The Lion Dynamics of late have had many on the edge of their seats, and I found myself probably being the most invested. At any opportunity where I have heard of the Gijima Males, Plains Camp Males or any lion being found, for that matter, I have tried to get across and see them. Tending to turn the focus of my virtual safaris to mostly consist of lion sightings. Not that this is a bad thing, but I am aware of it and will be trying to vary the content going forward.

When you have the chance of spending time with such impressive and magnificent lions, I can’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to. Recently, the Gijima Males were found right outside the Founders Camp cattle grid, having walked an incredible distance through the night, and they then continued into the north.

It has been a relatively swift takeover, and one that has not resulted in excessive bloodshed. In fact, the Ndzhenga Males pretty much packed up and fled, relinquishing the territory and saving themselves from any major conflict. The only real casualty that we are aware of was one of the young male sub-adults from the Kambula Pride. They were caught by surprise, and he was killed. The Kambula sub-adults moved much further east towards the Kruger National Park. The Kambula mothers with the 6 cubs, as well as the Ntsevu Pride with the three cubs, all followed the Ndzhenga Males north. I thought that would mean they were safe. However, recent developments may prove this to be wrong.

Early that morning, both the Gijima Males and the Plains Camp Males were heard roaring. Something was beginning to stir. The Gijima Males crossed the Sand River and turned eastwards, away from conflict, walking along the river. New ground for them, but only just. Eventually, they crossed into Mala Mala, and the rangers thought that was that for the morning.

A short while later, more roars were heard, and the Gijima Males were then found on our northern boundary, marching back west, responding to roars of some other lions, the Plains Camp Males, who had been found on Ximpalapala crest. This was further than we’ve ever seen them venture. Unfamiliar with the lay of the land and who else they may come across, the vanguard turned south and headed back towards the Londolozi Camps, performing a huge loop before settling down.

Now knowing the two colossal coalitions were only a matter of about a kilometre or two apart, we set off in anticipation of some action that evening. It felt inevitable that something would unfold once the sun went down. One roar from either coalition would spark a reaction that could change the course of the lion dynamics on Londolozi and within the Sabi Sands, and finally, a moment for us to see for ourselves who is the biggest lion around.

We waited into the evening, with our time being filled with a herd of impala erupting into a cacophony of alarm calls not too far away. Keagan beat us there to find the Ngungwe Female with a hoisted young male impala in an epic jackalberry tree. Knowing her carcass was safe and high off the ground, we returned back the lions. Eagerly anticipating some commotion.

Darkness had fallen, and our patience was still holding strong when the calls of other lions further east caught the Gijima Males’ attention. Instead of moving towards their rivals, they turned back east and marched into Mala Mala again. Not even batting an eyelid when they walked within 100 metres of the fresh impala carcass, clearly something else was on their mind.

The next morning, all became clear: the Blonde Gijima Male had met up with one of the Ntsevu Lionesses and were found mating. Their decision to avoid a potential clash in uncharted territory made perfect sense now, and was a decision that most men probably would also have made.

The Plains Camp Males were sitting firmly in familiar territory, while the Gijimas were pushing the limits of theirs. Rather than risk a confrontation on foreign ground, they chose the safer and more strategic route.

However, with the Gijima Males now crossing north and exploring as far north as our northern border, this poses potential danger for the Kambula mother and six cubs, as well as the Ntsevu Pride and three cubs.

It’s a fascinating new development for this coalition, and one thing’s for sure: the Gijima Males are making their presence known.

For those who didn’t see it and would be interested, here is the same story in my virtual safari.