The 2nd of January 2020, almost at the end of our Satara Summer, delivered one of the most memorable sightings of the month we spent in the Kruger National Park. About half-way between Satara and Olifants we came across this pair of Leopards, and did they put on a show to remember! Trust us; seeing Leopards like THIS happens only very rarely…
Early morning catches a languid leopardess straddling a branch
She changes her position slightly to have a better view of a herd of passing elephants
An elephants passes almost right below the young female leopard
Leopardess in a tree
Her interest peaked by a growl from the male, the leopardess moves to a lower branch
Now out of the tree, the leopardess walks towards the male…
… and disappears from view in a thicket
At first, the male was well hidden
But then he emerged with the remains of a wildebeest calf clenched in his jaws
Leopard and kill (photo by Joubert)
Leopard male and kill
Leopard and kill (photo by Joubert)
Leopard male and kill
Leopard and kill (photo by Joubert)
And out he jumps, to share his meal with the female away from view
Returning to the scene later, we find the female, all muddied from a failed attempted kill, resting in a shady spot next to the road
She quickly repositions (photo by Joubert)
Leopardess eyeing an injured wildebeest calf
Leopardess in the trees
Leopardess cleaning herself, no longer interested in going after the prey that got away (photo by Joubert)
Brilliant shots, you were very lucky to see this beautiful leopard 🤗
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Thanks, Cherryl, and welcome here! We were blessed to be in the right place at the right time, that’s for sure.
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Absolutely fantastic. What a very special sighting of these spectacularly beautiful cats.
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You’ll understand that we were on cloud 9 all day, Carol!
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Indeed I do understand. A most exceptional and wonderful experience.
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Great post – please say to Joubert that I love his shots! You three are indeed blessed!
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He’ll be thrilled to hear that, thanks AJ!
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Is it time for the annual awards or did we miss them? your posts are amazing – it would be nice to be there in person, but so great to view over your shoulder! wow, just wow….
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We’re more than happy to have you looking over our shouldrs, Lisa, and I’m still holding out hope that one day you’ll come visit our wild places for yourself!
We didn’t enter the 2019 blog awards, as the voting coincided exactly with our month in Kruger, and I just didn’t want that distraction.
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Fantastic photos of these gorgeous creatures. I love how the elephant just nonchalantly ambles by whilst all this is going on. Well done to Joubert for his excellent photos. 👏🏻
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Thanks again, Sylvia, Joubert’s photographic skills are really coming on in leaps and bounds.
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Welgedaan en gelukkige man!
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Baie dankie Tina – dit was onvergeetlik!
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How amazing to have witnessed this.
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Absolutely, P J B. We were blessed.
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Wow! Wat ‘n voorreg om dit te kan sien, Dries! Pragtige foto’s!
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Baie dankie, Aletta! Ons was uit ons skoene van opgewondenheid.
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Kan dit net dink!
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You were very fortunate to come across this scene – what a magnificent series of photos!
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We felt like we won the lottery when we finally left the scene, Don.
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Definitely a case of being in the right place at the right time – AND being observant. What a treat!
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Such a privilege, Anne!
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Life in action. Great shots of these magnificent beasts!
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Thank you, Siobhan!
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What a gorgeous cat this leopard. A bundle of muscles and tremendous agility. Nice series, D. and Joubert/ Thanks. 🙂
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Thanks, H.J! Leopards truly are beautiful creatures, the pinnacle of Creation.
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Pretty awesome, I know about leopards and the randomness involved in observing them, even from my relatively short time there I learned that. As always, I’m appreciative of your sharing a piece of the region I hold dear. Have a great 2020!
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Thanks, Michael, and to you as well!
This really was one of our best leopard encounters ever, and I am sure every time we pass this spot in future we will look just a little more closely in the hopes of seeing them again.
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What can I say? Wonderful picture of the leopard!!! Such a picture have I only seen on TV! 11 point out of 10! 😄
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You are very kind, John – thank you. Nice to see you, and I hope 2020’s a great year for you!
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