The beginning of 2010 was an interesting time for the lion population of the Sabi Sands with the Majingilane Males making quite the entrance and taking over from the well-known Mapogo’s. Since then, the Majingilane Coalition have ruled the majority of the Sabi Sands and in true ‘king of the jungle’ style, they have provided us with some phenomenal photographic opportunities. Emotions have been running high lately with questions of whether they were going to reign for much longer in May to them coming back with a vengeance in June. There is no way of knowing what the future will bring to these incredible males, all we do know is that the last four years have provided some of the best images of male lions ever captured. Enjoy…
The four Majingilane in all their glory. Photographed by James Tyrrell
Scarnose stares intently. Photographed by Mike Sutherland
The image of the outline of a male lion as he listens for roars of his coalition on the night air is a highly evocative one. Photographed by James Tyrrell
Father and son. The Majingilane with the missing canine exhibits the flehmen grimace, testing the scent of the nearby Tsalala lionesses. Photographed by James Tyrrell
The Scar-nose, Dark-maned and Hip-scarred males follow their fourth coalition mate through the gwarrie bushes. One can clearly see the distinct differences between the individuals in the coalition in this picture. Photographed by James Tyrrell
The Majingilane coalition opposite Varty Camp – Photographed by James Tyrrell
Summer greens showing beautifully in the eyes of blond mane male. Photographed by James Crookes
The four Majingilane in the rain, all watching the movements of the Sparta Pride. James Tyrrell
With each day the manes of these magnificent males get longer and thicker. Their bond too, between the coalition members, gets stronger everyday as the pressures of their territory grow. Photographed by Adam Bannister
An afternoon stroll in the summer rains. Photographed by Richard Laburn
Two of the Majingilane in full cry as they battle for the right to mate with the Sparta females. Photographed by James Tyrrell
Dark Maned Majingilane Male Vocalising – Photographed by Richard Laburn
The scar-nosed Majingilane Male crosses the Sand River. Photographed by Adam Bannister
Scarnose licks his paw after feeding on a kill which he stole from the Sparta Pride. Covered with hundreds of tiny barbs, a lions tongue will quickly tear open the meat they are feeding on and serves as a versatile tool for grooming. Photographed by Talley Smith
The dark-maned Majingilane stares back along the Manyelethi riverbed towards where the Tsalala pride lie resting. James Tyrrell
Not impressed by the rain. Photographed by Richard Laburn
Serenity. Photographed by Richard Laburn
Misty Golden morning light. Photographed by Mike Sutherland
As the sun sets the blonde mane male prepares for a long evening of patrolling their territory. Photographed by Mike Sutherland
Not a sighting that is seen often, one of the males crosses the causeway. Photographed by Mike Sutherland
Photographed by Mike Sutherland
Backlighting is used in the morning light. Photographed by Mike Sutherland
You never know what might be lurking in the night. Photographed by Mike Sutherland
Battle scars are seen on his head as he rises over the hill into the light after a long night. Photographed by Richard Laburn
Keeping up… Photographed by Mike Sutherland
Which is your favourite Majingilane picture? Will they be around much longer before a new coalition takes over? Let us know your thoughts below…
Photographed by James Tyrrell, Mike Sutherland, Talley Smith, Rich Laburn, David Dampier and Adam Bannister.
Remaining as a coalition they will be around until an undisputed leader takes command. Then it will be time to break up and for the other males to move on.
All are fantastic!
Awesome pics. Love them all.
Magnificent Majingilane Males—wow!
Serenity is my favourite, but you have all excelled as they are beautiful pictures. Excuse my ignorance, but what is the time span of these pictures?
Hi Wendy, these photographs have all been taken within the last four years when the males took over from the Mapogos. From around 2010 to more recently.
Thank you Kate. I guess they still have a few more years to fight off the “opposition” 🙂
I was very impressed by all of these photos. The scare nose portrait really told of battles on his face. I also liked the two portraits with black background. Very impressive and dynamic. Thanks for such amazing photography.
They are a fabulous foursome! I hope they are around for a long time to come.
superb… i especially like the scarnose licking his paw… how do you get so close !
These are all stunning photographs of the Majingilane but Serenity is my favourite…just incredible…I felt so many emotions at once when I looked at that photograph. It really captures the heart and soul of this big male lion. Thank you so much for this great blog Kate and for all the incredible photos from everyone. I hope this coalition lives on and thrives for many more years to come.
Serenity…powerful and emotive…stunning image!!
Great collection of images, thanks for including a few of mine.
I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Londolozi and the Majingilane a couple of years ago and it was truly a life changing experience. So amazing!
The one photographed opposite varty camp is my best.The Majingi with the missing canine is also known as who?Why is it that we do not have as many live recordings of these majingi as a group like we had so many of the Mapogo?I feel a new coalition will take over soon but the Majingi have also been excellent in working as a group when needed to keep rivals away!
Great photos. I can’t wait to come back.
My favourite is Hip Scar by Richard Laburn