Another week has gone by and what an enthralling week it has turned out to be. The continued presence of the Matimba males on Londolozi has led to much debate amongst the team as to when, and if, these big brothers will be able to take control and officially set up their territory thus formally ousting the Styx, Matshipiri and Majingilane coalitions. Large cuts and open wounds were seen on one of the Matimba males a few days ago and we have now seen their tracks crossing over the western boundary in the direction of the settled and unassuming Majingilane coalition. What are the Matimba males doing venturing so far west remains the question. Are they actively pursuing the current territory holders in one last battle for dominance? We are yet to find out…
The death of a large male hippo resulting from injuries sustained in yet another territorial battle has attracted the attention of many predators and scavengers alike. Large general game such as giraffe, wildebeest and zebra have removed themselves from the vicinity in order to escape the unpredictable interactions of various predators fighting for their chance to fill their bellies on the remains of such a large carcass.
Once again, we are not sure what is to come in the following months and that in itself makes life in the bush so fascinating and exciting to witness. Have a fantastic week and please enjoy, my Week in Pictures…
Another beautiful sunset in the African bushveld is amplified by an endangered and rare male cheetah scanning the horizon in search of potential prey. Cheetahs often use fallen over trees to gain a vantage point thus allowing them to see over the long grass in their preferred open grasslands habitats. 1/320, f4,5, ISO 800
Two male giraffe fight for dominance over a potential mate as they use their long necks in a battle for supremacy in a process known as ‘necking’. 1/5000, F5,0, ISO 800
My favourite female leopard, the Tamboti Young Female stares off into the distance as the sun catches her beautiful, shimmering coat. 1/2500, f5,6, ISO 800
An African wild dog pup glares over at the rest of the pack while it approaches a waterhole to cool itself down during the heat of the day. 1/100, f5,6, ISO 800
The Styx males absence on Londolozi has been evident upon the arrival of the Matimba Males and are now said to be seeking territory in the Kruger National Park. 1/250, f4,5, ISO 800
Tempers flare as a battle for dominance ensues between two bull elephants, exacerbated by the lack of nutritious feeding grounds. Subsequent to the rains, the large herds of elephants previously seen on the property have migrated further north. 1/500, f4,5, ISO 800
The Inyathini male seeks refuge in a tall marula tree after being chased by the wild dogs, with the setting sun lighting up his magnificent presence. 1/800, f5,6, ISO 1250
The resident female ostrich never seems to disappoint and is notorious for getting up close and personal with many of our guests. Her relaxed and friendly nature makes her a pleasant alternative when the cheetah is unable to be found in the open grasslands. 1/2000, f5,6, ISO 800
One of the Matimba Males, appropriately referred to as the hairy-belly male, copulates with a lioness from the Munghen pride. 1/2000, f4,5, ISO 800
A side-striped jackal cautiously approaches a hippo carcass, constantly aware of the presence of impending hyenas and vultures, and of course the return of the Munghen pride. 1/250, f5,0, ISO 800
I always find it fascinating sitting amongst the large herd of buffalo. Here, I was able to use the sun to cast a shadow across a female buffalo’s powerful body. 1/800, f5.6, ISO 800
After stealing this hoisted bushbuck from her daughter, the Tamboti Female cautiously feeds as the morning light penetrates through the leaves. 1/1000, F5,6, ISO 800
A spotted hyena and white-backed vultures make the most of the hippo carcass and live up to their reputation as being opportunistic scavengers. 1/250, f4,5, ISO 800
The African wild dogs are a personal favourite of mine. It is always a special and rare event witnessing the pups playful attitude whilst the adults are constantly on the lookout for a potential prey or threat. 1/6000, f5,0, ISO 1250
Three Tsalala lionesses walk purposefully over a dam wall in search of the rest of their pride. The fascinating lion dynamics continue on the Londolozi property and we will continue to see more and more exciting lion interactions in the coming months. Who knows what the future may hold… 1/500, f5,0, ISO 800
The Piva Male quenches his thirst on a hot summer morning. 1/2000, f5,6, ISO 800
Often a favourite amongst guests, this black and white image of a zebra slaking its thirst is made more distinctive by its reflection and unique stripe pattern. 1/2000, f5,0, ISO 800
One of Mashaba’s beautiful cubs glances up towards its mother and reassures itself of her presence and relative safety. 1/160, f5,6, ISO 800
A rock monitor lizard heats up slowly on a crisp, clear morning. These often shy and elusive reptiles use their external environment in order to regulate their body temperatures. 1/250, f5,6, ISO 800
Hyena numbers continue to grow due to the lack of a constant presence of dominant male lions on the property. This adorable little cub took a break from feeding whilst its sibling remained to suckle from its mother. 1/2000, f5,6, IS0 800
A male lion looks into the distance as an alarm call briefly grabs his attention. Without anything too exciting around, he was soon asleep again, resting through the mid-afternoon heat. Lions usually sleep up to 20 hours per day. 1/400, f5,6, ISO 800
A truly magnificent sighting of the African wild dogs culminated in the fading light with this adult chewing spiritedly on a stick. 1/2000, f5,6, ISO 1250
Written and Photographed by Londolozi Ranger Callum Gowar
Do you have a favourite photo from this week’s highlights? Share your thoughts with us below, we’d love to know.
Awesome pics this week Callum. The Matimba male mating with the Mangen female is stunning.
Thank you very much Marinda! It was great seeing you again last week!
Awesome photos Callum!! So the Styx males ran then… Do you guys think those wounds on the one Matimba are from Styx, Majingilane or some pride females?
Thank you Ricardo! We are not entirely sure so can only speculate. However, I believe it was from their encounter with the Majingilane coalition.
is the Ginger matimba male still limping? how is the wound on his paw looking? last time he was seen in the north he had a noticeable limp and the wound had opened up pretty wide exposing quite some flesh…
Hi Rob
The wound seems to have healed very well. He is no longer walking with a limp but the scab is still visible. Nothing to serious at all though.
Some seriously good photos.
Well done.
Many thanks Ian, I appreciate it.
Amazing pictures! Interesting the Mhangeni lioness was receptive to the Matimbas. Have the Majingilane abandoned that pride and where are the young males during all this?
Thank you Mike. It is apparent that in their old age, the Majingilane coalition are unable to defend their enormous territory. It is a unique event as the Mhangeni pride do spend a lot of their time in the western sector and thus have the protection of the Majingliane whilst they are their. Maybe they will be spending a lot more time on our property in the future. The rest of the Mhangeni pride (the sub-adults) had been chased off by the Matimba males and were actually on a buffalo carcass on the time of writing. Let’s hope they can all reunite soon.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing? I love the buffalo shot – such subtle majesty.
Thank you Jenifer! I appreciate the support.
Loved every single one of these…..Looked at them many times with repeated awe !!
I appreciate the kind words Barbara!
Incredible photos!! Wishing I was back at Londolozi.
Thank you Courtney! When can we expect your return to Londolozi?
The whole of the Sabi Sands seems to be in flux, where lions are concerned.. The next few months will prove to be interesting. Thank you for the magnificent photos.. Always a pleasure to see your blog!
Many thanks for the continued support MJ. The fascinating lion dynamics will certainly continue into the future and will be very exciting to see who will officially stake their claim as the new territory holders. Furthermore, we do not know what other coalitions may lie just around the corner…
Wonderful pictures, thank you Callum. Do the Styx males travel with their own hairdresser; they always look perfectly coiffed! See you all in 2 weeks time, can’t wait!
Thank you and well said Suzanne. They most certainly are magnificent male lions with beautiful manes! I do however feel that they will be subjected to much hardship and stress in the near future, therefore leading to a few scars and the deterioration of their perfect manes.
Great pics. the second last pic of the black and white young male lion. who is this young male? thanks
Thank you very much Adam. It is one of the Styx males.
I love the Piva male photo because it shows off his powerful neck and shoulders.
Thanks Leslie! It is for that reason he is my favourite male leopard!
Tremendous pictures this week.
Many thanks John!
Stunning images Callum! I love them all but my favourites are the male Cheetah, the beautiful little Mashaba cub and the gorgeous Inyathini male. Thank you for a great week in pictures and I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.
Thank you very much Jill. It is always such a difficult task narrowing down ones photographs for the week in pictures.
Thanks for the great pictures. Do you know why the Matimba got the open cut?
Thank you Tim. I believe it may have come from their territorial dispute with the Majingilane males but it is very difficult to be sure.
Awesome as always!
Thank you Mike. I sincerely appreciate the support!
It appears that the Matimbas have been pushed off of Djuma and Arathusa by the 5 Birmingham Boys Coalition for now at least.
It seems that way but who knows what will happen in the future… Possibly the Birmingham males may become dominant? Will have to wait and see…
Awesome pics! We already miss the camp and all of you. Hope you are well. A&C
Wait…where are the hornbill pictures?
Ann & Chris
Thanks very much Chris and Ann! I’ll make sure to put one in next time. Thanks for all the laughter! 🙂 Hopefully see you in the near future!
Hi callum! I have a question,how big was hairy belly matimba compared to other lions in sabi sands?
Hi Scar, Callum is no longer working at Londolozi. He was a very impressive male lion, but it is difficult to say how he compared to all the other lions in the Sabi Sands.
Too many good photos to choose.