Mother Leopard & Cub Play

The morning began with the rambunctious little male cub of the Stone Drift female. They were still at the site of their impala kill, which remained in the fig tree. While the mother rested in the branches, the cub stayed below, safely tucked away in the thick vegetation.

Eventually, she descended from the tree, and a beautiful bonding and nursing session followed. Then, it was time to play.

The cub’s energy exploded as he pounced on his mother, wrestling with her in a display that was both entertaining and adorable. With each playful attack, he built confidence and sharpened the instincts that will one day serve him as a dominant predator.

After leaving the Stone Drift female and her cub, we set out to explore and enjoy a morning coffee break. Just after our warm drinks, we spotted a pair of wild dogs running past a lone lioness.

Following the dogs led us on a memorable drive through the reserve. As the rain began to fall, we found ourselves getting quite soaked, but we quickly dried out when we stopped for breakfast, enjoying the company of each other—and a few zebras. Overhead, vultures circled while impalas snorted in alarm, adding to the atmosphere of the bush. Continuing our drive, we came across a young male leopard before making our way to the den site of the Piccadilly female.