We’ve been absolutely spoilt with cheetah sightings this week – so many that we can’t fit them all into this week’s Virtual Safari. We spend time with a male cheetah moving around on a blustery afternoon in search of prey. After settling on a termite mound to scan the area, his plans are interrupted by a large dazzle of zebra that chase him off.
The Makhatini Female Cheetah and her three cubs have moved further north and east, making the spectacular clearings southeast of Londolozi Camps their home for the past 10 days. Though the numerous impala lambs and wildebeest calves make for easier hunting conditions, this mother still has her work cut out providing for three cubs with hefty appetites. After one successful hunt, we watch as her cubs follow a wake of vultures descending on their kill. The family then feast on the carcass while they can, hoping that the vultures don’t draw in any unwanted competition.
And as a little teaser for next week’s Virtual Safari – a very similar situation with numerous vultures led to an incredibly close call between the cheetah family and the Ntsevu Pride.
The Kambula Lionesses are still showing signs of pregnancy, keeping us in anticipation of cubs any day now.
Lastly, in an exceptional sighting, we find all four Ntsevu/Kambula Males reunited in the deep southwest – the first time I’ve seen these impressive males together in quite a while. Their massive size is truly remarkable. As we enjoy a stunning sunset, we all agree to give right of way to a large elephant bull in musth, before watching as another smaller elephant bull chases the lions off into the dusk.
Enjoy this Virtual Safari…
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That Kambula lioness looks like she’s going to pop any minute! I can’t wait to hear that there are new lion cubs.
I am sure she is going to pop very soon. Hopefully, we can find her den shortly after she does.
Dear Sean, great virtual safari- cheetahs and majestic lions, fantastic
Thank you so much, Jutta.
Great video Sean. I liked the cheetahs and glad you were able to capture them again. The Ntsevu lions will be a formidable coalition if they stick together.
Thank you so much, William. They Ntsevu Males are going to be a formidable coalition.
Hi Sean, that is very impressive seeing all four Kambula male lions together. They certainly are huge and I am pleased to see that the one that was injured is walking and looks good. The Cheetah family are beautiful and them being closer to camp makes it easier for the Rangers and guests to see them. So one of these days we will be seeing new born lion cubs, very exciting news.
They are huge and only going to get bigger. It has been a treat seeing the cheetah family as much as we have.
Cheetah, the Makathini mum and her cubs are doing better than leopardesses! Fantastic! Actually I was afraid she may lose some but it dis not happen, luckily! Lions are fantastic, these guys are really spectacular. All is getting well in this video, both entertaining and relaxing…. what a nice week in video!
THe Makhatini Female has been doing a sterling job. The lions are really impressive. Thanks so much, Francesca.
Great that the cheetahs are still around so much and have come even closer to the camps.
It really fascinates me how cheetah always take turns while feeding, one is always on the look out and the others eat quietly, so they don’t attract other predators more than necessary. Quite the opposite of lions with their fights and growls regarding food. The cheetah cubs still look very young, somehow younger than the leopard cubs who must be roughly of the same age, don’t they?
I like the episode of the elephant chasing away the male lions.
And I ma looking forward to your next videos, of the cheetahs, the lionesses having cubs and the development of this coalition of 4 brothers.
Thanks for the great video
There always seems to be one cheetah on the lookout, I guess when you at the bottom of the predator hierarchy you have to always be scanning your surroundings. These cheetah cubs are about 7/8 months old.
Well Sean, it’s been a fabulous start to 2025, spoiling us with four consecutive weeks of amazing virtual safaris! Today’s is especially worthy of watching more than once, just to view the handsome male cheetah whom I suspect is the one I spent time with a couple of years ago as well as Makhatini who is doing such a terrific job of raising her three growing and hungry cubs. Seeing the 4 Ntsevu brothers together once again was such a treat, although the larger one is definitely showing his scars of bae the ettle from the pride in the north. I do hope they remain together, forging a stronger bond in order to take over a pride, although only the Ntsevu and Kambulas are inhabiting Londolozi and it doesn’t make sense to take over their natal pride. Their presence seems to be an issue since the Plains Camp are in the West, the Gijimas to the south overseeing two prides, and the male coalition in the north overseeing the Nkuhuma pride…… I remember the four Birmingham males so well and how strong they were as a coalition, and just hope their progeny can stay together and successfully take over prides to the west or north. As you all state, the lion dynamics are forever changing so we will just have to wait to see what happens……
Thank you so much, Denise. I am glad you have enjoyed the Virtual Safari’s this year. I am sure the Ntsevu Males will remain together now and hopefully, start taking over and defending some territory.
Fabulous virtual safari again, Sean. I especially loved the cheetah family with their kill amidst the sounds of the bush- particularly the woodland kingfishers.
Thank you so much, Suzanne. The bush is alive now and the bird calls are so prominent.