As the seasons were shifting, the bushveld had begun transforming with the undertones of brown and grey setting the stage for winter to take over. However, the arrival of late rains has soaked the landscape once more giving everything one last hoorah with a vibrant burst of life. Ensuring the water tables are elevated and that the bush will thrive, painting a lush backdrop against what is typically a much more drab scene at this time of year.
In this time of transition, the air is charged with excitement, as we enjoy a multitude of incredible sightings. On the lion front, the Kambula Pride (the larger portion of the previously known Ntsevu Pride for those that might be confused) have been kept on their toes by a duo of two sizable elephant bulls in the rain, before being found the following morning in an incredibly playful mood. The Ndzhenga Males have been MIA for the most part, turning up to check in with the pride every now and then. The gorgeous Tsalala Female has been roaming the north and vocalising frequently.
Leopard sightings for me have been focused on the newest little cubs on Londolozi, the Nkoveni Cubs. These three little rascals provide endless entertainment. The Xinkhova Female draped over the boughs of a large jacklaberry was too good to not include.
Outside of that, elephants have been a highlight along the Sand River and feasting on many a marula tree. Baboons, zebras and a plethora of birdlife fill the gaps.
Every day brings a new discovery, making this season at Londolozi an unforgettable time.
Let us know your favourites in the comments section below.
Enjoy This Week in Pictures…
While searching for the plaque Rock Female one morning, I noticed this large male baboon poised in a dead knobthorn tree. Keeping a lookout for the rest of the troop to forage beneath him, it was clear to me that the Plaque Rock Female was probably nowhere near. Just before he descended his post, he yawned exposing a formidable set of canines.
A stunning young female with a very similar spot pattern to her mother, the Nkoveni Female. Litter still completely intact March 2022.
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Driving along the crest, this dazzle of zebra all paused and raised their heads at the same time, something had caught their attention, causing me to scramble to get the cameras out and snap a shot of them all alert and the moody sky in the background.
During my editing process, I couldn’t help but flip between colour edits and Black & White. Let me know which you prefer?
A magical sight of one of the Nkoveni Cubs resting on a fallen tamboti tree was escalated to another level when it lifted its head and began to groom.
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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With many of the migratory birds prepping for their journey further north for the winter, I am sure the Woodland Kingfishers will be setting off soon to enjoy the warmer weather of central and northern Africa for the next few months.
One of the Nkoveni Cubs had found a pretty cosy-looking hole in a Schotia tree trunk, resting right beneath a leopard orchid.
So inquisitive and interested in us in the vehicle, these two wildebeest calves didn’t break their gaze until we drove off.
The only thing better, is the mother getting involved and playing with her cubs. Here we only had the two cubs playing around with the mother. This was the same scene as the Virtual Safari from a few weeks ago.
While all quenching their thirst, the elephant on the left was sucking up water and spraying it out in front of her.
A couple mornings ago, we endured a relentless bout of drizzle and were rewarded with two large elephant bulls paying a visit to the Kambula Pride. Here one elephant is perfectly framed by a prominent dead leadwood in the background, the second and larger elephant is pictured behind a few bushes to the right of the frame, you can just see his one tusk.
Keagan, Ray and their guests enjoy an unobstructed view of this large bull shortly after he had emerged from rolling around in a mud wallow.
Still roaming the northern parts of the reserve, the Tsalala Female has been seen vocalising a few times, is she looking for a mate? Or possibly some company?
With all the rain on the reserve, we are seeing a few more birds that would normally be a lot more difficult to find. This Female Lesser Moorhen and her partner were wading through one of the ephemeral pans in the deep southwest.
While waiting for some signs of activity from one of the Ndzhenga Males, his paws were lit up by the setting sun.
Known as a keystone species, in that elephants play a huge role in shaping the ecosystem around them, this large bull had pushed over a marula tree and was feeding on the cambium layer surrounding the smaller branches. The marula trees appear to be the elephants’ favourite.
Now feeding on the smaller twigs, it begs the question as to why is it necessary to push the entire tree over to feed on some of the smaller branches? I guess the elephant’s answer will be “Because I can!”
Surprise, here I am…
Sean Zeederberg
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