Afrika Semper Aliquid Novi

Sometimes discretion is the greater part of valour...

The Londolozi Game Reserve on the west of the greater Kruger National Park and with no boundaries between them is known for its large numbers of resident leopard and lion. In fact since 40 years ago every male and female leopard has been identified by its spot pattern and every lion by its facial expression and other identifying indicators, including paw tracks. The trackers can tell tourists exactly which lion or leopard had passed when tracks are found. Predators are very much territory bound.

Cape buffalo are continuously on the move grazers and travel quite long distances in a day. Here are some photos posted in their Blog by Londolozi guide Pete Thorpe of members of a 150-200 head buffalo herd who found or chased a leopard up a tree. Even as the herd moved on, individual buffalo would relieve one another in keeping a vigilant presence near the tree:

"The leopard looks at more buffalo approaching.

"This sighting acted as a reminder that you literally never know what is around the next corner out here. It is surprises like this that truly make each drive an exciting one", wrote Pete.