This week had more lion drama than I was expecting.
It started with the Kambula Pride on a wildebeest carcass not far from camp. The hyenas arrived first, calling for backup, trying to work up the numbers to challenge the lions. That didn’t work. But what it did bring in was the three Ntsevu Lionesses. There is a lot of history between these two prides, and they certainly left nothing on the table.
Before I get into what happened when those two prides met, it’s worth noting that the Ntsevu Pride had already tried their luck at a different carcass earlier in the week, and that one didn’t go their way either.
There are also a couple of other videos from the team this week, including a Gijima Male in a position we would not have expected to see him in, and a very welcome update on the Nkoveni cubs.
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Londolozi's most viewed leopard and prolific mother. This gorgeous female has raised multiple cubs to independence.
The last surviving cub of a litter of three, he is on the cusp of independence.
Wow, Sean ,what a week! It can’t get more exciting than that. Two lion prides fighting, and eating and the hyenas in the background.
I wonder why the Ntsevu lionesses followed the Kambulas though they the latter ones had kind of handed over their prey without a fight at all.
Now the Ntsevus have bloody noses which they could have avoided, couldn’t they?
The Shingi male is an amazing climber. So good that he was able to secure his meal higher up in that tree.
And it is amazing as well, how well these heavy lions can climb up a tree.
Sch a fantastic video, Sean. I wish I could have seen all that myself directly at Londolozi. Watching all this live is still the best. However, I am very grateful for the fantastic videos during the many week s away from Londolozi
Thank you so much, Christa. It really was a great week.
It was interesting that they followed them, they were probably trying to show that they were the more dominant pride and took advantage of the Kambula pride moving away, they sort of ran with that momentum, until the tables turned.
I am glad you enjoyed this episode.
Hi Sean, wow that was exciting to see the two lion prides clashing with one another. Luckily no one was seriously injured. That mother of the Kambula pride came rushing in to defend her sub adult cub and fought with the two Ntsevu lionessess. Furious actually to see that. So glad Shingi could secure his kill higher so that the lions can’t get it. Survival in the bush is crucial and everything must be done to survive. Nkoveni and her cubs are so special and I really hope she can keep them safe from the predators. So precious those little fur balls. I can never get enough of seeing tiny 🐆 leopard cubs.
Thankfully, there were no serious injuries. But all just great to watch the process unfold in person.
Wow, that was quite a clash between the Kambulas and the Ntsevus and there definitely was a clear winner as a result of the fracas. Seeing the Ntsevu females with bloodied faces, heads cowered gave credibility to their soulful sound of loss as the Kambulas walked away. I had thought there were five subadults left of the original six but now it seems another has been lost. Is this true?
It was great to see that Shingi has learned that with the lions climbing more to steal kills from trees, he needs to secure his higher up in the branches, a lesson that Tinxiya needs to practice. And finally, Nkoveni’s fluff balls were in an almost perfect setting to view. Let’s hope she can keep Shingi and the lions away from her little ones until they are a bit older…….
Yes, so I believe the Plains Camp Males killed one, then Gijima Males killed another about two weeks ago.
Omg Sean… absolutely amazing footage today. Thank you to all the rangers and guests for sharing. Cannot recall ever witnessing a male lion so far up a tree to steal a carcass … nor seeing Sister prides in such violent opposition.
Every day in the bush is a privilege.
Our return cannot come fast enough.
Thank you so much, Patricia. I am glad you enjoyed it.
I must say, I am really impressed the Gijima male got up (and down) in that tree! They are big boys… and then to drop some appetizers on his brother’s head. HAHA. It was a great virtual safari, seeing the lion fights, leopard, etc. very busy “cat” week around Londolozi (as I listen to my two house panthers snore behind me). As always, thank you Sean for taking us along.
It was quite a feat for the Gijima Male to get up and down that tree. Thanks for watching and I am glad you enjoyed it.