The Week In Pictures #653 – Londolozi Blog

With us now feeling the chill, we can comfortably say that the winter period in the bush is upon us. The month of June is arguably one of my favourite times of the year. There’s a wholesome comfort in bundling up warmly against the crisp, cold winter mornings in the bush as we venture out to witness the tranquil awakening of the wild. Wrapped in blankets, seats warmed by hot water bottles, we embark on morning game drives, feeling the invigorating bite of the morning air. As the first light of dawn breaks and the bush begins to stir, there is a serene beauty in watching the world gradually warm up with the rising sun, each moment filled with the promise of new discoveries.

Having been treated to some spectacular sightings,  join me as I provide a closer look into The Week in Pictures.

This week, along with some of the usual suspects, provided special moments with some smaller characters that are usually a little trickier to capture. Among them, a very relaxed and cosy Verreaux’s Eagle Owl perched right beside the road, a mesmerizingly colourful Flap-necked Chameleon crossing our path on its quest for a new place of refuge, and an incredibly inquisitive Dwarf Mongoose, providing us with a sneak peek into its charismatic personality. Since we have not had an active Hyena den on the property for quite some time, the discovery of a few new dens means spending some special time with the ever-adventurous Hyena cubs. The golden light of a crisp winter morning sets the scene as an old Buffalo bull quenches his thirst at the causeway. Wild Dogs on the airstrip never fail to deliver the most picturesque photographic opportunities.

The Nkoveni Female and her youngsters continue to take centre stage with many incredible sightings of this inspiring single mom and her curious cubs as their boundless enthusiasm and innocent exploration of the world around them provide a captivating glimpse into the secretive life of leopards. Since his recent shift in territory, I look forward to any time that can be spent with the Senegal Bush Male. Perfectly posed, the Three Rivers Female, provides an opportunity to play around with a different type of high-key edit.

The Lions that roam Londolozi have been a highlight of the week with a tranquil moment spent with the Nkuhuma Male as the afternoon light begins to fade, the dominant Ndzengha Males moving through one of their preferred clearings in the golden morning light and an intense moment between mother and cubs of the Kambula Pride as tensions rise over a Buffalo feast.

Let us know your favourites in the comments section below.

Enjoy This Week in Pictures…

A sighting of Wild Dogs on the airstrip definitely falls within “Londolozi’s bucket list sightings.

An older Buffalo Bull peacefully quenches his thirst at the causeway during the golden hours of a chilly winter morning

Not one, not two, not three BUT…. FIVE White Rhinos line up for an afternoon drink at Weaver’s Nest Pan.

Some new additions to the Londolozi family!

The Classic Black and White: The Three Rivers Female provided the perfect opportunity to play around with a few edit variations, which one is your favourite?

The Classic Colour, I love the lengthy whiskers.

Forced into early independence as her mother was killed by the Southern Avoca Males.

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Tensions rise as the Kambula Pride find their place around a Buffalo they had caught in the golden morning light.

The Nkoveni Female intensely glances back at us through the Tamboti tree grove as one of her cubs enjoys the fruits of her hard work

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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A colourful character!

A sight that brings a smile to anyone’s face. This curious little giraffe calf inquisitively gazes at the vehicle whilst we manage to snap a few shots.

The Plaque Rock Female perches along the comfortable branches of an Apple-Leaf tree prior to the sad news of her falling victim to the Ntsevu Pride and Ndzhenga Males.

A pretty young playful female found along the river to the east of camp

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An incredibly cosy Verreaux’s Eagle Owl was extremely comfortable with our presence as it called for its partner in a nearby tree.

One of the many “Lazy Fishermen” claiming its place along the causeway.

A dwarf mongoose pokes his head out of a territorial burrow, scanning his surroundings for any potential threats

Two buffalo bulls spend the warmer parts of the afternoon resting in the Sand River

A fitting way to end off this Week in Pictures as the sunset from Southern Cross Koppies sets fire to the sky.