In the vast expanse of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, where lions roam as the apex predators, every pride and coalition is not merely a gathering of these iconic beasts but a living, breathing storybook. To those entrusted with their guardianship, naming these majestic creatures is more than just recreational—it’s a practical necessity, an essential tool, enabling us to track their movements, understand their behaviours, and ensure their well-being in the ever-changing landscape of the wild. Animals at Londolozi are named purely for reference purposes and the naming process requires tact as it has the potential to detract from the wildness of said animal.

At the heart of this tradition lies a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding among the current ranging and tracking teams and neighbouring reserves. It’s a shared language, a common thread that binds conservation efforts together across vast expanses of wilderness. Yet, as with any human endeavour, sometimes even the best-laid plans can take unexpected twists, leading to amusing anecdotes and light-hearted moments.

Such was the case when the time came to name what was originally one pride—a magnificent pride of lions, that had broken away from their natal pride- the Mhangeni Pride, and roamed the territories shared by Londolozi and our neighbouring reserve, Mala Mala. With careful consideration and reverence for these lions, we set out to christen them, seeking names that would honour their presence on this land.

However, a playful twist of fate ensued during the naming process. As we deliberated over names, a miscommunication unfolded, resulting in the pride being given not one, but two names: the Ntsevu Pride by us, and the Kambula Pride by our friends at Mala Mala.

In late 2021, the arrival of the Ndzhenga Males precipitated a series of events that ultimately led to the division of the pride. With the Birmingham Males being driven out, a few of the older lionesses, mindful of the danger posed to their cubs by the changing dynamics, bravely chose to venture northward, away from the main pride. Despite the sorrowful outcome for the cubs, this split was an inevitable part of the pride’s journey, marking a new chapter in their collective saga.

Now with the pride firmly split in two, unveiling a perfectly serendipitous turn of events, we collectively agreed that both names would be retained, a harmonious collaboration between our two reserves and celebrating the resilience of lion nomenclature.

Now, the smaller faction of the pride, with three original lionesses, will officially be known as the Ntsevu Pride.

One of the Ntsevu breakaway lionesses and the 2 remaining youngsters make use of a termite mound for a good vantage point.

Tragically, the passing of two other original lionesses in mid-2023 reminded us of the fragility of life in the wild. However, the last remaining original lioness, along with the five female offspring sired by the Birmingham Males, who were old enough to not be at risk, continues to thrive under the watchful eye of the Ndzhenga Males. This portion of the pride, with its robust population of cubs born between December 2022 and August 2023, will now proudly bear the name of the Kambula Pride.

As we watch the continual ebb and flow of lion dynamics across the vast landscapes of Londolozi, we cannot help but feel a sense of anticipation for the chapters yet to unfold in the stories of these two prides. The division of the once-unified pride into the Ntsevu and Kambula Prides marks a turning point, a new narrative thread woven into the tapestry of the Lions of Londolozi.

We hold our breath, hoping that the Ndzhenga Males will maintain their grasp on the territory long enough for both prides to raise their cubs successfully, ensuring the continuation of the Ndzhenga lineage.

Moreover, as the Ntsevu and Kambula Prides cover overlapping territories, we are intrigued by the prospect of their interactions in the future. Will they coexist harmoniously, respecting the boundaries of their respective domains, or will territorial disputes arise? Only time will tell.

In the end, amidst the shifting wilderness, one thing remains certain—the resilience of lions as a species will undoubtedly continue to thrive in the safe havens that we also get to call home, for as long as we allow them to.