29 Comments

on The Week in Pictures # 12

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Talley…is that Shayne, or one of his siblings? I’m not as adept at telling them apart as you are, but I know he/she is one of the fab four. Just too cute. The photos of the kill are fabulous…next time I hope to see one first hand.

That sunset is to die for!
Me

Thanks Merle, I think ‘Shayne’ put on a braver face for the thunder and lightning! And as for the kill, I had to wait four years of being out in the bush almost every day to see it in the daylight like that! But with your luck, you never know… 🙂

Mabula Game Lodge (@MabulaGameLodge)
Guest

Amazing. This blog is great…real storytelling quality. And just a week in pics 🙂

Thanks Andy, all credit must go to Talley who took all the images in this todays post. Thanks for your kinds words and comments, we will be sure to keep the stories coming. Rich

Thanks so much, sometimes I also can’t believe how much unfolds in only a week!

Jamie adams
Guest

Some fantastic pictures showing the lives of these amazing animals. I wish i could be a fly on the wall in the bush and watch all the events unfold. These daily updates are always great to read and the first thing i do after morning briefing at work. Pure bliss!

How many different prides roam the llondolozi reserve? I have become a big fan of the majings and i hope they are keeping well.

Keep up the great work.

Hi Jamie, pride structures and numbers are consistently changing, as is the dynamic between new males and established females. At the moment, we have the Majingilane coalition who are dominant over much of Londolozi; the Tsalala lionesses and their 8 cubs, the Sparta Lionesses who are now mating with the Majingilane Males, the Southern Pride males and occassionally the Styx Pride in the north east. Every now and then we see the remaining members of the Mapogo coalition, the Othawa pride young males as well as the Tailless female and her sub adult pride members. We haven’t seen the Tsalala young male and his lionesses for quite some time now, however we believe him to be east of our boundary. Hope that sheds some light for you. Rich

Hi Jamie, as you can see from Rich’s response, the answer is a bit complicated! The groups of lions we view the most frequently are the Tsalala Pride (with the 8 cubs), the Sparta Pride (the 5 females), the Majingalane Coalition (4 males), and the South Pride Young Male Coalition (4 males). But it is constantly changing as territories shift and drama unfolds! For example, yesterday the Mapogo Coalition (3 males) chased the South Pride Young Males from the Sand River far south on Londolozi. And about 3 days ago, the South Pride Young Males killed one of the Othawa Young Males. Plus reports of the Matimba Coalition (6 big males) coming south towards Majingalane territory… lots of testosterone around, we’ll try to keep everyone up to date!

Sandy Johnson
Guest

Amazing pictures Talley.

Thanks Sandy!

James Tyrrell
Guest

Well done Tal! Another pearler week. Those buff kill photos are insane!!

I am extremely envious as well James!

Debra Wortman
Guest

Talley,these pictures are awesome. The sunset was gorgeous! I loved hearing about the elephant and his trunk. Really strange. Thanks

Thanks Debra, so glad you’re coming back to Africa soon! You’ll get to see the sunsets for yourself! 🙂

We watched what seemed like hundreds of buffalo cross the river beneath us, while we enjoyed a lovely picnic in the ‘tree house’ (It was WONDERFUL, THANK YOU!!) There was 1 male, bringing up the rear, last to cross…it was sad at to watch at first, but a noble effort; he seemed to accept his place, now, trying to keep up, realizing he was literally bringing up the rear and still he stayed with them. They all have a role and they do it admirably, right through the end. I have much respect for the elders!

Hi Geri, the ‘tree house’ or Lookout as we call it is an incredible experience and you were certainly very lucky to have the buffalo visitors! Just a few days ago, the Tsalala Youngsters were feeding on a kill just beneath it, and the Tutlwa Female (leopard) has been seen quite frequently around there.

As for the buffalo, there are definitely distinct roles played amongst the huge herds, and the old boys who follow at the back usually play a defensive role as well. Unfortunately for this one, he was a little too far behind and his herd-mates too far away to help him in time.

Jess Sturrock
Guest

Hi Tally

Awsome pics! Thanks for keeping the bush alive for me, and reminding me contstantly why I yearn for it every day……

Jess xx

Thanks Jess!!! I think you need to get the ranger uniform out and come live the dream!! The bush misses you!

Penny Parker
Guest

I am amazed at the quality of your pictures every single week. The quality of the game viewing at Londolozi. And the quality of your guiding team. An absolute treat.

Thanks Penny, I feel very lucky to be in a place with such incredible energy, passion and respect for nature.

Danny
Guest

Great pic of the frightened lion cub! I understand the older four are three girls and a boy. How about the junior members?

Strangely enough Danny, the younger cubs are made up of three boys and a girl, the exact opposite of the older four. Its wonderful to watch these cubs get bigger and strong (quite literally) every single day. Thanks for your comments, Rich

Thanks Danny, it was so interesting to watch the youngsters experience a ‘first’ in their lives.

Norman
Guest

Loved the pictures. I grew up in the Bushveld and it is one of the two places where I am totally at peace. Leopards are my favourite predators, they are remarkably beautiful….beauty with an edge.

Thanks Norman, it is amazing how being out in the bush allows you to forget everything else…

Al
Guest

Remarkable pics. But it intrigues me that the 3 Mapogos do venture from time to time, back into Londolozi. Was wondering about that as, in the weekly sightings, there was a recent pic of a Mapogo lion drinking from a source in Londolozi. Could you shed some info on clever movements of rival coalitions within such close proximity to each other?

thnx

Willy Smith
Guest

WOW Breathtaking photography Talley! That Boomslang looks pretty “vicked”!
UW

Jane West
Guest

from the sunset photo to the buffalo kill, I feel like I was right in the bush with you Talley!
Fantastic storytelling and amazing photos! I can’t tell you how much I look forward to these blogs!
Ciao!

Syl
Guest

Awesome blog…..just catching up on some I missed. The Southern/Selati young males are looking good!
I loved it all.
🙁 too bad I know the outcome of somethings though.

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