The search continues for the cubs of the ever-elusive Ndzanzeni female in the deep south of Londolozi. Whilst tracks of her criss-cross her relatively small territory, actually finding her amidst the tangled vegetation that lines the Tugwaan drainage and its surrounds has been proving to be quite a challenge for those venturing into the area in recent weeks. We were close behind her this morning, but she gave us the slip as the heat closed in, so we’re heading back down this afternoon to see if we have more luck.
For now though, enjoy this Week in Pictures…
The Mashaba female laps up water from one of the few remaining pans. f2.8, 1/1250s, ISO 500
Vervet monkeys, although often a nuisance around camp as they are incorrigible kleptomaniacs, nevertheless provide great entertainment. f4, 1/2000s, ISO 320
Either turn right, left, or reverse. Forward is not an option. f5.6, 1/800s, ISO 800, Fisheye Lens
A troop of banded mongooses was making their way through the leaf litter near camp but left a couple of their pups behind. The continuous squeaking of the young mongooses drew the adult’s attention, and within a few minutes they had returned to fetch them. f5.6, 1/800s, ISO 640
The second and third biggest land mammals in the world, the white rhino and hippopotamus, share space at a waterhole. It’s stretching it to classify a hippo as a land mammal, but they do spend most of the night feeding away from the safety of their watery habitat. f7.1, 1/3200s, ISO 320
We were approaching a rhino cow and were curious as to why she appeared nervous, until movement in the grass next to her caught our eye, and out popped this very young calf. f4, 1/500s, ISO 640
A very humanoid seated position by a young vervet monkey. f6.3, 1/1000s, ISO 500
A curious head emerges from the den. Young hyenas tend to be very inquisitive animals. f3.5, 1/1000s, ISO 640
Can you find the leopard in this picture? The shy Ximpalapala female leopard takes cover and blends in as only a leopard can. f4, 1/2000s, ISO 320
The Tamboti female reclines on a fallen marula. f2.8, 1/125s, ISO 1250
One of Africa’s smallest owlets, the pearl-spotted. It’s shrill, descending whistle is a common bushveld sound. f2.8, 1/640s, ISO 1000
The Nhlanguleni female watches a distant herd of nyala from an imposing Jackalberry tree. f4.5, 1/500s, ISO 640
The recent Nikon Photographic course saw trackers, rangers and camp staff alike heading out into the bush to improve on their photographic knowledge. Watch the blog next week for a full course report. f9, 1/800s, ISO 640
A cow and calf white rhino graze the skyline in the deep south of Londolozi. f5.6, 1/1000s, ISO 640
The Ndanzeni female, one of Londolozi’s most difficult leopards to find, evades a brief rain shower in the branches of a Weeping Wattle. f3.2, 1/640s, ISO 500
Beautiful Pics. Keep up the great work guys!
Beautiful pictures! Ximpalapala female is almost centre of the picture, sitting up watching — incredible how she blends right in! I look forward to hearing about the recent Nikon course. I especially love the image of Ndzanzeni in the Weeping Wattle but these are all fantastic images. Thank you for another great week of pictures!
That is what is called excellent camouflage! Wonderful photies as always from Londi, Thanks James
It took 10 minutes to find her in that picture! She is amazing as are all the animals, just gorgeous leopard pics and love the owlette, they make me so happy!,,,