Over the last couple of days Hlaba Nkunzi has been seen spending time close to the Lodge. It also seems that she might have fresh suckle marks. We are all very excited and hoping that she might have a den site close to the camp.
Hopefully she decided to have this new litter in her old familiar stomping grounds…
Keep an eye on the Facebook page and Blog for further updates.
Written by Hugo Breed
John & Lesa Graybill recently stayed at Leopard Hills and managed to capture a some very special images which they shared with us and we’d love to share them with you.
If you have special Leopard Hills Images and memories, please post them on our Blog or Facebook Page.
Thank you for sharing your memories with us!
As Game Drives left the Lodge yesterday afternoon, it wasn’t long until we received a Call from Sandra, our Head of Housekeeping that there was a leopard in the Lodge.
At first it was very difficult to see the Leopard, he was lying down as flat as he could possibly get right next to Suite 5’s door and pathway. The Nyala stood feeding about 5 meters from him for quite a while until he looked up and froze, obviously having the same difficulty as we did to identify what was on the browned winter grass, incredible how they blend into the environment. This Male Nyala then realised it was a Leopard and he frantically started alarming, which sent Dayone on his way.
As he was moving away from the very loud Nyala, not knowing which other predators have been attracted by the calls, it gave just enough time for the game drive vehicles to make their way back and see him walking away from suite 5.
It wasn’t too long after the game drives left the lodge yesterday afternoon, that a radio call came, saying there is a female leopard and her two cubs on their way to the lodge.
The immediate thought was, Hlaba Nkunzi! She has been spending the majority of her time away from the lodge, out of our traversing area – so it is wonderful news that she has brought them back to Leopard Hills – for how long that could be, we’re unsure of.
After moving the cubs from the Mabrak riverbed, in the front of the lodge, she very comfortably moved towards the lodge and they spent quite a bit of time on the deck of Suite 4. The cubs were playing around in the outdoor shower next to the pool, enjoying their new surroundings.
During the night they were all lying down next to the pathway between Suite 1 and the Gym, could see it was definitely not Hlaba Nkunzi’s first time in Leopard Hills – knowing exactly where to go.
We look forward to seeing more of Hlaba Nkunzi and her two cubs, hopefully they stay around the lodge and our traversing area for a little longer. It was a very warm Welcome, to see Hlaba Nkunzi and her cubs back at Leopard Hills.
Below Images are of the Leopards on the deck of Suite 4.
Images by Johan de la Rey and Hugo Breed.
It’s been a very special couple of weeks in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, as Thlangisa has given birth to two Cubs and she has brought them out to share this special time with everyone.
Unfortunately the details surrounding the Cubs, as to which Male Leopard could be the Father and when exactly they were born, are not know – but it is believed they are around 8weeks old.
This is Thlangisa’s first litter, as far as we’re aware, which is wonderful considering she’s the daughter of the Mambirri Female who’s territory was in the Southern part of out traversing. We look forward to spending time with these cubs and sharing the special moments between them and their mother.
Photos by Johan de la Rey, Hugo Breed and Reece Verdoorn
This morning Leopard Hills guests were treated to a special sighting of the Kashane male Leopard making a warthog kill. It all started with Kashane sleeping on top of a termite mound with no one even imagining seeing a kill. Then all of a sudden a warthog appeared from the burrow inside the mound and Kashane was ready and waiting. Leopard Hills Ranger Raymond Mahatlani got these photos and some amazing footage of all the action.
This week we were fortunate enough to be witness to one of the Selati Males mating with one of the Othawa Females. The two of them spent a couple of days together, only meeting up with the rest of the Selati brothers and Othawa females for a Wildebeest lunch and dinner. In between rest periods the male kept his paw on the female to ensure she doesn’t sneak away without him noticing. After a few days they both went their separate ways. The video below is of the male calling out to make his presence known.
[FMP width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.leopardhills.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/SelatiOthawa.flv[/FMP]
A very cloudy afternoon was lit up by the appearance of 3 new Xhimungwe Cub faces.
One of the Xhimungwe Lionesses brought her Three 6-8 week old cubs out to show what a proud Mother she is.
The cubs weren’t sure if they should leave their cover at first, but with Mom calling they couldn’t resist and soon joined her in the clearing.
Very playful and full of energy they were soon at ease in the open and found their Mother’s tail to be the perfect chewing-toy.
They spent some time playing around with each other and their Mother, but as the light started fading rapidly she decided to escort them to safer ground.
We watched with excitement as this Lioness and her three cubs were walking into the distance, hoping they will survive and join the Pride and Four older Cubs in the not too distant future.
We look forward seeing the Xhimungwe Cubs grow, as the Selati Males patrol and protect their territory.
Selati Male Mating with two Otthawa Females – with his fellow Coalition Members feeling a bit left out
Continue reading “Selati and Otthawa mating”
Selati Male chasing Vultures
DayOne Male Leopard vocalising
Continue reading “Big Male Cats”
Great display of Leopard Mating behaviour!
Continue reading “Leopards Mating: Kashane and Hlaba Nkunzi”
Looking for his three brothers
Continue reading “Selati Male Roaring”
![[FMP width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.leopardhills.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/KashaneKill.flv[/FMP]](https://www.leopardhills.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P1090521.jpg){kind=link}