It’s mornings like this that remind me why we wake before the sun and set off into the bush with no real script—just the hope that the wilderness will reveal something special. We had set out on a recent morning with no particular agenda, other than to see what the bush was willing to share. What unfolded was one of the most electric lion interactions I’ve ever witnessed.
The Nkuhuma Male Lion stands and stares. You can clearly see his battle scars.
A Tense Tranquillity
We set off in the direction of where the Talamati Male was seen mating with one of the Ntsevu Lionesses the evening before, and just after first light, we heard the unmistakable growls of two lions mating, and there they were. The golden hues of dawn hadn’t yet faded, and the air was still fresh with the coolness of night. There was a second male, the Nkuhuma Male, there as well. He lay nearby, dozing intermittently but always alert to the movements of his coalition partner and the female.
There was a gentle rhythm to the sighting—short bouts of mating followed by rest, soft chuffing vocalisations, the kind of intimate moments that often go unseen. My guests and I quietly soaked it all in, reflecting on how these interactions—however subtle—are deeply significant in the broader landscape of lion dynamics.
But as always, the bush had more in store.
A Warning From the Airwaves
Just as we were settling in, an update came through from one of our neighbours: the two Plains Camp Males had been located not far off and were moving steadily in our direction. It was one of those updates that instantly lifts everyone’s energy. From peaceful observation to high alert, all in the span of a few words.
Tracker Life and I exchanged a glance, both understanding that something might unfold—and if it did, we needed to be in a position to witness it. We quickly left the sighting of the resting lions, now all settled up in the shade as the day started to warm up and made our way to the boundary where the two Plains Camp Males were shortly going to cross over.
A Plains Camp Male pauses before scent marking on a guar bush nearby
The Tension Builds
The Plains Camp Males were moving with clear intent. No hesitation, no meandering. Their strides were direct and dominant. As they closed the distance, the wind in their favour, they were able to sneak up on the Talamati and Nkuhuma Males. Looking back, it still blows my mind that they had no idea of the Plains Camp Males approaching.
My assumption is that the Plains Camp Males were able to hear the growls from the mating, and it’s incredible how far they could have heard it from. With that also being said, the Nkuhuma and Talamati Males have been getting more comfortable in the area and starting to vocalise and advocate for their presence; this is also what may have drawn the attention of the Plains Camp Males.
One of the Plains Camp males on the move
The Collision
What followed was as raw as nature gets.
The Plains Camp Males emerged, their presence undeniable. The four males all within metres of each other—the Nkuhuma Male was the first to be attacked, and he had no idea what was coming> You will notice him really settling down to rest and lowering his head moments before the altercation broke out, with the Plains Cap Male only 3 or so metres away. It was extremely impressive how quickly the Nkuhuma Male retaliated. The Talamati Male tried to come to the rescue of the Nkuhuma Male, but unfortunately, he came off the worst out of the four lions as seen in the video.
One of the Plains Camp Males is giving chase.
After driving home their authority with the Talamati Male rolling on his back in submission.
He stood his ground for a moment before breaking into a retreat. The Nkuhuma Male didn’t wait to test his luck—he too turned and disappeared into the bush. The Plains Camp Males gave brief chase but pulled up quickly, roaring triumphantly and rubbing their faces into the long grass, scent-marking the area with authority.
The whole encounter lasted maybe three or four minutes, but it felt like time had slowed. My guests and I sat in stunned silence. Not out of fear, but from the sheer energy of what we’d just witnessed. This wasn’t just a physical confrontation—it was a political statement, as if saying, “you are not welcome here!”
A Morning to Remember
As the sighting came to an end, we sat quietly for a while. There was little that needed to be said. Each of us was processing the experience in our own way. That’s one of the things I’ve come to appreciate about this place—how quickly things can go from calm to chaotic. One moment you’re watching a male lion interact with a female, and the next you’re witnessing the volatile dance of dominance.
Later, driving back to camp, one of the guests broke the silence with a quiet, “That was unreal.” And it really was. These are the moments that etch themselves into your memory—the ones that remind us we are merely observers in a world governed by instincts and ancient rivalries.
A portrait shot of The Plains Camp Male.
Watch the entire sighting here from all perspectives as Sean includes this in his Virtual Safari.
LOVE the in Action photography! The lion sightings the last couple of week has been exquisite.
Hi Ross, I’m glad all was more a skirmish than a real fight to conquer a pride, The Nkuhuma male doesn’t look ferocious at all, rather meak… given that the Plain Camp males are spectacular, he makes his figure even if not comparable of course. I love the last picture of the Plain Camp male. He look as if to say “I fixed them!”, frowning….
Wow, Ross! It can hardly get more exciting! Last October we saw a chase/confrontation between these 4 which was powerful but this actual attack is breathtaking. The ever-changing lion dynamics are fascinating!
“…volatile dance of dominance.” A colorful turn of phrase for a fight. Well done, Ross. It was good to read thoughts expressed by the ranger who met us at the airport in March.
Hi Ross, the encounter with the Plain’s camp males were ruthless to say the least. The poor Talamati male got the bad end of the fight. Fabulous video of the whole bush encounter.
What a morning, Ross! And what an incredible fight between these two coalitions. That the dozing Nkuhuma Male was so completely unaware of the danger of the attack is really a surprise. He and Talamati male must have felt pretty secure in that territory. Well, luckily, both survived the attack and the lioness as well.
The lions at Londolozi are always good for surprises and excitement.
That was an epic sighting of lions you experienced, especially the anticipation for what might happen when the Plains Camp males interrupted the mating between the Talamati male and Ntsevu lioness whilst his partner slept in the grass, unaware of the danger walking their way. The photos and Sean’s video added the visual excitement to your story. History tells me that something major is in the wind and there could be a loss of life or major injuries for any of the male coalitions that claim or are trying to claim dominance in Londolozi.
Wish they had stayed with the Talamati and given him a proper beating. Wonderful to watch. Thanks for your videos.
The guests were my daughter and I! What an incredible experience. Ross and Life knew what was going to happen before it occurred and we were in the perfect position to see it all. This may have been my most action packed trip to Africa, ever. (not to mention our double pangolin sighting). Having guides that really know the animals behaviors makes all the difference.