Following on from Sean’s recent blog, the majority of our lion viewing of late has come from the larger group of lions now referred to as the Kambula Pride. These five lionesses and their thirteen cubs, offspring of the Ndzhenga Males, having been roaming up and down teh length of the eastern parts of the reserve. One of the original lionesses from the ‘Ntsevu Pride’ is still with them leading the way. The other three original lionesses are now completely separate from this pride and make up now newly restructured Ntsevu Pride. They are raising a bunch of new cubs, also offspring of the Ndzhenga Males, in Mala Mala and we are yet to see these cubs. However, the lionesses have been seen a number of times close to the Sand River to the east of the Londolozi camps.
On a recent game drive, our quest to find the newly renamed Kambula Pride led us deep into the southeastern parts of the reserve. After a morning of fruitless searching, our perseverance paid off as we spotted the full complement of the pride, accompanied by the two Ndzhenga Males, resting on the eastern bank of the Sand River, off of Dudley Riverbank. Just as well we decided to have a look at one last lookout point over the Sand River- success! Little did we know what would come next…
![Kambula Lionesses On Bank Of Sand River [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/13085932/Kambula-Lionesses-on-Bank-of-Sand-River-RCB-scaled.jpg)
Three Kambula lionesses gaze across the Sand River
As we watched the lions, it was apparent that something had caught their attention across the river. Difficult to discern what it was until the distress calls of a young buffalo reached our ears. Tracks and fresh dung indicated that a herd of buffalo had moved through the area and this unfortunate calf had accidentally been left behind.
One of the Ndhzenga Males, intrigued by the distress calls, crossed the river to investigate further. *Not for sensitive viewers*
The arrival of the second Ndzhenga Male caused the scene to escalate into an intense feeding frenzy, both males had no intention of sharing their meal with the lionesses or cubs. Even the bold attempts of a young cub to snatch a bite from its father went unrewarded.
Lions, like most cats, typically avoid water, making the sight of the entire pride crossing the river during different stages of the morning, a rare and remarkable event.
![Ndzenga Male Lion Crossing Sand River [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/13085737/Ndzenga-Male-Lion-crossing-Sand-River-RCB-scaled.jpg)
A cub waits to pounce on the second Ndzenga male after crossing back over the Sand River
![Kambula Lioness And Cubs On Bank Of Sand River (2) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/13085219/Kambula-Lioness-and-cubs-on-bank-of-Sand-River-2-RCB-scaled.jpg)
![Kambula Lioness And Cubs On Bank Of Sand River (3) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/13085032/Kambula-Lioness-and-cubs-on-bank-of-Sand-River-3-RCB-scaled.jpg)
![Kambula Pride Playing On Riverbank (5) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/13085627/Kambula-Pride-playing-on-riverbank-5-RCB-scaled.jpg)
![Kambula Pride Playing On Riverbank (6) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/13085423/Kambula-Pride-playing-on-riverbank-6-RCB-scaled.jpg)
How wonderful to see the Ndhzengas and Kambulas as a Pride family. However in true male lion behavior, after capturing the small buffalo, nary a morsel was shared with the cubs or the females, but fortunately for you, they crossed back across the river to give you and your guests amazing viewing. Thanks for including the videos and terrific images.
Heartbreaking when they all can’t eat, the males are so selfish
I guess the Kambula pride is still the largest pride in the area?
Robert, interesting dynamics to observe, thanks for sharing. The videos were great.
That is one huge pride of lions all together. Loved the video’s and especially when they all crossed over in the river. There are so many cubs and at different ages. Beautiful and fantastic to see them all together.
Nice stills and videos, Rob! Whatever their name, they remain an impressive pride! Presumably, the Ndzengas meet up and spend time with Ntsevu group as well, keeping pretty busy doing their job as protectors. Meanwhile, the Ntsevu Breakaway foursome continues to roam the area?
What an elation to see more lions of all ages interacting. They have become more and more rarely seen, in South Africa there’s a good conservation, Londolozi has a rampant pride – or prides- to be glad for
Great post Robert! All of the still images are wonderful, and the videos demonstrate the grace and power of these brilliant creatures.
Great photos!!!
Thanks for the great news on these two prides. With all the cubs they are in such good condition. I hope that they will all thrive so that we can enjoy their presence for a long time.