It is all happening at Londolozi right now. In fact, our predictions from World Lion Day are already starting to take shape and sooner than we thought.
The Gijima Males have made their presence felt in a big way, storming onto the Londolozi Airstrip to chase off the Nomads, the Nkuhuma Male and Talamati Male, before taking over and mating with one of the Ntsevu Lionesses. These were wild, chaotic scenes that perfectly capture how quickly power can shift out here. And all the while, the Ndzhenga Males—once the dominant force in the east—are nowhere to be seen.
The story began with the Styx Male and a Kambula Breakaway lioness near camp. That night, the Nomads linked up with a Ntsevu Lioness and began mating boldly on the airstrip, roaring into the darkness as though already laying claim to new territory. But those roars carried. The Gijima Males, hearing the challenge, had already begun marching north.
By Friday evening, we left the Talamati Male still mating on the airstrip, knowing that if he dared to roar, the Gijimas would almost certainly come charging in. And sure enough, they did.
But the story didn’t end there. Under the cover of darkness, when no one was watching, more clashes unfolded. By morning, one Gijima Male bore a gash on his face and one of the Plains Camp Males was limping, his back leg injured. Proof that the battles between coalitions are no longer looming—they are already happening.
The lion dynamics at Londolozi are shifting before our eyes. Rivalries are igniting. Old kings are fading. And the fight for the future is here.
Enjoy this week’s Virtual Safari…
To Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, click here.
Wow, what a thrill! Such a bad news for the Ndzenga males and their pride, how many cubs are there now? In the beginning I love the pair Styx male and Breakaway Female, they are both very beautiful, relaxed, look so happy together! I wish they can stay so! Poor Tsalala female there’s no peace for her… I like the way animals take life, a few hours earlier those lions were fighting hard, then you can see both Gijma and Plain Camp males relaxing, belly up, in spite of their gases… how impressive the Gijma males are, very handsome. Not as handsome as the Othawa male but very good-looking I still like the Styx male so much… it’s a privilege to see many strong and lively lions living their life, while elsewhere they can’t reach full maturity… very exciting video, thank you!
Thank you, Francesca. The Gijima Males are very handsome and impressive.
Sadly they blocked your video which we would really like to see.
Any ideas?
Thank you for the latest intriguing story. Don’t stop.
Louise
Hi Louise, we have appealed to Youtube about our video and hopefully it will be available again soon. In the meantime we have uploaded it to Vimeo.
Hi Sean! Are the Kambula cubs safely on MalaMala? They will certainly be in jeopardy if the Gijimas take over. And of course the Tsalala female has been protected by the Plains Camp males so she is in jeopardy too! Never a dull moment at Londolozi! Thanks for keeping us updated!
Hi Linda! Yes, the Kambula cubs are currently on MalaMala, but their safety always depends on how the male dynamics shift. So if the Ndzhenga Males move on and these lionesses remain around here, then the sad reality is that the Gijima Males will kill the cubs. There is a chance that the mothers move further away to keep the cubs safe. The Tsalala Female, has spent some time with the Plains Camp Males, but the Gjima Males, or new males in an area are unlikely to kill the females, so the Tsalala Female is not directly at risk, but any cubs she has are unsafe, unless she mates with the new males. You’re right — there’s never a dull moment with lions around here!
I am not able to watch the weekly video for August 17th. It says the video has been removed?
We have appealed this and hopefully they will release the video soon. In the meantime we have uploaded a version to Vimeo.
Thank you Sean. Looks like YouTube released it.
Eeek! It’s happening! Glad to see there were no fatal injuries this time around. I can’t wait to hear an update as to the whereabouts of the Ndzhenga Males, as well as what happened to the Styx Male and Kambula Breakaway lioness. Very exciting.
It is all happening. A bit sooner than we expected. The Ndzhenga Males are much further north.
Sean. WOW. I have so many questions. Why is there so much activity on/near the landing strip? Yes, it’s open and there is good visibility. Equally, doesn’t that openness create an easy target? White light versus infrared light? I thought infrared is what’s used after dark? And, I’m always surprised that the animals come some close/into camp. Is it because they know they don’t need to be fearful in camp? That the likelihood of an altercation with us humans or other animals is slim? I’m officially in return to Londo countdown mode … 12-1/2 months. Itching to be back. Thank you for all that you do to educate us and share what we are missing while we are away. Elizabeth
Elizabeth, love your excitement! The airstrip is often used by lions because of its openness, it’s easy to see (and be seen) there. You’re right, we use white lights with care at sightings, but infrared is also used in certain other areas. We have found that the lights we use and how we use them, don’t have any major impact on the lions. And yes, the animals do come close to camp it is part of the natural environment and they can move freely wherever they please. Can’t wait to welcome you back when your countdown ends!
Well, we all knew this time was inevitable when neighboring younger coalitions would vie for the Londolozi prides, pushing out or killing the Ndhzengas. It appears the Ndhzengas wisely picked further north where they seem to be happily residing with a pride, according to a recent post by lions of SabiSand. What’s curious is Styx and his partner continue to spend time in the property, even though he has no chance of taking over a pride. It also appears that the Nomads are not strong enough to stand up to either the PC or Gijimas, so that leaves two coalitions to sort out who is the strongest. Your narrative and video was spot on even though a good portion was shot in the dark. My concern is for the two Kambulas that have the six cubs – could they leave their territory as two others did a few years ago to insure their cubs won’t be killed? Given the latest lion interactions, the next few weeks should be very interesting. A last thought… both coalitions currently are managing prides of their own, to the deep south and far west so what might happen to them. There’s the possibility other nomadic males can go into their territories while PC and Gijimas are trying to gain more territory.
Great insights as always, Denise. The females with cubs could certainly consider moving to avoid pressure, it’s been seen before. And you’re right, with both the Gijimas and Plains Camp males already tied to other prides, their push here may leave room elsewhere for other males. The next few weeks promise plenty of drama.
Wow, what an exciting time at Londolozi this is!
The lions’ dynamics are getting more and more interesting. It is really so interesting. I wish I could be with you.
What, by the way, is the Tsalala lioness doing? Is she okay or in any danger because of all that fighting?
By the way, today I saw a short video on a new method regarding protecting rhinos. They apply some little radioactive stuff into the horns. Does Londolozi take part in this new method?
Hi Christa, thanks for your lovely note! The Tsalala lioness is still doing well for now, but she’s always in a sensitive position with these changes around her. As for the rhino horn treatment, no, Londolozi is not part of that particular project at present, but we are very supportive of innovative approaches to rhino protection.
Hi Sean, this was quite an experience watching the lion dynamics enfold before us. The Nomads out the way know, the Gijima males are going to take that territory. There must of been a fight between the Plains Camp males and Gijima males. Lioness is playing her cards well mating with biggest males. I still miss the Othawa male, he was so majestic. Styx male young and a go getter with the Kambula lioness are a good couple. But the Gijima males will surely take over though. I would prefer the Plains Camp males to take over that territory . Thanks for this very exciting video.
Really appreciate your thoughts, Valmai. These males are all playing their cards, and as you say, the females do as well. The Othawa male is still dearly missed by many. It will be fascinating to see if the Gijimas hold this ground, or if the Plains Camp males rise again.
What exciting developments!! Tracking roaring lions at night is exciting emotions, yet along 2 coalitions! Did they manage to cross the cattle guard into camp?
Last weekend on Wildearth I saw one of the Nhzenga males way up north at Jaci’s Camp or Chitwa Chitwa. I didn’t know they traveled in that direction.
Thanks Mary Beth, it was certainly exciting to follow them that night! No, they didn’t cross into camp, but were walking right on the edge of camp. And yes, you’re correct — the Ndzhengas have been moving further north at times, even as far as you saw on Wildearth. They’re still covering big distances.
Sean, has there been any discussion as to giving the Nkuhuma Male and Talamati Male a proper coalition name?
Hi Michael, to be honest, no we haven’t even started talking about naming them here. As we have seen in the past with the Nkuhuma Male, he hasn’t had the greatest luck with coalition partners. So for now I think we hold off. If they do claim this territory and are the dominant males then I think we might start thinking about that.
It’s very worrying for the 6 young Kambula cubs and I guess all the subadults in the pride – I think they were all fathered by the Ndzenga males?
I wonder if the females can tell the difference between the roars of the different males?
You’re spot on to be concerned, Suzanne. The cubs are at a vulnerable age, and yes, they were fathered by the Ndzhenga Males. As for the roars, lions can definitely distinguish between individuals, both males and females. That recognition plays a big part in these territorial battles.
The gijima males are definitely in charge the extreme roaring from one of them is really letting the other lions know not to mess with them so young strong and powerful and big whoever they fight I think might be on the worst end of it wow thanks for the visual magnificent lions I wish I was there to hear them and see them
Question
Do the lights from the vehicles help get them wound and up do you think after all you are reasonably close to them I know what I see is that the drivers of londozoli vehicles seem to respect their space I just feel a little concerned we as humans are intrusive on their space sometimes don’t get me wrong I love seeing them on a visual I just wonder really how human presence is really affecting them we can’t read their minds
Thanks Lyn, I love your passion for these lions. To answer your question: no, the lights don’t usually affect them too much. They’re very used to vehicles in this environment, and we try to keep a respectful distance and use the lights carefully. It’s always a fine balance, but their natural behaviour continues regardless of us being nearby.
From an amateurs perspective (with a huge passion for lions) my question would be, was this around the time that nzengha were busy pushing the kambulas out north? As I don’t think they are backing down from anyone based on what I saw them chase plains camp out of their territory recently and the nkulus. I think nzenga are aggressive and from what I know arnt they in there prime? Or marginally past it at 9 or 10 years? I think they will be back to defend. Looking forward to following the outcome. Thanks for the grear content Sean
So, yes as it stands the Ndzhenga Males were chasing the Kambula Males around this time. So male lions are in their prime at around 7-8 years, they then begin a gradual decline after this and then normally are driven out or injured/killed between the age of 10-12 years. So although they are aggressive, I feel they lack the size and youth to hold off the Gijimas and Plains Camp Males now. But we could be proved wrong and I hope that they do.
Well whatever the outcome i look forward to following through this blog that I’ve only just discovered. Great to communicate with you guys in the ground. thanks for these updates
We will be sure to keep you in the loop, as and when things develop here.