We have been seeing the Mangheni pride a lot more frequently of late, and long may it last.
The impressive Othawa male laps up water after what was probably a night of walking great distances.
As a guide you sometimes try and tick all the boxes when it comes to viewing lions; most guests are as desperate to see a male lion, then a pride of females and then if one is lucky, cubs too. Currently the Mhangeni pride ticks every box and so much more.
They are a pride made up of adult lionesses, their cubs, and more often than not with the Othawa male in tow. Unlike the Nstevu pride it is not very often you see this pride split up, so if you set off in the morning and find fresh tracks, the excitement boils as you get hopeful to track and find the full complement.
One particular morning recently, James Tyrrell and I did just that.
There had been tracks quite far south and west on Londolozi the previous evening, but no one had found the lions.
We set off checking our boundary and bumped into a member of the Anti-poaching unit, who told us he had seen the lions cross out of Londolozi at about 2 am. Our expressions were gloomy after hearing this news, but we decided to just double check the area anyway; maybe the lions had looped back.
Suddenly in the distance, an unmistakable golden, orange and black mane stood out: the Ottawa male lying in the open!
After a few too many high fives between James and I, we were thrilled to be able to sit and spend time with this pride.
Having clearly been resting through the early morning hours, one lioness started to make her way to a nearby pan, followed by the three cubs who took quite a while to get there as they were constantly playing. Soon having lost sight of the mother, they decided to contact call as well.
It was only 10 minutes in and we had cubs playing, a walk-by from an impressive mother lioness and calls back and forth. The rest of the pride followed suit and as predicted, so did the Ottawa male. Having quickly looped around a termite mound, to the nearest pan, we watched each lion lap up water one after another, in a pan that provided one of, if not the best reflections I’ve seen in awhile.
Seeing animals drink is honestly one of the best sightings, let alone a full pride of Lions. The cubs then provided quite the amount of humour while play fighting in the mud.
Two of the three cubs play tussle it out after having failed to be entertained by the Ottawa male.
It was getting really hot but we actually didn’t notice as we were encapsulated by everything happening around us. without realising it we were actually providing the perfect shady spot next to our vehicle, in which the pride all soon came and lay in. At the time I was videoing when one female decided to make her way right next to us. I was holding my breathe for sure but at the same time grinning ear to ear by how relaxed the lions were and the incredible sighting I was witnessing, on what can only be described as a quintessential African safari morning.
The youngest cub of the Mhangeni pride playing with a log while the rest of the lions sleep in the morning light.
I am hoping this post does not jinx us seeing more and more of this pride, but I think we have lots more viewing to come.
The Othawa male is quite frankly one the the most impressive male lions I have seen and with the Birmingham males ageing, he could be here to stay. Your guess is as good as mine as to what’s going to unfold but I’m as excited as you to find out.
It is so special to see the Mhangene pride. Fantastic sighting.
I was there!! And can vouch for the HUGE smile on Dean’s (and JT’s) face as the lions came in so close to them. Inches away! Add in the Cubs covered in mud and it is one of my top 3 lion sitings ever…..
How common is it for a male lion to be dominant without a coalition to assist?
Great photos and great story. I also love watching lions especially when cubs are there as well. Who doesn’t?
Fantastic! How lovely to see the cubs drinking!
Dean, loved all the photos, especially cubs🤗
Always a thrill to find a pride of lions doing what they do!! Wish i had been there!! Thank you for sharing the moment. Victoria
Hi, thanks to you and the Anti-Poaching Unit those wonderful animals have a chance to survive to the ravaging poaching all over the world.
Fantastic photos!
Great pictures! Thank you for sharing! What a great way to start the day😊
Very sweet reflection shot!!!!!
Is the Othawa Male more impressive than the Birmingham Males in size? One of the Birmingham Males is said to be the biggest lion in the area of Sabi Sands rn.
Would love to see them someday! The Otthawa male is really in his prime!
Hi Dean! Are the Mhangeni Pride operating in similar areas that the three older females utilized when they raised the six adult Ntsevu lionesses or are they elsewhere on Londolozi in addition to wandering elsewhere?
Those cubs are so cute!
Dean, What a spectacular sighting! Loved seeing the cubs!
Extremely cool sighting boys, and a great post Dean!!
How exciting! Can’t wait to come back…
Wonderful to see the Mhangeni Pride flourishing. Also seeing the Othaway male doing so well and looking Magnificent.. Nice he made his way to his fathers stomping grounds..
Precious pictures! The wherewithal of lions never ceases to amaze me. They do have their hardships grant you, which in Africa can never be taken for granted but, hearing that they’re out and about and doing okay when the day is in question comes as a huge relief and moment of relief and cheer.
A tremendous sighting! What a close encounter!