Life at Kaingo Camp comes with its own cast of characters – some on two legs, most on four. But few have left their mark like the leopards who’ve claimed this stretch of the Luangwa as their own.

They aren’t just passing through. They patrol the paths between our chalets, hoist kills into trees near the kitchen, and sometimes nap beneath the water tank while we prepare lunch! Over the past few seasons, we’ve come to know them by name, by personality, and by the stories that have unfolded all around camp.

Here’s a look into the leopards who’ve made Kaingo home…

Nthanda and Mwezi were born close to camp, daughters of a leopardess named Kuwita. Their names mean “Moon” (Mwezi) and “Star” (Nthanda) in the local Zambian language.

In early 2023, Nthanda was the dominant presence. She patrolled around camp with confidence, often during the day. One guest was lucky enough to spot her walking silently below their private deck, hugging the riverbank in search of bushbuck. Our trail cameras picked her up often – cruising through the staff area like she owned the place!

Later in the year, Nthanda injured her leg. She started appearing less, moving slower, and shifted her hunting to the ebony grove further from camp. Despite the injury, she kept going, often hunting smaller prey, and was occasionally seen sharing kills with her sister, Mwezi.

Image credit: (1) Charlie Field, (2) Adam Dudley

By 2024, Mwezi had clearly stepped into her sister’s shoes. We began seeing her more frequently, sometimes tucked into the bushes below the water tank, other times walking casually through camp in the middle of the day. Those wide, watchful eyes became a familiar sight.

But she wasn’t the only one moving in…

A young male leopard around three years old started appearing around the same time Mwezi was establishing herself. Often referred to as “the baboon sniper” last season, we have settled on the name Fundi. Unlike Mwezi, Fundi was more cautious – shy, even – often staying at the edges, watching before moving in.

But that didn’t stop him from trying his luck…

One day, a baby bushbuck carcass appeared in a tree near the staff area. Cally, our camp manager, spotted it and called another staff member. By the time they returned, the kill had disappeared – classic Fundi behaviour: quick, quiet, and careful.

Soon after, things escalated.

Mwezi had taken down a bushbuck near one of the staff houses and dragged it into a tree. Fundi saw an opportunity… What followed was two days of tension: growling, circling, and short bursts of aggression. Fundi eventually managed to claim the kill. Below, hyenas lingered. At night, crocodiles crept in from the river, taking scraps that dropped from the branches.

For a shy leopard, Fundi had found his moment.

Image credit: (2 & 3) Simon Mitchell, (4) Tony Ware

More recently, a much larger, older male has appeared. Fundi may be brave, but he’s no match for this one. At the start of the 2025 season, Fundi made a monkey kill near camp, only to have it immediately stolen by the older male! Fundi followed him at a distance, clearly wanting the kill back but knowing better than to challenge him.

Interestingly, Mwezi and the older male were seen mating last year. We’ve been hoping for cubs ever since, though so far she hasn’t shown signs of being pregnant. Still, she’s active. She’s been spotted stalking baboons near the ebony grove and continues to show up regularly on our trail cameras.

The leopards of Kaingo aren’t distant silhouettes in the treeline. They’re part of daily life – sometimes just out of sight, sometimes not. Guests catch glimpses from their decks. Our team crosses paths with them behind the scenes. And on the trail cams, we piece together the quieter moments we miss.