For some time now, the Gijima Males have been the dominant coalition of two imposing male lions, holding sway over the southern stretches of the Sabi Sands Nature Reserve. Their presence has long been felt near Londolozi’s southern boundary, as we would hear of their success around the properties to our south.  News of the Gijima Males approaching Londolozi’s southern boundary during their territorial patrols always stirred excitement among guides, trackers, and guests alike. The possibility of seeing these formidable males, so often just out of reach, sparked anticipation on every game drive.

The larger of the two Gijima Males, the dark-maned male.

Yet, time and again, their visits were fleeting. After a brief foray into the fringes of our property, they would inevitably turn back, retreating southwards toward the heart of their territory.

The lighter maned Gijima Male, equally as impressive as his brother.

Over the past few weeks, however, there has been a noticeable shift. Much to our surprise and delight, sightings of these impressive brutes have become increasingly more frequent.

Two sightings that I’ve personally had of the Gijima Males have stood out above the rest. The first was my very first encounter with them – an unforgettable moment. They had stolen a buffalo bull kill from the younger Styx Male and the Breakaway Kambula Lioness at Third Round Rock Pan. Towering over the remains of the carcass, their presence was commanding, and it was clear why they’ve earned a reputation as a formidable force in the south.

The dark-maned Gijima Male feeding on the remains of a buffalo carcass they had stolen from the Styx Male and Kambula Lioness.

Just a few days later, we heard the unmistakable sound of lions roaring southwest of our camps. Instinctively, our thoughts turned to the dominant coalition from the west – the Plains Camp Males. But when we eventually located the source of the roars, we were met with a scene we hadn’t expected. To our disbelief, it wasn’t the Plains Camp Males at all – it was the Gijima Males. They had pushed further north than ever before.

The two Gijima Males patrol the central parts of Londolozi after making their presence felt with their powerful roars just to the southwest of our camps.

But why have we started seeing these changes in movement and behaviour from the Gijima Males? They are well established in the south, with a strong foothold and seemingly little reason to venture further. In fact, they currently have their paws full, so to speak, protecting new offspring within the Southern Pride – a commitment that usually anchors dominant males to the core of their territory. So what could be driving this push northwards? Is it a calculated expansion, a response to pressure from neighbouring coalitions, or simply opportunism in a landscape constantly shaped by shifting dynamics?

The Gijima Males were given the name ‘Gijima’ (the Shangaan word for run) from the properties in the south due to their very unrelaxed nature when they first arrived in the Sabi Sands Nature Reserve. Since then, their confidence has grown in leaps and bounds, and they have become incredibly comfortable males, making for the most fantastic lion viewing.

I’m beginning to believe that the recent increase in sightings of these two impressive males is a part of a strategic effort to fortify the northern edges of their territory. While their stronghold remains in the south, there has been growing activity along our southern boundary – most notably from the younger Styx Male and the Kambula Lioness, who have been frequenting the area more regularly.

The Styx Male and the Kambula Lioness have been spending the majority of their time in the deep reaches of Londolozi and are sure to be one of the main reasons for the advances from the Gijima Males.

Add to that the presence of the Nkuhuma and Talamati Males in the deep southwestern parts of Londolozi – both still fairly nomadic in their movements – and the Gijima Males may be making a deliberate show of force. This push northward could well be a territorial statement, a warning to these up-and-coming challengers that this land is already spoken for.

The Nkuhuma Male and Talamati Male, who have joined alliances to occupy the southwestern regions of Londolozi. Could they be wanting to expand further south into the Gijima Males’ territory?

Although the Gijima Males’ recent movements are likely a territorial statement aimed at would-be challengers, it would be remiss not to reflect on the arrival of the Ndzhenga Males – not so long ago, the new force on Londolozi. Now the dominant coalition across the central and eastern regions, the Ndzhenga Males, followed a strikingly similar pattern in the early days of their rise. They, too, began with occasional forays from the south, pushing gradually northwards before eventually abandoning the southern reaches altogether to challenge and displace the Birmingham Males. With that in mind, one can’t help but wonder – could the Gijima Males be setting the stage for something more than just a defensive manoeuvre?

Back in 2021, when all four of the Ndzhenga Males (now just the two) arrived after pushing further north from the southern reaches of Londolozi, could we see the Gijima Males follow a similar pattern?

Only time will tell what lies ahead in the ever-shifting lion dynamics of the Sabi Sand Reserve. As coalitions rise and fall, territories expand and contract, and new rivalries emerge, the movements of the Gijima Males have added yet another intriguing thread to the unfolding story. One thing is certain – the next chapter is sure to be just as compelling.