The surviving two males from the legendary Mapogo Coalition graced us with their presence last week. Makhulu (15) and Pretty Boy (12) were found trailing an exceptionally large herd of Buffalo. We estimated the herd at about 600 individuals. These giants of the lion world were obviously hoping that one of the members of the herd would falter. We followed them for ages as they ever so gradually moved towards the herd. That night they were left to hunt by themselves. We returned the next morning to find that they were feasting on the remains of a female buffalo carcass. Initial observations suggested that the buffalo cow may well have become stuck in the mud of a little wallow. This would explain how two old males caught such a large animal.
The Remaing Mapogo Coalition by Rich Laburn
The Mapogo male known as Makhulu by Rich Laburn
It is very exciting for us to still be seeing these males. Once part of a coalition of six that dominated much of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, these males are now true nomads…wandering to all corners of the reserve and even venturing far into the Kruger National Park. When their brother, the notorious Satan, was killed back in mid March this year, we all assumed the worst for the Mapogo. But, never write off a lion! These males continue to power forward staying alive against all odds. We continue to watch in interest to see how they decide to live out their retirement. There are many male lions in this area, especially the Majingilane brothers, that will also be monitoring their movements closely.
Born back in 1997, Makhulu, is the oldest male lion currently using the Sabi Sands. His eyes and very broad nose are very distinctive features – Adam Bannister
Born around 2000, the male affectionately known as Pretty Boy, is the younger of the two surviving Mapogo. His pride of origin are the same Sparta Pride that we often encounter at Londolozi. – Adam Bannister
They may well be ‘over the hill’, but they are still incredible male lions. Huge specimens showing the strength and resilience required for endurance- Adam Bannister
Filmed by: Rich Laburn
Photographed by Rich Laburn and Adam Bannister
Written by Adam Bannister
The kings are back…
Incredible pictures! So great to see these boys, thank you!
Warriors to the very end!! what legends these boys are!
Shiver runs along my spine every time I see the pictures/footage of these incredible males. Mapogos=Kings of Kings!
Long Live Mapogo mak and pb 🙂
I just so love Makulu, such an amazing lion and still looking so majestic at 15. They are true legends ! Thank you SO much for the pictures and videos, every day is a bonus that they are still here.
Long live the kings!!! 🙂
They look thin in these photos. I am assuming this is before the buffalo. So good to see nice pics of them.
These pictures were taken about 10 hours before they were re-found eating the buffalo
THanks Adam. Nice to know they got a good meal finally.
holding on,please.
great incredible big cat.
It is seldom that lions become so old. These two boys are truly fighters.
Thank you Rich and Adam for giving us a ‘Mapogo fix’. What incredible souls these two are – its great to see them again. Hope all the cubs in the area keep a low profile!
Thank you for an update on the two remaining Mapogos. I remember seeing Makhulu as a mature male leading 5 younger males with very little manes on a hunt at night in the early 2000’s. I thought then if they kept together they’d be a formidible force in the area. Last I saw them they were with the 3 Tsala lionesses about 6 years ago. I believe that is about the time the four break away Tsala’s were born. So their genes survive to carrying on their legacy.
Is so good to see these 2 WARRIORS Came home beautiful pics Thank you.May they live more yrs but hope they didnt come home to die as many do
Leave it to a couple of Mapogos to surpass the average life span for lions in the wild. Love these guys. Thank you soooo much for all the photos and the video. I hope these guys really blow our minds by surviving a few more years.
Did they Roar anything when you saw them Adam??
no these males were silent. i fear paul that they may never roar again
But that is a good thing thats why the can stay out of trouble clever old guys:)
Mak seems tired… It’s great to know about these old boys..also it’s suprising how they kept a low profile because of the other males, MAPOGOS = LEGEND.
Makhulu has such an expressive face – love it.
MAJESTIC AS EVER,SO HANDSOME.GOD SAVE THIS KINGS
So glad to hear they are both still prowling. May they continue.
Thank you Adam for letting us see these wonderful pictures. Am lucky enough to have seen these 2 legends with you in April at the lioness giraffe kill with watching leopard. They were silent then having gorged themselves although we listened to the Majingilane brothers roaring to each other in the distance.
Good News!
Is it just me or does Maks eyes look like eyes of worry.. It will be sad the day one of these brothers dies and leaves the other on his own after they been together for so long..
In the 3rd pic…I feel that Makhulu is looking towards the west longing for his lost pride and wondering if his cubs are still alive!! Keep on living big guy!!
Thanks for this great article! I have always loved the Mapogos. For me, they will always be the best coalition. I was just wondering if they still have some cubs/offsprings that are still alive?
Thank you all for the update on the Mapogo’s. May they live out their life peacefully. God’s Speed. MAPOGO’S LIVE!!!
Magnificent specimens who have survived da long battles, the greatest lion coalition ever!
Thanks for the updates Adam! In there prime wich lions were larger in size Mapogos or Majingalanes ? thanks
fantastic news as i am ever eager to know whereabouts of remaining mopugo… thanks very much for update.
Beautiful pics of the only coalition i ever loved an followed so closely.May they stay safe and fed well so they can live out their retirement in peace and quiet.Roarrrrr
I’ll never forget leaving camp for a night game drive and having five of the Mapogos stroll past the guard shack right in front of our Landi. What a thrill! I don’t think anyone took a breath until they were gone. This has been several years ago when they were in their prime. We were with Lucien and Elmon.
shāhanshāh as we say in Persian,
” we linger silent in the shadows with past glories on ancient plains, fresh meat of the prey, warm breeze, brothers in the beginning, brothers in the end, on and on… we journey into the fires of the Sun”
a little correction in spelling in the sentence “But, never right off a lion!” it should be “write” – the word “right” means correct or the opposite of left
Even now when i hear a lion i think of the *6* Legends that used to roam the Sabi…i get scared and start looking around for signs of danger…really wish i could see the *6* beast in real life !!
Big Respect to Lions.. True honorable Warriors.. Even if they are gone now, I am glad they lived a full life as a Lion.
Still love to see their photos-