Nowadays, it is not often that we get to see the Mhangeni Pride, but they were recently on a hippo carcass and provided many of us with a few fantastic sightings (if we could stomach the stench of a long exposed, open carcass).

One of the Mhangeni Cubs approaches the hippo carcass. While one of the adults feeds on the left, the cubs sniff around and then entertain us by climbing onto the hippo.

A hippo is no easy carcass to feed on, so the pride was seen for a good week in this position. Sightings either included them full-bellied resting, feeding on the kill, or as seen in this image, playfully milling about with smaller pieces or bones of the kill.

The current pride consists of five lionesses and ten cubs under the protection and reign of the Plains Camp Males. Amongst the adults, two lionesses were born into the original Mhangeni Pride in 2009, alongside the others born in 2016, 2018 and 2021.

The Mhangeni Pride of lions in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve is a pride rooted with a rich history intertwined with several other prominent prides in the area, namely the Tsalala, Ntsevu and Kambula Prides. While spending time with these lions, Tracker Equalizer and I couldn’t help but reminisce with our guests describing the pride’s lineage through various notable coalitions. And more importantly, to think about the life lived by the two elder lionesses that are 15 years old…

Name a better scene… watching a pride of lions approach the water’s edge for a morning drink. And to soak up some of the morning’s rays!

Journey to becoming the Elders

Historically, the two oldest Mhangeni lionesses are linked to the powerful and notorious Mapogo coalition, which consisted of six male lions that dominated much of the area at the turn of the century. The Mapogo coalition was known for its sheer strength and ruthless tactics, often taking over and controlling vast territories. Their dominance significantly impacted the lion population during that time, with many prides either falling under their control or being decimated.

The Mapogo Males. Three Males were born in 2000, and the other three in 2002. Between 2008 – 2012 these Males roamed much of the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, taking control of approximately 8 different prides during their tenure as dominant males.

The two older lionesses in the Mhangeni pride we see today are fathered by the Mapogo coalition!

In a nutshell, they were then ‘adopted’ by the Tailless Tsalala (grandmother) in 2010 when the Majingilane Males arrived on the scene. Once reaching sexual maturity, they mated with the Majingilane Males in 2013 and offspring from this litter broke away to form the Ntsevu Pride in 2015. As their journey continued, they watched the Majingilane Males, Matimba Males, Birmingham Coalition, Ottawa Male and now the Plains Camp Males all challenge each other for territory and dominance in the area.

An incredible sighting of the Mhangeni Pride back in 2016, while they were raising the cubs that split away and became the Ntsevu Pride.

These two lionesses have witnessed a remarkable stretch of history in the lion dynamics of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, and that is a tremendous feat in of itself.

Reverence in Old Age

Witnessing very old predators in the wild, particularly in the African Bush, holds unique and profound significance. The natural equilibrium of the ecosystem often means that we rarely encounter very old or severely injured animals, as they become vulnerable to predation and the harsh realities of their environments. However, when we do have the opportunity to observe such individuals, it provides remarkable insight into the resilience and life cycle of these magnificent creatures.

One such example is the two original Mhangeni Pride lionesses, who against all odds, are still alive and part of the pride.

One of these original lionesses has lost her teeth, so her condition is deteriorating rapidly and her weathered figure is not a pleasing sight to witness. However, she stands as a testament to a life well-lived, bearing witness to the passage of her genes through countless generations.

Often a difficult sight to see any lioness in the condition she is in, but in the same breath it is truly remarkable to appreciate the life lived by this lioness. A true testament of resilience and determination, even in old age!

Her continued presence with the pride, despite her physical limitations, showcases not only her enduring spirit but also the social bonds within the pride that allows her to remain integrated. Her days may be limited going forward, but when we spent time with this pride recently, we could not help but feel deep reverence and appreciation for having the ability to witness the full spectrum of life in the wild.

The Mhangeni Pride of lions feeding on a buffalo they had brought down at the water’s edge. Notice the condition of the older lioness standing on the left-hand side of the photo; she is one of the original lionesses from the Mhangeni pride. It was amazing to see her and her pride feeding in the water.

While it is often the sight of cubs and young animals that brings excitement and a sense of renewal, these elder lionesses symbolize the culmination of a lifetime of survival, adaptability, and contribution to the genetic pool. They have not only survived but thrived under the protection of various dominant male coalitions and changing dynamics in the Sabi Sand ecosystem.

While writing this blog, another individual that encompasses the title of ‘Elder’ on Londolozi is the Mashaba Female leopard. So stay tuned for an update and tribute to her!