One of my most memorable moments in the bush happened recently on a quiet afternoon, when we were fortunate enough to spend time with a pangolin. We stopped at a respectful distance, got out, and stood completely still. Nobody spoke. Nobody moved.
A pangolin moving calmly across a termite mound
For a few minutes, the pangolin continued about its business, seemingly unaware of us. Then, in a moment that took us all by surprise, it lifted its head and slowly walked in our direction. With calm confidence, it crossed the road right in front of us before disappearing into a drainage line on the other side. The animal was completely relaxed, and we had done nothing to disturb it.
It was the closest I have ever been to a pangolin, and also the most rewarding sighting, not because of how near we were, but because of how it unfolded naturally.
A New Way of Viewing Pangolins
This approach to pangolin viewing is something I’ve only come to appreciate in recent years. The shift came after watching a documentary about pangolins and attending a talk at Londolozi given by one of the filmmakers. Click here to watch the Documentary on Netflix.
A relaxed pangolin picks up its head, which is remarkably smaller than the rest of its body.
He explained that pangolins are extremely shy, and the way we position ourselves during sightings has a big impact on how they perceive us. In the past, it wasn’t that we were behaving badly or being careless, but rather that we didn’t fully understand how our presence was being interpreted by the animal. Even quiet movements or standing too close could make the pangolin feel uneasy.
When a pangolin is relaxed, it may walk straight up to you if you simply stand still and observe quietly
By remaining completely still, silent, and giving the pangolin the choice of how close to come, we allow it to understand that we are not a threat. That small behaviour change can transform the experience, both for the animal and for us.
Lessons from Leopards
This idea reminded me immediately of Londolozi’s history with leopards. Decades ago, leopards across much of Africa were secretive and difficult to view. Through years of patient tracking, consistent behaviour, and allowing leopards to dictate the terms of an encounter, generations of these cats gradually came to accept the presence of vehicles and people.
John Varty and Elmon Mhlongo began the habituation practices of leopards many decades ago…
Today, Londolozi is known for its relaxed leopard viewing, but it was not always this way. The trust that exists now is the result of a deliberate approach to habituation — an approach that focused on respect, patience, and consistency.
Similarly, we are now learning how a similar philosophy can be applied to pangolins. By removing pressure from the situation, by letting the pangolin lead, we can experience sightings that are both more intimate and more respectful.
An incredibly rare sighting years ago at Londolozi, where a pangolin pup was on top of its mother
Why These Moments Matter
Pangolins remain one of the most rarely seen animals on safari. They are mostly nocturnal, highly secretive, and spend much of their lives hidden. Beyond that, pangolins face enormous challenges in the wider world, particularly poaching and trafficking, which have made them one of the most threatened groups of mammals globally.
The intricate details on pangolin scales are certainly something to behold
Every sighting is therefore significant. It is a privilege to watch such an elusive animal carry on with its natural behaviour. The responsibility lies with us to make sure these encounters are as stress-free for the pangolin as possible.
A Broader Lesson
That afternoon reinforced something simple: sometimes the best way to experience wildlife is by doing less, not more. Standing still, resisting the urge to edge closer, and allowing the animal to set the pace gave us a sighting that I will never forget.
When a pangolin feels threatened, it tucks its small head towards its stomach and wraps its tail around its head and the rest of its body.
It wasn’t about the thrill of discovery or the pursuit of a photograph. It was about giving space and respect. In return, the pangolin carried on without concern, and we were able to witness a completely natural moment.
Closing Thoughts
At Londolozi, every encounter has the potential to teach us something about the natural world and about ourselves. The pangolin sighting was a reminder that respect is the foundation of meaningful wildlife viewing. Just as our history with leopards has shown, patience and consistency create the conditions for trust.
The whole body of a pangolin is covered in protective scales
That afternoon with the pangolin wasn’t about luck. It was about slowing down, being still, and allowing the animal to choose. And in that choice lay the privilege of one of my most memorable sightings.
Barry Bath
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