly collections is the opportunity to showcase the bush beyond its most iconic predators. From the larger mammals to the smaller details that are so easily overlooked, each subject offers a different perspective on the wilderness we are fortunate enough to experience here. This week brings together a little of everything, capturing some of the variety, character and beauty that make every drive unique.
Let me know in the comments which pictures you like the most.
Enjoy This Week In Pictures…
We tracked the Tinxiya female along the steep western bank of the Sand River, hot on her heels, and then eventually we looked up and we were greeted by this incredible scene.
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
A Lilac-breasted Roller perches, scanning its surroundings below for a potential meal.
The blonde-maned Gijima Male glances up at a vulture approaching from the distant horizon line.
The beautiful Hlambela male rests atop a termite mound, patiently waiting in the hopes of a warthog emerging from its burrow beneath.
An impressive male, appearing as a rising force in the north. Making a name for himself by pushing other males out.
The Makatini Coalition of cheetahs glance upward at a Bateleur eagle that flew past them. Their level of vigilance is unmatched.
A male Bennett’s Woodpecker scans a small tamboti grove thoroughly for its next meal. It was an incredibly hot afternoon, hence his open beak as he pants to cool down.
What a pleasant surprise it was for us to have found the Piccadilly Female after an exciting morning tracking in the Sand River. The last time I saw this leopard was over 4 years ago. Here she rests in the shade for a brief moment.
Golden-coated of Sunsetbend lineage, this female is gradually expanding her presence south of the Sand River into Londolozi.
A great morning spent at the wild dog den. These pups are growing so fast!
The Tinxiya Female pauses to glance at a hyena approaching. She had just finished feeding on a Grey Duiker carcass she had caught less than an hour ago.
We enjoyed a lovely sunset surrounded by many giraffes one afternoon.
A Three-banded Plover is a very small bird, but is incredibly interesting to watch as it vibrates one of its feet rapidly in the muddy shallows to disturb and flush the tiny aquatic creatures it feeds on.
The Shingi male rests for a few moments after a missed attempt at a herd of impala who were browsing on the fallen dried Tamboti leaves.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
One of the N’waswitshaka Males lifts his head from a long afternoon nap to listen to another male lion roaring very far away.
The Shingi Male walks away with his prize. The remains of an impala carcass that the Nkoveni Female had caught, which was then stolen by a hyena. He managed to arrive on the scene just in time to salvage something for himself.
A quintessential African scene during our morning coffee break along the Sand River. A herd of elephants make their way across the river after having a drink and cooling themselves down.
A Red-billed Oxpecker scours the face of a large male buffalo in search of any ticks and ectoparasites.
The Tinxiya Female takes a short break from the heat in the shade of a small red bushwillow.
It will still remain one of the biggest highlights of my guiding career at Londolozi to have spent the past couple of years watching these male cheetahs start out as tiny cubs, to where they are today. A strong and confident young coalition.
The Hlambela Male rests in the cool shade beneath the dense canopy of a jackalberry tree.
3 of the 5 inquisitive wild dog pups walk up to our vehicle to get a better look at us.
You might recognise this scene. As the Sun sinks below the Drakensberg mountains, one of the Plains Camp Males begins to rise.
The Shingi Male is always on the move. Exploring most of the southeastern parts of Londolozi. We never know when the last sighting of him will be, as he begins to disperse further and further afield.
Probably my favourite birds to photograph are the Little Bee-eaters. They are so incredibly beautiful and faster than lightning when they fly!
Another giraffe silhouette picture from our evening sun-downer. This showcases the size comparison between a fully grown male and female.
The Hlambela Male braving the heat, hoping it will pay off once a warthog emerges from its burrow.
Eye level with a dwarf mongoose as it peeks out at us.
The Tinxiya Female rests up in the boughs of a large jackalberry tree. The cool waters of the Sand River flow gently behind her.
The Tinxiya Female must be one of the most beautiful leopards I’ve seen. She is a spitting image of her father, the Maxims Male.
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on The Week In Pictures #779