The Rise Of The Hlambela 2:2 Male – Londolozi Blog

The Hlambela 2:2 Male isn’t a new leopard to the Sabi Sands, having been born in the western sector in July 2018, making him approximately seven years old. He is the son of the well-known Boulders Female and the presumed Ravenscourt Male. Both he and his littermate, the Tisela Female, have successfully reached independence.

While he is not a new leopard to Londolozi, we began seeing him haphazardly in the north since August 2024. Initially, he was difficult to locate, often spending time in the thicker, more inaccessible parts of the reserve. However, he is now being seen more regularly in the pristine areas of the north, and we recently realised we hadn’t officially introduced him on the blog, so it’s time to formally acknowledge this impressive male.

The name Hlambela was given to him upon reaching independence, meaning “he who swims” in Shangaan. This was inspired by his remarkable early hunting attempts which famously included wading through water in pursuit of White-faced Whistling Ducks.

Fortunately, his hunting habits have matured, and he has now successfully established his territory, evidenced by our increasing sightings of him in the same area over the last few months.

My first reliable encounter with him was last year in October. We were following up on rasps, expecting to find the Xinzele Female. To our surprise, it was this impressive young male calling from atop a termite mound before he meandered into the thickets. Fast forward a year, and I had my second sighting, and following a recent third encounter, it is clear he has settled.

Territorial Momentum Established

The Hlambela Male’s consistent rasp calls and territorial patrols, coupled with deliberate scent marking throughout the region, confirm that he has successfully claimed the north-western parts of Londolozi. His established tracks are frequently documented across the area, leaving little doubt about his territorial status.

He grew significantly in confidence and, with the unfortunate death of the Senegal Bush Male, he quickly capitalised on the opportunity, securing a vital vacant territory in the north.

As a result of his dominance, we’ve received reports that the Hlambela Male has been exerting pressure on the Tortoise Pan Male, forcing him to shift his range further east.

As the northern leopard dynamics continue to evolve, the Hlambela Male stands out as a formidable, established force. With less pressure from surrounding males (due to his own assertion of dominance) and several well-known and established females in his vicinity, he is now firmly in a prime position.

This impressive male is firmly here to stay. He has secured his area across Marthly and could potentially push further eastwards as he continues to assert dominance over the boundary with the Flat Rock Male.