We welcome the close of another work week with an array of wildlife splendour. The landscape is transforming with bursts of green seeping through breaking the blanket hues of browns and greys. A few misty and rainy mornings will only accelerate this process and before we know it the lush greenery will canvas every setting.
On the general game front, as the new grass shoots break the cover of the ones that went before them, the zebra and wildebeest begin to flock back to the open grasslands. Giraffes enjoy succulent fresh leaves that dorn many a tree. And even the tortoises have been set free from the months of aestivation to feast and replenish their energy stores.
On the predators’ side of things, the Tsalala Female rests in the early morning light. A few of the Ntsevu Sub-adults have graced us with their presence. The Northern Avoca Males, who have been rather scarce, are seen briefly in the north, with a certain look of intensity in their eyes. And the rock-climbing Talamati Pride gain a vantage point to scan the surroundings.
Turning to the leopards, the gorgeous Nkuwa Female, far beyond the perimeter of her territory was intent on seeking out and mating with the Senegal Bush Male. The Ximungwe Young Male features a number of times and reassures us that he is now independent of his mother. However, the Nkoveni Female is still moving around contact calling for her daughters. Although, we hear that she has only been seen with one daughter. And lastly, the Senegal Bush Male is found with a hoisted impala carcass in a large marula tree and allows for some great shots.
Let us know your favourite image in the comments section below.
Enjoy this Week in Pictures…
The beautiful Nkuwa Female, well outside of her territory, had been lured further east by her interest in the Senegal Bush Male. After watching this leopard as a little cub in 2018, it was great to be able to spend an afternoon with her again.
One of two sisters born to the Nhlanguleni Female, both of whom made it to independence, the first intact litter to do so in 7 years.
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The Tsalala Female, sadly is now alone again. Finding her early in the morning we hoped she would eventually get up and move around.
The Ximungwe Young Male has been seen more and more by himself exploring further and further afield. We wonder where he will end up settling.
A single cub of the Ximungwe Female’s second litter. Initially rather skittish but is very relaxed now. Birth mark in his left eye.
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The Nkoveni Female rests atop a termite mound with an intense stare towards our vehicle as she continuously contact calls for her two youngsters.
A gorgeous female who is found to the east of camp. Easily recognised by her 2:2 spot pattern she is often to be found in Marula trees.
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The Talamati Pride perched atop a few boulders.
The Talamati Young Male was found by himself near the Londolozi airstrip. He has been in search of his siblings, The Talamati Subadults, for a few days now. Strangely, he had tacker Advice and I (as well as the guests) puzzled as he was constantly looking up at a Knobthorn tree. There was no obvious animal up there and he was not sniffing the air as if he smelt something but maybe a Leopard had been in that tree the night before?
An impressive view of the Senegal Bush Male resting in a large marula tree with a carcass draped over the branch infront of him.
Initially seen as a young male in 2016, this leopard only properly established territory on Londolozi in mid-2019
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Time spent with elephants is never wasted time.
Northern Avoca Males on an early morning territorial patrol. These males have been scarce on Londolozi. Still clutching to their territory in the north, it could be an interesting time ahead if we see any rivals move through the area. Are they able to hold on to their territory and females much longer?
The Ximungwe Young Male scans his surroundings atop a fallen marula tree.
It has been a while since we have seen the Nstevu Breakaway males and so finding them finishing off the remains of a giraffe kill was a welcomed surprise. It seems one of the females has left this breakaway pride and the four males and one younger female are still nomadic.
A female giraffe towers over us while feeding. Giving us an unusual view of her ears held back making her look rather timid.
The resident hippo bull in one of the smaller waterholes certainly has a short temper. Often displaying as soon as a vehicle arrives.
After an unsuccessful chase after three old buffalo bulls, two of the young Ntsevu Males scan the horizon.
With spring well upon us, and after a few rain clouds showering the reserve, we’ve started spotting these little creatures as they come out of hiding.
Sean Zeederberg
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