Sun Destinations

We caught up with Umkumbe Safari Lodge field guide, Mauritz Senekal, and discovered some enchanting images of Mxabene male leopard from a couple of months back when he was seen patrolling his territory that crosses over our traverse. His classic, unmistakable face and domineering presence in this region of the Sabi Sand make him a familiar character in these parts. More recently, Umkumbe guests saw Mxabene the morning after a fight with another male leopard known as Kaxane/Kashane. According to history, this is not the first battle between these legendary males. This time, it looks like Mxabene won, as Kaxane was reported to be hanging way down south in the Sabi Sand.

We took a look back on the life of Mxabene, beginning at his birthplace on Londolozi…

Back in October 2008, Mxabene was born as one of two twin males to the Mxabene female – a well known and revered leopardess in the area. Her territory ran along the Mxabene riverbed, hence her name. She was incredibly relaxed around the presence of game viewers, and her two male cubs started life ‘in the spotlight’, so to speak. At that time, Mxabene was only know as the ‘pink nose juvenile’, while his brother was named the Tu Tones male, and developed quite the following as he lived his epic life on the Londolozi property. Eventually, when the brother leopards literally outgrew their mother, the trio split, and Tu Tones’ brother, who we know today as the legendary Mxabene, moved south and entered the property Umkumbe traverses, and is now a dominant presence.

No one was surprised when Mxabene (known as Makhotini back at his birthplace on Londolozi), continued to thrive. His father was a famous male known as Camp Pan, his mother was a female leopard that had raised many successful cubs, and his brother Tu Tones was making waves as a magnificent leopard in his territory. Mxabene has followed in his family footsteps and become a firm favourite at Umkumbe. He is 8 years old now, and looking more impressive than ever. Sadly, his brother Tu Tones was killed by baboons last year, bringing his life to an early end. The brothers’ father, Camp Pan, died last year at the ripe old age of 15.

Last month, the Kaxane male leopard, whose territory traverses Singita, was seen right down south in our neck of the woods and on Mxabene’s territory. Umkumbe guide Mauritz had the following to say:

“We saw Mxabene the morning after his fight with the Kaxane male. Kaxane was operating on Singita and most likely got pushed out, heading south where he unfortunately bumped into Mxabene. Max won and drove Kaxane even further south, to where he has now been seen in the southern parts of the of Sabi Sabi concession.”

Mxabene showed some swelling in his face and has a couple of new scars to add to his facial collection. Still, he continues to dominate, and we are honoured to see him living up to his legendary name.