“Lost – yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes” – Horace Mann
This week there has been a large amount of focus on our lion prides and the dynamics on Londolozi as we discuss what may potentially happen in the future months to come. The Tsalala pride has given us some great viewing as they have been back and fourth across the Sand River on a few occasions. The new male lions and a single lioness have been covering huge ground each evening, roaring and scent marking and thus far their calls have been unanswered, leaving us to wait patiently to see who will make the next move.
The cool, fresh morning air brings about an excitement that can be felt by all as a new day begins presenting new challenges and new possibilities. The energy radiates off the animals as they eagerly await the first warm rays of sunlight. It has been another incredible week. I hope you all enjoy this Week in Pictures as much as I did taking them.
I always feel blessed to be able to start my day in such an incredible manner. A beautiful sunrise over Londolozi. ISO 640 F4 1/8000
A Mhangeni youngster prepares herself for another day. ISO 1000 F4 1/1250
A young hyena anxiously awaits mom’s return. ISO 1250 F2.8 1/640
The striking contrast in colours of a hornbill is always a favourite of mine to try capture. ISO 400 F2.8 1/2500
The Tsalala youngsters are all starting to come into their own as their scruffy manes start to develop. ISO 1000 F2.8 1/640
A male cheetah spends the last dying moments of the day scanning the area and soaking up the last rays of sunlight. Iso 200 F2.8 1/2000
Something I have waited over two years to see. The Tsalala pride crossing the Sand River. Iso 800 F5 1/2500
A hammerkop patiently waits for fish and frogs to be washed over the causeway. ISO 800 F4 1/1000
Young and inquisitive, it is always fascinating watching young animals explore new smells and sounds. ISO 1250 F2.8 1/125
The Mashaba female rests in a clearing late into the afternoon before disappearing into thicker vegetation. Iso 800 F4 1/320
This cheetah uses a mound to scan the area for any potential prey or threat which allowed us a great eye level look at this magnificent predator. ISO 1000 F2.8 1/800
Side light often creates a different angle and highlights key features. A Tsalala lioness strolls off and disappears into the darkness. ISO 1000 F2.8 1/125
A crocodile bakes itself in the late morning sun after a rather cold misty start. ISO 800 F2.8 1/8000
The Dudley Riverbank young female uses a vantage point to get a view of the rutting impala in the distance. ISO 500 F5.6 1/1000
One of the young Tsalala males stares at us defiantly from a small patch of sand in the river. ISO 800 F5 1/6400
Breaking the rules of photography can sometimes work in your favour. In this image I purposefully shot a tight angle to emphasise the golden light on the zebra’s face. ISO 800 F5 1/2000
The contrasting colours of black and white shows off the power of the newly dominant Piva male. ISO 800 F5.6 1/160
The variated colours of the sunset was a wonderful way to end off yet another successful week in the bush. ISO 640 F7.1 1/4000
Written and Photographed by: Trevor Ryan McCall-Peat, Londolozi Ranger
Stunning pics this week Trevor. Great images of thevTsalala pride. The young males grew so much in the last few months.
Hey Trevor according to Sabi Sabi these new lions are called the Matshapiri Pride.
Outstanding images as always Trevor. I really like the yawning Mhangeni lion as well as the softer autumn colors coming through.
Gorgeous pictures Trevor, I really like the zebra image – a classic beauty. Thanks for sharing.
I need to get back out out to you guys soon, these pictures bring back some great memories. Hope you are all well, Richard I am seeing your Dad (and I think your sister) in the next few weeks,
warmest
Martin
WOW — amazing photos Trevor. Each one tells an amazing story — from the sunrise to the sunsets…the two Tsala females walking across the Sand takes my breath away…brings tears to my eyes as I love Londoz so much….thank you!
Great pictures as usual. Are you using a telephoto or prime lens to shoot the F2.8 at high ISO?
I absolutely love the close up of the single male lion crossing the river with his reflection. Stunning.
Breathtaking photos! Love them all, Trevor…really amazing! Thank you!
Another great blog. Mashaba looks good. Thank you for a sweet ending to a difficult week.
Another set of AMAZING photos Trev – you’ve outdone yourself yet again – WELL DONE!!! Sooooooo hard to pick a favourite – LOVE them ALL!!
Amazing to look at these images from the Midlands in UK. I miss it all. Just so lovely in the wilderness.
Wow Trevor amazing photos & some feel extra special as we were there with you 🙂
Trevor, wonderful photos! It’s great to see photos of animals we now feel like we know personally. Our family’s time with you at Londolozi was magical. Dreaming of coming back soon…
Oh Trevor these images are all so beautiful, I cannot possibly say which is a favourite as you have made my weekend so special & yes you are very Blessed to be able to have this every day, I envy Rangers this life. Enjoy & be safe <3 🙂
Wonderful pictures, Trevor, and delighted to see the young Dudley Riverbank female, who I saw when she was just 4 weeks old! She looks great -is her mother still alive as far as you know? Looking forward to returning in October!
These photos are superlative, utterly splendid.
We read and watch all Londolozi features having lived the life with you four times now with Brett W, Mike S and latterly Kevin.
Many thanks.
Fantastic images Trevor, they’re all really wonderful. I especially like the yawning Mhangeni youngster, the close-up of the young Hyena and the close-up of the beautiful Piva male. Thank you so much for sharing!
Hey Trevor! Came across your ariltce quite by accident. You may remember me from New Forest. I can identify with most of your memories I also went to Montclair Primary and was in SAAF and often got stuck in Villiers! I lived just off Blamey Road Alphen Avenue. Over the past few years New Forest has had quite a few reunions I saw guys I haven’t seen for many years, some since Matric. You may remember Johnny Banks, Terry Espitalier, Andy Miller, Harry George, Ron Series and many more great seeing them again!
I love the hyena photos.
My favourite photo is the young hyena waiting for his mother.