Familiar (adjective) – ‘well known from long or close association’ – Oxford Dictionary
The Fourways males have been mentioned in a blog post or two of late but are far from familiar. Up until recently these two relatively unscarred young males had been scarce in Londolozi. Large and gaining in confidence they are feeling their way around what effectively is no-mans land.
The deadpan look from the fairways male with the pale eyes.
The Majingilane coalition held a large territory in the center of the Sabi Sand game reserve and at Londolozi we found ourselves in the heart of that territory. Roars from this mighty brotherhood would wake those even in the deepest sleep as they marched past camp. Those days are past now and the Majingilane have shifted their territory further west. This has left a gaping hole in the eastern reaches of Londolozi but even so, exciting times are under way.
There are three groups of males that have noticed this vacancy. The Fourways males mentioned above are one of the possible contenders for this prime piece of bush. Access to females as well as high resource territory either side of the Sand River are part of the motivation. Most of their time has been spent wandering on and off of Londolozi around our eastern boundary. They are however moving further west at times to discover just how far the Majingilane still move. This is a dangerous venture though as they are out numbered two to one. Not only do the older males have numbers on their side but experience too.
In the march to the top, the young still have a lot to learn. When to fight and when to flee is an important decision. When the roars of the Majingilane cut the morning air, younger lions haven’t been nearly as prevalent. They also have to learn when to pick battles, as at some point this will have to take place. With which males and where it happens are all still to be discovered.
The light blue shaded area is where the Fourways males have been seen spending most of their time. The blue dot indicates where the two males pulled down a buffalo bull and have spent the majority of the last week. This area is a great deal closer to the Majingilane and potential conflict.
Rich orange eyes of the other Fourways male.
An intese stare.
On patrol and in pursuit of the Sparta pride a few weeks ago.
Which males do you think are next in line for the territorial battle?
Written and photographed by Simon Smit, Londolozi ranger
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They Four ways males are beautiful. Awesome images. Interesting times ahead.
Fourways Males vs. Styx Males
Although it would be interesting to see how the Fourways and Majingilane would react if they came across, being that the Fourways are the first offspring of the Majingilane!!
Is it just me, or do the Styx Males look larger and have fuller manes than the Fourways males?
I wonder if the Majingilane would recognize their sons as adults. Any thoughts here?
Which pride are the Fourways from? Is this pride still in the area?
We saw the Fourways a few weeks ago when we were at Londolozi. Please keep us advised of their progress.
These are beautiful males growing in confidence and strength every day…if they come across one or two majinga they could well be victorious..but to stumble upon the four brothers they would need to run for there lives and live to fight another day
Very interesting. Could you explain the map a bit more? What do the three blocked areas mean? I take it that is all Londolozi but whey do you split it into three like that?
Hi Lachlan,
The three blocked areas delineate the original properties in the Sabi Sands Reserve.
The central one is known as Sparta and was the original one purchased in 1926. The northern one is known as Marthly and was acquired by Londolozi in 1999, and the southern one is known as Dudley, and although not owned by Londolozi, is still traversed by us on game drive.
Hope that helps.
Regards,
James
Interesting update Simon, and great images. I miss seeing photographs of the beautiful Majingilane…there is nothing more impressive than seeing the four of them together…such strength, beauty and confidence. I hope they will survive for some time to come. There will be interesting times ahead with the younger Styx and Fourways males moving in. Please keep us updated.
The Male in the first pictures ,He look like Majin Scar nose and the second one look like
Manjin Dark Mane.
Such an amazing pictures 🙂
Hope there is no battle
Beautiful guys! Exciting times ahead, but I don’t want any deaths amongst them. Peace be with them all 🙂
I feel that FOURWAY males are the cubs of other senior fourway males now old.
Is orange-eye of Fourway the son of Majingilane?