Lion dynamics around Londolozi and the greater Sabi Sand area have always intrigued me, particularly the interactions among male lions. Being at the heart of the Sabi Sand, Londolozi frequently sees various coalitions moving through our property. Over the past few years, we have seen the Majingilane Males get pushed out by the Birmingham Males who in turn killed the Othawa Male. The arrival of the Ndzhenga Males then saw the Birmingham Males whittled down to one who was overthrown.
The Majingilane Males
And in more recent times two coalitions have especially made a mark: to the west of our camps, the Plains Camp Males have established a vast territory that stretches to our western neighbours and further north. On the eastern side, the Ndzhenga Males, now dominant over two prides, have continued to assert their dominance with impressive displays.
The very impressive Plains Camp Males.
The Ndzhenga Males on the patrol.
Every morning drive carries an air of anticipation about what might have happened the night before. A recent morning was particularly thrilling, as just before starting the engine, we heard powerful roars emanating from just south of camp. There was no need to brief my guests; we were clearly following up on these roars, which seemed to come from the area near the Founders’ Camp Entrance.
Nothing beats a cold winters morning, anticipating whats about to unfold.
Shortly after leaving camp, Tayla reported that she had located the Plains Camp Males, who were on the move and appeared to be chasing a Ndzhenga Male towards the airstrip. We quickly looped around to the southern end of the airstrip, realising that the lion they were pursuing was indeed one of the Ndzhenga Males, and they were hot on his trail. Observing male lions in pursuit is always a breathtaking experience, with the action moving so fast and excitement filling the air with what could unfold.
While pursuing the lone Ndzhenga Male, the Plains Camp Males paused their roaring display to listen. As we watched the Ndzhenga Male running down the road, we heard another roar in the distance. The second Ndzhenga Male had heard the commotion and was coming to his brother’s aid and roaring too.
Listening to the distant roaring from the second Ndzhenga Male.
Listening to the distant roars from the second Ndzhenga Male was captivating. His call caused the Plains Camp Males to halt their pursuit. Realising that the Ndzhenga Males were regrouping and preparing a counterattack, the Plains Camp Males decided to retreat. We chose to wait at a nearby watering hole for the Ndzhenga Males to arrive.
On the charge…
The tension was palpable as the Ndzhenga Males approached, their roars echoing with a ferocity I had never heard before. They were seeking revenge and pushing back hard.
When lions are roaring like this, everything stops.
Still early in the morning you can see the steam from their breath as they roar.
Just as it seemed the Ndzhenga Males had the upper hand, the Plains Camp Males regrouped and launched their own counterattack. The battle between the two coalitions became a dynamic spectacle, with each side chasing and retreating in turn. For about an hour, the two sides engaged in a fierce back-and-forth.
The Plains Camp Males on the charge.
Ultimately, the Ndzhenga Males managed to drive the Plains Camp Males deep into their territory. As they walked back into more familiar grounds, their roars reverberated through the area, signaling their victory and their unwillingness to be easily overpowered.
Mission, successful!
Witnessing these two powerful coalitions roar and chase each other was truly one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve had at Londolozi. This might be the start of a significant rivalry between the Plains Camp Males and the Ndzhenga Males, making for exciting times ahead!
Who do you think is the more powerful coalition of male lions?
Hi Patrick, it’s quite difficult to assert which one is most powerful. Many factors are to take into account in such complicated dynamics. First, the Ndzenga males are smaller but it doesn’t mean they have lower testosterone levels. It seem that one of the two is particularly aggressive towards their rivals. Then they were closer to their territory and the prides they must protect. The Plain Camp males maybe would have done something more if closer to their offsprings and prides… the picture of the Majingilane is super, it tells a long story, there there had been a clash against titans, Majingilane against Mapogos, it still makes me feel goosebumps. So ferocious and so efficiently protecting their offsprings and carrying on their dna. Makulu was something unique in the Mapogo coalition. I remember him much better than any famous people. And yes the Birmingham and the Othawa I remember them too… looking forward to reading and seeing news on such superb fighters and their family, and possibly the Tsalala female.
Ps the picture of the Plain Camp male Turing to his left is absolutely stunning!
Wow, what a spectacle that must have been. I envy you that you were able to watch these two powerful coalitions fight each other. Who might be the winner? No, idea.Maybe both will just try to stay on their respective territories without a deadly fight. Maybe not…Anyway, very exciting to hear more about these lions. I hope they will all be still alive when I visit .
Wow! Just reading this had my heart pounding. The Ndzhenga males were always powerful to watch. But as they dwindled from four to three, now two I figured challenges from other coalitions were expected. And I guess my heart is now with the Plains Camp males as one seems to be the father of our Tsalala’s cubs.
I think they are both formidable and both would end up losing if it came to blows. Unless one is caught alone. I just wish the PC would stop taking over territories and then abandoning them after cubs are born.
This is an amazing account of what must have been a wild (pun intended) morning with these two lion groups Patrick! One question, how close do they get when they are charging/retreating to actually make contact face to face with one another, or deciding to retreat after the previously retreating lions regroup and counter attack?
There definitely seems to be a rivalry between the two, but I think for the moment the Ndhzengas have the upper hand. However, it’s apparent the Plains Camp males aren’t satisfied with their already sizeable territory plus offspring, so they will continue to find opportunities to push the Ndhzengas further north. If not careful, they could end up like the Othawa male, or most of the Avocas. Exciting times ahead!
Great article and video! I remember the Majingilane males from our first visit to Londolozi in June of 2011. We met the scar nose male. He was really impressive back then. He roared right in front of our truck and I swear it shook. Last winter we got to meet some of the new crop All very impressive.
What an awesome display you got to see – and hear – Patrick! I suspect that the Plains Camp males will eventually wear down the Ndzhengas and continue to expand their territory. But it’s unlikely to happen soon, I think…
Hi Patrick it just goes to show that both the Ndhzenga Males and Plains Camp males want to take over the other ones territory. Sooner or later there is going to be an altercation for the territory. All four of the lions are stunning and it is a pity that they are going to fight.
We need a flow chart and a map!!!
It’s fortunate for all lions (and prides) involved that this particular altercation stopped at chasing and roaring. While I can feel how exciting it was to witness, I hope these two coalitions can coexist relatively peacefully for a while yet. These seem to be fairly well matched, although by others’ accounts the Plains Camp males are larger. Are both coalitions the same age?
I wish that the 2 coalitions respect each other’s territory and live as peacefully as possible.
But I don’t think this will happen. Exciting times ahead.