The past week has been flooded with an array of emotions. Some melancholy and others euphoric as one dominant male lion was killed but another five young cubs were found.
The Othawa male last being seen moving through Londolozi in the response to other lions in the area. Venturing deep into the Birmingham males’ territory, a brave move. The Othawa male was never seen alive again. No tracks of him returning to his own territory, no distant roars to the west. We knew that something was going to happen, but the finer details were a mystery. The aging Birmingham males would be the most likely to have succumbed to the Othawa male if it was a one-on-one fight. However, although the Birmingham males are around twelve years old they are still in good condition and this is where we can see the strength in a coalition lies. It was simply a numbers game. Three days later the remains of a male lion were found and later confirmed to be the Othawa male through various identifiable features and dental structure.
On the topic of lions and on a much happier note, we have found the lioness from the Ntsevu pride with the five young cubs still alive and well, and we have been blessed with wonderful viewing. They have been spending a large majority of their time in the Maxabene riverbed deep in Londolozi.
A few of the male leopards have been found on their territorial patrols and provided amazing sightings. The Ndzandzeni female and her two cubs have been a regular feature during the game drives in the southern parts of the reserve. The Nkoveni female and Ximungwe female and their cubs have on the other hand proven to be more difficult to find.
Enjoy this Week in Pictures…
Using the alarm calls of a wildebeest to bring us into an area, we found tracks of lions leading into a clearing. We looked up and saw one of the Birmingham males in the middle of the clearing lift his head. This was the first time they were seen together after the death of the Othawa male lion on Londolozi and we therefore knew that neither of them had been the casualty. Using the dental structure from the carcass, in combination with not seeing any tracks of the Othawa male returning back through Londolozi, and him not being seen on Mala Mala either, we can confirm that it was him that was killed on our eastern border.
The older and slightly more battle-scarred Birmingham male emerges from the long grass, seeking out a shadier spot to rest up for the remainder of the day. He now has a few more scars decorating his face, likely from the battle with the Othawa male.
Whilst one male was seeking refuge in the shade of a tree, his brother cast his eye over at a number of descending vultures in the distance, deciding whether or not he should go over and investigate. He chose to stay put.
A brown hooded kingfisher perches on the limb of a dead leadwood tree, scanning its surroundings for prey.
A cluster of processionary caterpillars at sunrise, on the thin branches of a silver raisin bush. This species, although appearing to be soft and harmless, has a defense mechanism that is really not pleasant for humans. Touching one can cause serious irritation and is definitely worth avoiding.
This dwarf mongoose was temporarily distracted by us during its morning search for food, and it perched on its hind legs to get a better look at the Land Rover before resuming its foraging.
With giraffes being so tall, close-up photographs of them often have a nice clean background, making them perfect subjects for black and white photographs. I decided to overexpose this image to get a white background and convert it into monochrome.
We saw this hyena emerge from the Sand River and walk hastily along the road towards the rising sun. After an evening of prowling around in search of anything to scavenge on it was now probably on the search for somewhere to rest.
For most of the summer there has been a lone hippo bull frequenting this particular waterhole on the reserve. Every time we approach the water he shows off his large incisors, reminding us that this is his home.
The excitement we had after finding out the Ntsevu cubs were all still alive was palpable. Somehow they had avoided us for a number of weeks. Nonetheless, they are all accounted for, and without the threat of the Othawa male around anymore, we are hopeful that they will survive. Here, three of the five cubs sit in the sun on the banks of the Maxabene river and watch the vehicle with curiosity. Their mother was not too far behind them giving them extra confidence. Without her around they would probably have hidden themselves away in a nearby thicket.
Upon crossing the Sand River early one morning we were lucky enough to watch a pied kingfisher hovering in search of fish in the shallow water. With the sun low down and colour in the eastern sky, I took the opportunity to attempt a silhouette shot.
A herd of elephants came down to drink at one of the river crossings as things were warming up after a chilly morning.
A tree squirrel perches on the trunk of a dead marula tree and nibbles away at the nuts of one of its old marula fruits.
The colder months of May and June bring with them great opportunities to witness misty sunrises over the Sand River. Whilst sipping on a warm coffee we waited patiently for the sun to emerge from below the horizon; the beginning of another beautiful day in the African bushveld.
Beautiful all around including the images and the writing. The story of the Othawa male was touching and powerful. What a privilege to live and work where you do. The top of my dream list is to visit with you all and walk on this very special ground under the hot African sun, listen to the birdcall and take deep breaths. Thank you. P.S. I do worry about you all walking around finding lion prides, leopards and hippos, etc. I know my fears are based on television and movie myths, but still…you have earned my respect!
I hope to be able to share your dream with you one day, Theresa. We make sure to always maintain the highest respect for the lions, leopards and hippos that you speak of, as well as all other animals, so as to keep ourselves safe, and them too!
Robbie, thanks for the Lion update! Of course we are sad to hear of the demise of the majestic Othawa male, but we’re happy to hear of the five cubs being found!!
You’re welcome, Michael. We too are extremely happy about rediscovering the lion cubs!
Beautiful foto’s of all the animals. I am still upset about the Othawa Male lion that was killed by the Birmingham male lions. But that is nature and he did tresspass into their territory. Very glad to see the Ntsevu lioness and her five cubs are all alive and well. Gorgeous foto of the cubs. Can’t help to love the elephants drinking water, they usually love playing in the water and it’s always wonderful to see. Mr hippo lets everyone know that the pool of water belongs to him. The different kingfishers are a pleasure to watch.
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos, Valmai.
Never underestimate the power of the elder… nevertheless the Othawa male will be remembered. The lion cubs are a consolation! Great pictures, like the previous post I love the giraffe in particular but all are very beautiful. The sunset is magnificent
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos, Francesca!
Had hoped to see the Othawa male one more time in a few weeks.
Hey Robert! Another wonderful compilation of pictures for the week! Love the picture of the Pied Kingfisher. I don’t know what it is about it. Maybe the lone opportunity of seeing it unexpectedly in flight presented to you by the Universe at the perfect time? And da squirrel. It’s like you feel yourself being there out in nature in the breeze.
Lastly, It goes without saying that the highlight of the week is seeing the Ntsevu cubs alive and well! Their “Tame-like” stable interest towards you humans and the Landrover is just purely “Wugga-Wugga” cuteness! I too pray that they are able to live long lives. (btw, which male lions sired them? .. as you mentioned that the Othawa was no longer a threat..)
We are always grateful for unexpected surprises present to us by the universe, like you say! It is most likely the Birmingham male/s that sired these cubs.
So sad for the Othawa male, one single male lion , but time must be catching up with the Birmingham Males
What a shame that the death of the beautiful Othawa lion is a confirmed fact. However, that’s nature. And the cute cubs of the Ntsevu pride are fine, which is great, of course.
Great photos! Thanks for sharing them every week.
You’re welcome, Christa. I’m glad you enjoyed them!
Great photos. I’m going back to Londolozi in a couple of weeks. It’s been far too long between visits.
We look forward to welcoming you back David!
Great news about the Ntsevu cubs, Robert. I’m also excited to hear Ndzanzeni and her 2 cubs are being seen more often (still waiting for some photos!) Is she still down in Dudley – and any idea of the sex of the cubs?
If im honest, “More often” is a relative phrase, they have still proven difficult to find! We arent sure about the gender of the cubs yet
..and What a week it has been Robbie ! Tragic news of the Othawa Male, have to say the Birmingham males are looking a little tattered for their encounter. Non the less they are back on the winning Street and it’s just wonderful to have the Ntsevu female with 5 gorgeous cubs and no aggression as such, for their safety from now on…. crossing fingers there…🙏🏻. That stunning photo you took of the winters morning by the Sabi River speaks of quiet and stillness ..perhaps this coming week will be a reflection of that 💕
Terrible sadness and lovely happiness in one short week. I was really hoping to see Othawa this year. But those 5 sweet teddy cubbies take some of the sting out of his loss.
Well, I believe we all knew it was just a matter of time before the Othawa male was confronted by the Birmingham males as his presence in their territory was becoming too regular. I’m sad at the loss of this magnificent male but impressed by the experience and strength of the two older males working together to insure their pride’s safety. The cubs are safe for now….. truly enjoyed your other photos, especially the giraffe image shot in high key.
Thank you, Denise. I’m glad you enjoyed them!
Liondynamics…………. I am sorry that the Othawa male is gone, but happy that the cubs have more chances of growing up now. And…………. that tiny dwarf mongoose, I love them!!!
Always sad to lose a lion, but great to find the cus alive and well! I love the misty mornings of fall, and I ale
Brilliant week in photos Robert!!