There is no denying that lion dynamics within the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve are ever-changing, and for many of us, it is extremely fascinating to speculate about what the future may hold for the Lions of Londolozi. Over the past couple of months, there has been one name in particular that has been taking centre stage more frequently: The Plains Camp Males. The mere mention of the incredibly impressive and formidable Plains Camp Males, never fails to stir excitement and awe among guides, trackers and guests alike. As their influence spreads across the reserve, their actions are continuously reshaping the current lion dynamics and captivating the imaginations of all of who follow their journey.
The Plains Camp Males using finfoot crossing as they return to the south of the Sand River after one of their missions into the northern reaches of Londolozi.
As previously mentioned in ranger Barry Bath’s blog, we have already begun to see a slight expansion of the Plains Camp Males territory into the northern reaches of Londolozi as they look to pursue the Nkuhuma Pride.
However, the question begs, will they stop there and could we see an ever further advance into the eastern parts of Londolozi?
Two hippo bulls clash in a dramatic display of power and dominance at the causeway. Altercations such as this can lead to potentially fatal injuries.
We were recently treated to a very unique sighting with a very interesting turn of events. After the discovery of a male hippo carcass on the southern bank of the Sand River near our causeway, killed by a larger dominant male hippo the morning prior. Eager to discover what had transpired around the carcass throughout the evening, Barry, headed straight for the scene to see if any predators might have come across the carcass.
Shortly after arriving there, Barry updated us that he had found two large male lions approaching the carcass from the east. Naturally, the first thought that came across everyone’s minds was that it was the dominant coalition to the east of camp: The Ndzhenga Males. However, upon closer inspection we were all quite astonished that it was in fact the Plains Camp Males!
The Plains Camp Males are a serious force to be reckoned with.
We sat in awe as these two majestic males began to gorge themselves on one of the easier meals they would have had in the recent months.
***Please note the following images contain graphic content and is not for sensitive viewers***
The larger of the two Plains Camp Males stands over the carcass of the hippo bull. Despite the sheer size of the hippo, the Plains Camp Male finds a way to dwarf the carcass.
The mesmerizingly intense stare of the larger Plains Camp Male as he lays beside their prized meal.
As the sighting unfolded, we realized that tracks of what was presumably the Ntsevu Pride were in and around that same area. We speculated as to what may have happened and why they were nowhere to be seen. We came to the conclusion that the Plains Camp Males must have chased the Ntsevu pride away from the carcass before returning to the scene to feed. After having had the lions share of the carcass the two males started to move further downstream along the banks of the Sand River towards where the Ntsevu Pride were later located.
The smaller of the two brothers pauses in his pursuit of the Ntsevu Pride as he catches their scent.
As they moved further East, trailing the scent left behind by the Ntsevu Pride, they continuously scent marked along the river (this was surely a first for them as they have not yet been seen this far east on Londolozi). We started to get an uneasy feeling in our stomachs knowing what would likely happen if the males were to find the lionesses with their cubs however, the Plains Camp Males decided to abandon their pursuit after settling down and resting in the morning sun.
Taking a brief rest in the morning sun.
Working out there next step.
They decided to return to the carcass at the causeway where they each stopped for a drink before resuming their position along side their meal.
Quenching his thirst from the safety of a shallow pool on the causeway.
Seeing a large male lion on the causeway and tehn settle down for a drink is a spectacular sight.
A photographers dream. An impressive male lion crossing the causeway!
The two Plains Camp Males lay beside one another as they continue to feast upon this unfortunate hippo bull.
Irony at its finest. The Plains Camp Males feed on the hippo carcass whilst the rest of the bloat of hippos watch on.
It truly was one of the most exhilarating morning game drives that I have ever experienced. A perfect display of these impressive males primal prowess.
So what is next for the Plains Camp Males…
Could we see further advances to the East into the territory of the neighboring Ndzengha Males and what could this mean for the Nstevu Pride and their cubs that have been sired by the Ndzengha Males?
I guess only time will tell…
Great update and spectacular photos of these male lions, Reece.
Thank you, Christa! I am so thrilled you enjoyed the update.
Wow! What an impressive sight the Plains Camp males are! And to see them on the causeway and with that carcass – memorable! There’s trouble ahead for the Ndzengha males!
Hi Mary Beth. Only time will tell what is in store for the Ndzengha Males!
Hi, what a spectacular view! I can imagine how you felt close to such animals! Nothing gets waisted in the natural world… yes, hippos are watching at lions. They may become prey to the big cats, but lions fear hippos too, when they have to cross the pools and rivers… each in its favourite element, they may get advantage of the situation.
Hi Francesca, I am so glad you enjoyed this blog. Indeed, the circle of life remains true in every situation.
Thanks for this update on the Plains Camp Males’ participation is the disposal of this hippo’s carcass. It seems at least three different groups of lions got in on the act!!
I am so glad you enjoyed this blog, Paul!
The two Plains Camp males are truly stunning males and are a force to be reckoned with. I think sooner or later there is going to be an altercation between the Plain Camps males and the Ndhzenga Males. I am afraid for the Ntsevu pride as the cubs will be killed by these two huge males because they are not the father of those cubs. Anxiously we await the outcome of this whole ordeal.
Hi Valmai, I am so glad you enjoyed this blog. They certainly are keeping us on the edge of our seats!
wow amazing series.
Thank you, Mark. I am thrilled that you enjoyed this update!
Thanks for the update Reece. The Plains Camp males are impressive, keep the blogs and pictures coming.
Thank you, William. I hope you are keeping well.
For lions as for people the only constant is change
Very well said, Ian!
amazing, thank you for sharing!
Thank you, MJ. I’m glad that you enjoyed the blog!
Terrific update Reese! Those Plains Camp males are truly impressive and yes, it will be interesting to see what happens in the next several weeks!
Hi Denise! Thank you very much! The Plains Camp Males are certainly keeping the lion dynamics of Londolozi very interesting!
“killed by a larger dominant male the morning prior” This reads as though a lion larger than the biggest of the Plains Camp Males killed the hippo. Which male lion was this?
Apologies for the confusion. The hippo bull was presumably killed by another hippo bull. The lions only happened to stumble across the carcass.