This was a week for the books. It was a week of replenishment and a week of fun, excitement and passion. It was all about spirit this week and it has paid off. There has been much bonding here on Londolozi this week, with the animals and with the staff. We have said some sad goodbyes, but just goodbyes until we meet again. There has been an aura where emotional, mental, and spiritual levels have formed an energy field around the body that is Londolozi. Another week has drawn to a close on 2014 and the year is off to a great start. Enjoy this week in pictures.
The buzz in the car park before setting out from Varty Camp.
Lined up and ready for action.
An approach of a Water Monitor.
The sole survivor. The young female from the Tsalala pride.
Tsalala cubs keeping us entertained with the fullest stomachs.
A trunks textures.
The Gowrie Male full bellied.
The Wild Dog pack was back.
A Tree Squirrel feeding on a Sour Plum.
A young Buffalo calf staring down the camera.
Impressive as always! The Camp Pan male in full stride.
Camp Pan growls at what is possibly his daughter, the Tamboti young female.
Tamboti female and her youngster depart through the grass.
My company one afternoon off.
Fork Tailed Drongos nesting.
A great friend and outstanding tracker. Andrea Sithole on story telling.
Nothing like a sunset snack out in the bush to compliment an ice cold Gin n Tonic.
An incredible spot of a scrub hare by my guest in broad daylight.
What a catch! Part of the New World Kingfishers, these woodland kingfishers are insectivorous in their feeding habits.
Watching each others backs.
Let me know which is your favourite image of the week in the comments section below….
Written and Photographed by: Mike Sutherland
These photos are stunning! It must be the best place to work on the whole planet.
I just arrived in Johannesburg after three tremendous days at Londolozi staying in Varty Camp with the KonicaMinolta group. Ranger Mark and Tracker Jerry were absolutely fantastic hosts on our drives as our Rover group of Sam and Tara, Brad and Kate, Ben (me) and Amy (my wife) had numerous chance encounters.
We were there when Camp Pan growled and took a swat at the Tamboti young female. We had been following Camp Pan when he found her and right after this encounter captured in the picture of him growling struck out to find the Tamboti female mother of the young female who most likely had been out hunting for food. We saw the females unite with Camp Pan not far behind. The females then came within feet of Camp Pan then turned and began to wander off departing on their own.
Needless to say my favorite picture is Camp Pan growling at the young female with the two females departing a close second! It was an incredible encounter and something to remember forever.
Thank you all at Londolozi for an incredible experience for three great days.
Cheers!
Ben Russert
All these Londolozi portraits are outstanding – the framing, the contrasts in color and texture, the beautiful black and white. I do love the baby Vervet that you caught looking so pensive when in truth it’s pure mischief. I remember! Jane (Londolozi 7/13, on safari with Richard and Bennet to whom I send greetings)
The Water Monitor and the Kingfisher shot are equally good, the lizard because it is at eye level and with the wonderful forked tongue, the Kingfisher because of the aperture use to reduce the depth of field.
A good example of the type of photo when you take control of the camera rather than relying on the programme button.
Great post Mike! Keep producing those excellent photos! Keep it up.
“Sole Survivor” should have been named “Soul Survivor”. There is a look in her eyes that is mystical. She seems thoughtful and somewhat sad. It made me truly wonder what she was thinking. Beautiful.
They were all wonderful, loved the one of camp pan in full stride, he is one of my favorites!
Great photos Suthers!
Awesome ,Mike,love the Tamboti female and her youngster in b &w
Any picture with the Camp Pan Male is a perfectly thrilling moment caught by your camera. Thank you for another fantastic week.
All of the pictures are Awesome as ALWAYS!! But knowing the Tsalala Pride, is of course the LONE SURVIVOR….. Reminds me so much of BB (the old tailess) which I knew her as from the drives. I love the lions in general and are my favorites, BUT I love all of the animals in AFRICA!!! I really love and enjoy the photos and the blogs, and updates… GOD BLESS ALL and Look forward to next time!!!! THANK-YOU!
Love the pictures, as always! Very concerned about the opening statements! To whom have we said ‘Sad Goodbyes’? And the Tsalala female? I assume she is the last of the litter born 2 years ago…..not the LAST Tsalala? Perhaps I am not aware or in the loop. so please clarify, as I have asked questions before, and they have gone unanswered. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Hi Geri, the sad goodbyes are referring to Ranger Byron Serrao who has left our ranging team to open a new chapter in his life. Stay tuned to the blog this coming week for more information on the Tsalala Pride and their current dynamics. Please respond with any other questions you may have and I will try to answer them as best I can. Thanks again for your continued comments and interest. Rich
Loved them all, but the Sole survivor touched me..
Thank you for sharing!
It is so hard to pick a favourite. The leopards reminds me of the rides while we were on at LOndolozi. The pictures of the jeeps ready to go remind me of the excitement before a ride. I cannot believe how much I miss Londolozi. We were there only 3 nights, but what a special time!!!
Wonderful pictures! Was so happy to see the picture of the Tsalala younger female. I believe last picture I had seen of her she was looking awfully skinny. She seemed to look better in the picture today. Is she still considered a sub-adult? How does she seem to be getting along with the others in her pride?
Thanks,
Amy
Mike, this is a brilliant week in pictures, well done! Ireally love the image of the squirrel feeding on the sour plum. Great job!!
Wow – Seems like the photos are sharper and have more impressive color than ever!
I like the wild dog pic – we saw them 2.5 years ago and had great fun trying to keep up with them with our guide Mike Miller driving through significant bush!
These are really impressive photos, Keep up the great work!
chuck
ps.
(I know it’s a hassle, but it’s great when there is time, to include the photo data (make, lens, exposure details)
Great Shots mike! The pic of Andrea is my favourite!
I thought the buffalo calf told a story. You can just see the little nubs of his/her horns starting to grow and he certainly has the adult stare going on already. It is as if the calf knows someday it will be formidable.
Do you have a favorite pic?
Having never been to Londolozi, but I “live” for the blogs you put on during the weeks, but tell me the line up of your vehicles, is this for a Grand Prix race through the park every morning & evening or do you all venture out on different roads? I love the feeling of excitement of both Trackers, Guides & I guess the guests too. Your pictures are outstanding, I have favourites, the leopards in B&W, but they are all wonderful. Thank you & have another fantastic week, that we can look forward to! 🙂
Rich, .. This is a sub-adult lioness, who was friends with the old Tailles lioness?
Thanks.
They are all wonderful photos Mike, but I do Love the black and white Tamboti pair and Camp Pan in full stride is just awesome.
HI MIKE,
THANKS FOR THE VERY IMPRESSIVE SELECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS. I REALLY ENJOY READING THE BLOG WEEKLY! YOU GUYS ARE REALLY AMAZING IN KEEPING ALL YOUR FRIENDS OF LONDOLOZI INFORMED AS WELL AS SHARING YOUR AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHS.
I TOO WISH TO SAY A SAD FAREWELL TO BYRON. HE HAS BEEN MY RANGER FOR MANY YEARS ON MY ANNUAL VISITS TO LONDOLOZI. HE HAS BECOME A GREAT FRIEND, AND I SHARED MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES WITH HIM. I WILL MISS HIM FOR HIS ENTHUSIASM, KNOWLEDGE AND INCREDIBLE SENSE OF HUMOUR. A TRUE FRIEND!
WELL DONE BYRON, AND GOOD LUCK FOR YOUR FUTURE. WE WILL ALL MISS YOU!
KIND REGARDS,
TED.
That is just a great set of photos (they always are), and any with that precious “sub” is always a bonus!!
Hi.
I really appreciate your article on http://blog.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/thumb-wide-angle.jpg and
also I will be back again..
Bye for now!!