This last week has been an exciting and eventful one on Londolozi with a real explosion of life throughout the reserve. From large animals such as lions and leopards being successfully tracked and found, we are also seeing impala lambs, wildebeest calves, tortoises, scorpions, dung beetles on the move and a plentitude of migratory birds. The bush really is abuzz and the flash of new greenery is providing for some new colour to our images. The Majingilane male lions have created a stir by returning to this eastern portion of their territory, spending time with the Mhangeni pride. We were all concerned as one of the Mhangeni cubs looks like it had sustained a bad injury to its shoulder and was struggling to walk. We’re pleased to announce though that it was seen with the rest of the pride yesterday, moving about and managing to keep up with the others. We’ll keep you updated as to its progress.
And with that enjoy our collaborative Week in Pictures…
A Majingilane male lion watches as some of the Mhangeni youngsters play in the clearing ahead of him. Photograph by Nick Kleer
A rhino bull feeds alongside a herd of elephants. With the incredibly high temperatures at the moment, animals are congregating around water holes during the heat of the day. Photograph by James Tyrrell
A crocodile glides into the water to cool off after basking in the sun. Being ectothermic animals they rely on the external sources to regulate their body temperature. Photograph by Nick Kleer.
Two giraffes drink from a collection of small pans. With the summer rains having arrived these seasonal pans have filled up and are favoured by prey species such as giraffe as there is less these small bodies of water are housing threats such as crocodiles. Photograph by James Souchon
The characteristic head flick of a giraffe as it lifts its head from a drink. These animals have a dense collection of capillaries at the base of their necks which slows the blood flow to their head when they bend down to drink, preventing them from passing out. Photograph by James Souchon
The Nanga female and one of her cubs sit a top a termite mound. James Souchon and his guests waited patiently for these youngsters to emerge from the den site and were rewarded with this beautiful, clear view as a result.
One of the Nanga female’s cubs explores the terrain surrounding its den site in the Manyalethi riverbed. Photograph by James Souchon
Innocent Ngwenya, as cool as ever, watches a herd of elephants as they pass by the vehicle. Photograph by James Tyrrell
Two giraffe gaze intently at some predators in the distance. Upon investigating what they had seen we found the Tsalala Breakaway Pride. Photograph by Amy Attenborough
The Ostrich family which is still managing to keep their four chicks safe. Recently we watched the male chase a pair of jackals as the female swiftly guided the chicks to safer ground. Photograph by James Souchon
The four ostrich chicks still speckled and ‘hedgehog like’ in appearance. Whilst still young and vulnerable these feathers help to keep them camouflaged. Photograph by James Souchon
The Xidulu female scans her surroundings from a shaded termite mound. Soon after this photograph was taken, a group of baboons came bounding through the clearing and she slunk towards the cover of the river in order to avoid them seeing her and giving her position away. Photograph by Amy Attenborough
One of the Xidulu female’s cubs descends from its resting spot on the banks of the Sand River to watch a group of passing baboons. Despite the heat at the moment, these cubs still spend much of their time playing, climbing and exploring and have provided us with some incredible sightings this past week. Photograph by Amy Attenborough
A group of impala lambs rest in the shade of a tree. At this stage they are already banding together into these small nursery groups, seeking out their mothers when they want to feed. Photograph by Nick Kleer
Can you spot how many Southern white-faced scops owls there are in this tree? We were incredibly excited to find this treo, apparently an adult and two juveniles, as they typically do not expose themselves to such an extent during the day. Photograph by James Tyrrell
A new born elephant calf crosses the road tucked in amongst the safety of the herd. Despite giving birth year round, there is a peak in elephant births during the summer season. Photograph by James Tyrrell
The Tamboti female drags a carcass towards a large scotia tree to hoist it to safety. James Tyrrell actually managed to find this animal by following hyenas who were running in to attempt to steal the carcass. Luckily for the leopard she managed to hoist the kill just in time.
A Majingilane male lion roars on the Londolozi airstrip. It has been interesting to watch them move into these eastern portions of their territory, now the core stronghold of the Matimba coalition. In the last few weeks the Matimba males have been further east and it will be interesting to see what happens between these coalitions should they decide to return. Photograph by Nick Kleer
Beautiful photos as always.. love the giraffe drinking and the black and white lion and of course the leopard cubs – how special!- can’t wait to get back to Londolozi!
Thanks so much for the pics of Nanga and her cubs! Love that leopard! So beautiful. I so hope she is successful in raising these cubs to adulthood. Keep ’em coming! Thanks
Isn’t patience such a key to wonderful moments ? Had some wonderful moments at Londolozi due to patience and guides who were prepared to wait (Andrea and Simon)
So looking forward to being with you tomorrow!!
What a spectacular week in photos!!! I especially love seeing the growing ostriches and the common, yet exquisite, impalas!
As always, lovely photos. I love the look of the quickly growing ostrich chicks! It’s nice to see the Majingis after several years although I hope the Matimbas steer clear. They are all magnificent males.
I also hope the Majingilanes steer clear. (The Matimbas showed in many occasions that they are not very impressed by the Majingilanes.)
In the social media people started to talk about a possible threat coming from another coalition who actually pushed the Majingilanes to the East. Do you know something about this?
I must tell you this blog, your stories, and photos never fail to brighten my day. Thanks.
great pictures as usual!
Stunning pictures, as always, Amy! It’s nice to see the Majingilane back on Londolozi but I worry for the new cubs. It will be interesting to see what develops next — let’s hope none of the Majingilane or Matimbas are injured.
[A Majingilane male lion roars on the Londolozi airstrip],
Hi Amy, is that a wound on the side of the Majingilane male’s face? It might only be the photo but it looks like he’s lost a bottom tooth too
Hi Stuart. Ya you’re right he does have a wound below his eye. Although it’s quite swollen at the moment it doesn’t seem to be troubling him too much and I’m not sure when he lost a tooth but it is definitely missing…
Stunning – thanks Amy! Love the ostriches – great shots James. Had the most spectacular leopard sightings last weekend and, as usual, cannot wait to get back next year. Thanks everyone.
I’d hate to see the other guy! (Buffalo, maybe another lion?)
Please tell my little, baby sister (Alice Brewer) to send me more photos! 🙂