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With the warm weather settling in, the bush has been buzzing with activity and unforgettable sightings. The Msuthlu Pride provided wonderful entertainment as the lionesses and cubs chased and played with one another in the soft morning light, another reminder of how dynamic life can be in the wild.
A magnificent Martial Eagle surveys its territory, while later in the week, the Mungheni Pride found the perfect patch of shade to rest in the golden glow of the afternoon.
Leopards, as always, were a highlight. The Three Rivers Young Female continues to grow in both size and confidence. Dragging a half-eaten nyala kill into thicker cover with impressive determination. Nearby, the Nkoveni Young Male shared a rare moment with his father, the Maxims Male. A sighting that offered a special glimpse into the complex relationships of Londolozi’s leopards.
Across central Londolozi, the Talamati and Nkuhuma males made their presence known once again, their deep roars echoing through the clear night air. Another pleasant surprise came with the reappearance of the Nottens Male (my favourite leopard). The Kambula lionesses and their six cubs continue to provide heartwarming sightings.
To cap off an already incredible week, we were treated to a spectacular encounter with the rarely seen Flat Rock Male. A true legend of Londolozi and a reminder of the privilege it is to spend time with these iconic cats.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Enjoy.
Two members of the Msuthlu pride chase one another around. Such an important activity for young lions
The Msuthlu pride pause to consider the opportunity of catching an unsuspecting wildebeest a few hundred meters ahead.
A Martial eagle surveys its surroundings. Incredibly impressive raptors!
One of the most powerful raptors on the continent, these incredible birds really do give off a presence.
A Mungheni lioness slowly starts to stir as the heat of the day starts to wear off. As is often the case with lions, physical touch is such an important way of strengthening pride bonds. A comfy pillow!
The Three Rivers young female carries her hard-earned meal to a different thicket for safekeeping. This young female has provided such amazing viewing to the Londolozi team. I really look forward to watching her grow and mature into a beautiful leopardess.
A confident and curious young leopard, that is nearing independence after a remarkable start to life alongside her resilient mother.
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The elusive and shy Maxims male at a small wallow drinking. Getting good images of this big male leopard is few and far between! Shortly after drinking at this wallow, he was confronted by his son, the Nkoveni Young Male. They shared a brief greeting just after the sun had gone down, eventually disappearing into the thicket line.
Dominant since 2019. Once skittish Kruger-born giant now rules vast territory, transforming from elusive presence to formidable force.
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The Nkoveni young male perched in an African Ebony or Jackalberry created some beautiful contrasting colours.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
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The Nkoveni Young male yawning in a Jackalberry. In this particular sighting, he unfortunately dropped a kill that had been hoisted in this Jackalberry onto the ground, allowing the surrounding Hyena’s to quickly finish off the remains. Learnings like this are crucial for him as he grows up.
The Nkuhuma and Talamati males greet one another with affection after separating during a morning patrol. The bond between coalition members like these two is special to witness.
The Nottens male stops to smell a Natal Guarri bush. I love the contrasting vibrancy of his coat against the rich green Natal Guarri bush. I really do hope he is able to iron out some bit of territory on some part of Londolozi in the years to come.
Born 2021, mirrors father Nweti’s presence. Young force showing remarkable confidence while navigating nomadic phase in southern territories
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The Nottens male rests in some shade on a hot afternoon. He appears to be in great condition. Here’s to hoping he sticks around!
One of the younger Kambula prides cubs meets my eye through the lens. I really enjoyed the cheeky tongue-out captured in this moment. The Kambula lionesses continue to defy the odds, keeping their cubs alive and well, all the while, the Gijima males become more present in this area. Only time will tell if they can continue to avoid these two big males.
One of the Kambula lionesses is surrounded by a few of the cubs as she keeps a watchful eye for any danger.
The Flat Rock male provided for some magical moments as we enjoyed walk by after walk by of this beautiful male leopard. He is rarely seen these days on Londolozi, with the bulk of his territory falling east of our boundary. What a privilege!
Born 2013 Kruger, seized prime territory at young age. Strategic dominance led to successful lineage before current eastward shift.
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Nic Martin
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