There’s nothing that shakes the bushveld quite like the thunder of male lions clashing.
Just yesterday morning, the peace was shattered as the Plains Camp Males launched a surprise attack on the Nkuhuma and Talamati Males, who had been mating with a Ntsevu Lioness deep within contested territory. For weeks now, these two nomads have been pushing boundaries—scent-marking, roaring, and straying boldly into land ruled by stronger coalitions. But this time, they went a step too far.
Unchallenged by the Ndzhenga Males, who’ve been conspicuously absent from this corner of their domain, the nomads grew confident. But confidence is a dangerous luxury in lion politics.
Using stealth and terrain to their advantage, the Plains Camp Males approached in silence and struck with force. What followed was a brutal, high-stakes skirmish: the Nkuhuma Male fled, the Talamati Male stood his ground, and for a brief moment, it looked like he might pay the ultimate price. But then, a twist—an instinctive roar, a sudden pivot, and both nomads managed to escape with their lives.
The Plains Camp Males, dominant and alert, reclaimed control and walked away with the lioness. This wasn’t just a fight. It was a statement: we are watching, and we will not be challenged.
And as the dust settled, another question lingered: Where were the Ndzhenga Males? Have they abandoned this region? Or are they stretched thin, leaving gaps for others to exploit?
As the sun dipped low, we closed the day in gentler light, following the Mashaba Female, who had returned to Londolozi after a lengthy absence. Elegant and elusive, she moved through the golden afternoon like a whisper, reminding us that while the lion dynamics rage, life elsewhere in the wild carries on.
Enjoy this week’s Virtual Safari.
Londolozi's oldest territorial female. Distinguished by her nose spot, this Sunsetbend matriarch's legacy lives on through her daughters.
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The Mashaba leopard is a perfect example of a leopard that’s been great for your business, she’s old now. I say the people naking a living off her should not ket her starve until she’s so thin she can’t walk and another animal kills her in such a weakened state. It’s not right and it’s cruel same with the injured leopard and her cub. That lion fight was awful very heartbreaking
Hi Sean, I was waiting for the day to come when the lion dynamics change and they start fighting. The Plains Camp males are huge and the other two lions can be very glad they escaped this altercation alive. So very excited to see the Mashaba female leopard again, after a long time lapsed of seeing her. She looks good for a 17 year old leopard.
Yikes! I’m relieved no lions were killed during that altercation. It’s surprising how close the Plains Camp male was able to get to the Nkuhuma male without being detected. Having been attacked by my much smaller kitty during the night, I can empathize with him. Luck was on their side this time. The Mashaba female is looking well for such an old lady.
OMG – what an epic virtual safari today. Seeing the massive Plains Camp males in proximity of the interlopers, both much smaller, was heartstopping, especially after the Nkuhuma fled and the two pinned down the Talamati. I thought he would definitely be badly mauled and left to limp away after the roar of the Nkuhuma. Another bush miracle! That was exciting to view but the best bit was seeing the Grand Dame once again on Londolozi property looking so fit given her age. Her hunting prowess has to be exceptional given her stature, able to still take down prey and keep her meals. I wonder if she can still take her kills up a tree….i know you all must be thrilled to see her and capturing her in that beautiful golden light was exceptional viewing. I’m glad I found the blog in my Google search since it didn’t arrive in my email feed. Well photographed and great commentary.
How exciting for you to watch those males battling it out, right place at the right time!
And how wonderful to see Mashaba again, was she down in the southwest (where we saw her in November)?
Haven’t seen anything about Ndzanzeni on the blog for ages, any news?
Hi Susanne I think she was spotted while stalking impala, she’s looking very good
Sean, over the moon to see the Mashaba female! So much has been happening to her daughters, amongst the most resilient creatures on Londolozi, and so she is! A brizzled muzzle and a bit thin but she’s absolutely great! The lions clashing is uncomparable, I envy you! Happy that nobody ends to be severely injured. Maybe the only large mammal that is so terrifying when fighting is the hippo, loud noises, clashes and blood running all over…. do you know if the Tsalala female is fine? And the Ximungwe?
Sean, Your comments re: the Ndzhenga males are interesting in light of an Instagram post I which was posted in the last couple of days from the eastern neighboring reserve involving the Ndzhenga males in an altercation with Nkuhlu males. It speaks to what the Ndzhenga males might be up to. Might be worth a look.
Wow. That fighting is intense. It’s been reported that the Ndzhenga Males are roaming around further east. The shifting dynamics are incredible to see. Thanks for sharing.
Well done Sean. See you in August 2025
I saw the Mashaba Female in late March at Kirkmans Kamp. It is amazing that at her age she still travels such distances! Maybe she has come to see the Nkoveni young male, her grandson, before he eventually disperses to establish a territory for himself!