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The Week In Pictures #662 – Londolozi Blog

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It’s been a week of exciting sightings and diverse experiences. The dry winter grass and beautiful open skies offer perfect photographic opportunities. The golden morning light on the subject’s coats makes it hard not to reach for the camera almost every day.

The lions have been out in full force. The Kambula Pride (super-pride) of 18 individuals has provided us with magnificent sightings. One of my highlights was seeing the Tsalala Lioness with her three new cubs. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter of this famous pride has in store. It seems to be the season of little ones. Elephant calves, leopard and lion cubs, wild dog pups, and many more fill the reserve with a diversity we are so lucky to witness.

But for me, the standout of the week has been the sightings in low light. The silhouette shots – the ones with little detail but a lot of ‘story’ – have been particularly captivating. The clear skies and magnificent sunrises and sunsets create unique scenes. A Leopard lounging in a dead Leadwood at sunset, giraffes cruising open crests at sunrise, and a wake of vultures perched before the rising full moon are just a few moments I managed to capture.

Let me know your favourites in the comments section below.

Enjoy This Week In Pictures…

The two cubs of the Nkoveni Female were playing with each other on a fallen tree. They’re growing fast! Sightings of the Nkoveni Female leopard and her cubs have given us some of the best leopard viewing some of us have ever experienced.

One of the adult Kambula Lionesses and six of the youngsters quenched their thirst after finishing off a kill from the night before. The light that morning was absolutely perfect. The lions’ reflections were cast over the still waterhole, and the sound of them lapping up the water on a chilly winter morning was truly incredible

A few White-backed Vultures perched in a dead Leadwood tree as the full moon rose in the backdrop. On this particular night, dust and smoke gathered on the horizon, creating a natural golden hue. We sat at the base of this tree, with this view above us, as a clan of hyenas finished off an old hippo carcass on the ground beside us.

Sunrise Serenade: Two giraffes grace the morning light as oxpeckers flit between them, adding a touch of motion to the tranquil scene.

A wild/painted dog scans its surroundings from the vantage point of a termite mound they’re using as a den to keep the pups safe. The dynamics involving the two packs have been truly amazing to witness firsthand. Who knows what’s in store for the painted dogs in the coming weeks.

The Nkuwa Female lay atop a dead Leadwood tree after sunset, keeping her eyes fixed on the Nsuku Male lying on the ground just a few meters away. Little did we know that one of the Nkuwa Young Males was not far off. We assume she was trying to distract the Nsuku Male from potentially harming her cub.

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.

The Nkuwa Female rests atop a dead Leadwood tree. Few words can capture the beauty of this scene.

One of the Ntsevu Lionesses prepared to charge into a wake of vultures feeding on the remains of a hippo carcass. She was determined to keep any scavengers away from what she now considered her meal.

The Three Rivers Female scans the area toward her cub perched in a tamboti tree. The young female cub was finishing off an impala kill that her mother made the night before. Meanwhile, the light on the mother was truly spectacular.

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

A White-fronted Bee-eater, one of the most fantastic birds to photograph.

Two wild dog puppies play outside the den. As one of Africa’s most vulnerable species, it’s a privilege to see them daily. We hope these two male puppies and their sister will survive the next few months, join the pack, and help increase their numbers.

Just before this image was taken, the Nkoveni Female had left her cubs in a safe spot and set off to hunt. After lying down in some shade, she spotted a herd of impala in the distance. Quietly, she decided to approach them and get into a strategic position for her next move.

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.

A Nile crocodile just meters away as we cross the Sand River. This ancient species has an incredibly striking eye, especially when a ray of sunlight catches it.

I’ve been eagerly waiting to see this. In 2019, the Tsalala Female’s mother gave birth to three cubs, one of whom is the lioness we see today. Five years later, it’s a beautiful replay: the surviving Tsalala Lioness from that 2019 litter has now given birth to three cubs. Absolute magic!

The Tsalala Female’s three cubs include two females. If she can raise them to adulthood, the pride will be reborn!

The beautiful Saddle-billed Stork fishing and foraging in an almost dry waterhole. As the pools shrink, it becomes easier for these birds to find aquatic species. For me, these pools and mud islands create a unique photographic opportunity.

young elephant calf playfully waddles down the road toward us, with her mother following closely behind. Elephants and their young are by far my favourite animals to spend time with. Their playful behaviour can keep you entertained for hours.

After finishing her share of the impala kill, the young female cub of the Three Rivers Female joins her mother on a fallen log in the morning sun. This little leopard is becoming increasingly comfortable with the presence of vehicles, making sightings of them even more special.

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Dan Hirschowitz

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The Week In Pictures #662 – Londolozi Blog