World Lion Day feels like the perfect excuse to talk about what’s really happening with the lions of Londolozi right now, because the dynamics are shifting, and the plotlines could not be more fascinating.
Everyone in the lion world has their favourites, a bit like supporting a sports team. And just because I might think one coalition has the edge, doesn’t mean I’m wrong, it just means I’m watching the game closely.
The Ndzhenga Males have held their ground on Londolozi’s eastern stretches since 2021. But time is catching up with them. They can no doubt feel the presence of younger, stronger coalitions circling the edges. They’ve clashed with the Gijima Males before, but this time, I believe it would be different.
Meanwhile, the Plains Camp Males are making their presence felt in the west, and right in front of the Londolozi camps. They control a vast territory, and they’re not shy to expand. Is it land they’re after? Or the lionesses?
It’s almost like a three-way chess match, except lions don’t strategise. They move on instinct, in the moment. Yet every move has consequences in the broader game of dominance.
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I’m kind of rooting for the Ndzhenga males, but that’s mainly because of the memories I have…….back in November ’21 I finally managed to get back to Founders. I’d been meaning to go the year before, but of course Covid scuppered that, and also most of ’21. I’m always excited to come back, but that time my excitement was off the wall! The day before I arrived I saw your weekly video about the recent arrival of the 4 Ndzhenga males, and that ramped my anticipation up even more. I was also lucky enough to see 2 of them on a termite mound during my stay.
I was also very lucky with my timing – 2 days after I flew home, S.Africa went back on the UK red list with compulsory quarantine!
That is a great reason to be rooting for the Ndzhengas. I think we are all also a bit attached to them, but we know that at some point they will be driven out.
I do hope that regardless of who the new kings are, the Ndzhenga Males flee as opposed to being killed. There really aren’t many great options when a lion comes toward the end of their life, are there? Only time will tell.
I have a strong feeling that they will flee as opposed to fight. Normally, they are killed in battle or age catches up with them and their condition deteriorates and they then perish from that.
Fantastic analysis of the lion dynamic at present. Please keep us updated as changes occur.
We will certainly keep you in the loop as and when things develop.
Hi Sean, happy World Lions Day! You were gifted a superb spectacle by the Gijma males! They look very confident to their human guards! Experience is a must, but also number and strength and, most of all, health. Brain too. … the Birmingham males were given for gone , then got back in an unbelievable shape… one of the Gijma male must heal his back leg. They look quite bold. I’m a bit sorry, because the Ndzenga males have taken care of their pride in an adamantine way. They turn to the Plain Camp males doesn’t sound as good, because of their will to take huge territories. How’s the Tsalala female? Who knows, the Gijma males are an incognito. Maybe they can do good, or bad… absolutely top video for this lion day, remembering females and cubs as well ..
It was a great sighting of the Gijima Males. Times are going to be very interesting in the near future as we watch this dynamic unfold.
The Tsalala Female is doing well. We see her every now and then.
This video is so interesting, Sean. You always make my Sunday with your videos and commentaries.
The different coalitions of lions are indeed forces that one must reckon with. Though I have no idea who is going to be the winner. Probably one of the younger coalitions. Anyway, really exciting and interesting. A great video with these lions full of power and dedication to pass on their genes.
Thank you so much, Christa. We are all waiting in anticipation to see what unfolds.
Hi Sean, everytime I see the lions on Londolozi I keep thinking something is about to happen with all of these lions competing for territory. My favorite coalition is the Plain Camps males. Looking at the Gijima males, they are older and I see the one is limping. Oh my word my heart is pounding just thinking of the fight that is eminent. Thanks Sean for the heads up on the three coalitions.
It is hard to choose a favourite at the moment. The one Gijima Male was limping but I think it was just a superficial wound. Lets wait and see what happens going forward.
One word – WOW!! Thank you for your fantastic update on the three major coalitions that are vying for control of this territory. Technically the Ndhzengas supposedly claim Londolozi for themselves, although they seem to be spending more time north of the border. Given the proximity of the other two coalitions and their youthful desire to claim more territory(and perhaps another pride) I believe the Ndhzengas will be forced out or killed. Both the Gijimas and PC males are formidable, but I noticed in your footage that one of the Gijimas has a significant limp in his back left leg. Perhaps this is the result of a previous altercation with another coalition.
As to who might take over the Ndhzengas’ territory, I believe it’s a toss up between the battle tested Gijimas and the PC males. The other interlopers seen in recent months don’t have the experience yet to claim this area. I keep waiting for the Ntsevu four, fathered by the Birmingham’s, to become stronger as a coalition, and perhaps retake the territory their fathers and uncles once ruled. Wishful thinking…..
Yes, the Ndzhenga Males are spending a lot more time further north. The limp is from a superficial injury, nothing major. I believe they had a run in with the Kambula Pride a few days prior around a buffalo carcass and so probably is from then. Sadly, I feel that the Kambula Males won’t be major contenders here. They are almost the same age as these other two coalitions and have four members, yet have not been able to do anything with that.
I don’t know who, it was decided, didn’t protect and/or killed the cubs of the Tsalala female, but I’m biased against the Plains Camp twosome. I vote for the Gijima males to triumph!
I think the killing of the Tsalala Cubs will always be a mystery. Lets see what happens going forward.
Thrilling video, made even more so by the actual events you describe in the reserve Sean! I’ll be following for sure. And I’m with you on the Gigima Males, although the Plains Camp Males may have one more great defense in them!!
Thank you so much, Paul. Look what ever happens I think it is going to be one major showdown and in all likelihood the Plains Camp Males could be the victors. I just think that the Gijimas are bigger, but size isn’t everything.
Looking at the four lions I am going with the gijima lions even though the other 2 have experience it will be one holy fight if they fight there will be wounds on both sides I think if they fight but the gijima males have youth and their healing power will be quicker if they get hurt I can see the arrogance in the face of one of the gijima males which could be his downfall a bit in the other two I can see no fear of anything it will be very interesting to see who takes the land in the end the reason I chose the gijima is the youth and new found strenght they have together I guess nature will be the judge.
Nature will be the judge. It will be one incredible battle should the Gijima Males and The Plains Camp Males meet.
Sean, We thought this was coming soon. Lion dynamics are always exciting to watch! We are going to bet on the Gijima Males – they are a very impressive pair!
I love following the lion dynamics and it is going to very interesting to see what goes down in the future.
I’m back at Londolozi August 22-29! I hope we can have dinner one night and catch up!
Hi Cheryl, sorry to miss you. We are heading on leave tomorrow for two weeks.