About the Author

James Souchon

Field Guide

James started his guiding career at the world-renowned Phinda Game Reserve, spending four years learning about and showing guests the wonder of the incredibly rich biodiversity that the Maputaland area of South Africa has to offer. Having always wanted to guide in the ...

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25 Comments

on What is the Connection Between the Majingilane and Billy Connolly?

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Wonderful blog James. I love the Majingilane males. Unfortunately missed them last week. The images bring back so many memories when they were all four together.

Hi Marinda, I hope you had a great time last week! It was always an impressive sight to see all four together.

James we had an amazing time. I remember one year at Londolozi the one Majingilane was on the airstrip on a misty morning roaring, calling his brothers. It was so special.

Very interesting article, I was a but surprised to see the Billy Connolly link!! It makes sense that lions roar for reasons far beyond the parameters of the textbook answer.

Hi Callum, It’s funny how the mind works and that hilarious sketch of his really got me thinking about lion communication!

It must be the accent!!

Master Tracker

Wonderful moment. I wish I could have seen it.

HI Ian, hopefully you get an opportunity soon. It really was a wonderful moment.

I too have witnessed this phenomenon, James. It is indescribable. Unless you have seen, heard, and felt this, you have no idea of how overwhelming this is. I have had the good fortune to experience this several times, but will NEVER tire of it!

Hi Darlene, it really does take your breath away. Glad you have experienced it a few times.

I don’t know much about lions, except seeing them, but this blog is awesome aye- The Majinglane scarred lion has definitely captured my heart! Love the way it’s written and makes you curious what’s gonna happen next for sure.

Hi AB, each day something different happens out there! We will definitely keep you posted. Thanks for the comment.

Senior Digital Ranger

What a great post, James! It brings up so many questions in my mind. We were fortunate to have experienced impressive roars from the the tailless female and a magnificent male patrolling the road between Londolozi and Mala Mala. Both experiences thrilled me to my bones! Sandross brought us within yards of these awesome creatures during our three day stay. Londolozi is a magical place.

Hi Carolyn, I am so glad you had that experience. It really is a magical place!

There’s something so exciting about encountering one or more male lions during their moments of “conversation “ with one another. Sitting in a Rover, a few feet away from a large lion roaring, you can feel the power as the sound pierces the air, shaking being felt in the vehicle. It’s what one hopes to encounter on safari. Your blog is informative and interesting – the photos, images of warriors of their domain. Thank you for sharing.

Hi Denise, It’s one of the experiences on safari that you can never get enough! Thanks for the comments!

Senior Digital Ranger

Very interesting questions, James. I wonder what recordings over time and in different circumstances would yield. The pictures of the 4 brothers together are just awesome. Thank you.

Hi Lucie, it would be a very interesting research project! Glad you enjoyed the pictures.

I am sure that each roar means something different to other lions. The roar is impressive and scary. What happened to the 4th male? I love those pictures.

Hi Judy, unfortunately he succumbed to injuries a couple of months back and passed away. Here is the link to the blog where James wrote about what happened. Thanks for reading

I’m so glad that old Scar-Nose is still around to impressively roar. So much we don’t understand about wildlife….but it is fun speculating.

Hi Joanne, you are very right. Still so much to learn and still so much we will never understand!

hi James. I love your photos of the majingilane male with the scarred face. I don’t think we came across him last year when we visited Londolozi, such a wonderful experience with Sean and Robby. My husband was also there in November with our son and family and once again returned with wonderful memories of the trip. I am so impressed by your photo that I am wondering whether you would have any objection if I used it as reference for a painting? I may enter it in an amateur art competition, but obviously need your permission to do so. Obviously you may have rules in place regarding use of photos taken by rangers, so won’t be offended if you refuse. ?Incidentally, I have that Billy Connolly DVD, laughed until I cried, such a clever man.

Hi Glenis, awesome to hear that you had a great time. You are most welcome to use any images from the blog as reference for a painting. We would love to see a photo of it once you are finished. Good luck in the competition!

James, We have also wondered what they are saying! It’s fun to project the possibilities, but for the most part, it seems like they are declaring their dominance!

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