Mala Mala Private photographic safari.

We several encounters with this Female and two of her cubs. 

The brief was to photograph leopards. While there are many places that offers superb leopard sighting if one has to choose a single destination it must be Mala Mala. We saw 12 individual leopards in total, once 4 in one sighting, a mother two cubs and a large male, presumably dad!

Privileged tender moments with a leopard family. 

The image from the sighting above. 

Mala Mala have pioneered private ecotourism during the 50’s and over more than 6 decades in business have only grown from strength to strength. The reserve is superbly located, stretching for more than 20 kms along both sides of the wildlife-rich Sand River. The guides are all well trained and experienced and offer a great quality wildlife experience. Hence the consistently great sightings.

One of the cubs looking intently at a large male (possible dad) in the distance. 

On a personal note I thought that the lodge’s off-road protocol is unmatched. When heading into the bush off the main road, the vehicle is put in low range. This not only allows for a comfortable ride but also reduces the vehicles speed, which eliminates any rush, and should the car hit an aardvark hole it will enter “graciously”, again eliminating any bumps and bruises or cameras and other gear banging to the ground.   

An 8 week old lion cub being playfully harassed by its three month old cousin.

Premium quality sightings at Mala Mala. Here a pack of rare and endangered African Wilddogs strolls past. 

Rare and endangered African Wilddogs. 

While we were of course aiming our lenses at the big cats other wildlife are prolific. We found a pack of endangered African Wilddogs on our first morning and White Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo were also encountered on numerous occasions. Given the time of year (November) birdlife was also abundant with numerous migrants already retuned for the southern African summer.

Juvenile Bateluer. 

Below are a few more images to give one an idea of the quality as well as frequency of sightings.

This young female reputably became independent at a very age when her mother died. Here, spotlit up a tree in the early evening she makes for a great monochrome image.  

Portrait of a cub in very low-light conditions. 

Mom snarling at a prowling Spotted Hyena underneath.

A spotlight from a nearby vehicle positioned at an angle creates great mood. 

Leopard nr 12. A large male during early afternoon. 

A lioness moving a cub. 

Camp has recently gone through a refurbishment and the rooms now boast a modern look while still maintaining the camps authentic and historic feel. 

Bathroom.

Lounge

Bedroom.