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The Mighty Mapogos
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Makhulu vs. Nhlanguleni (2006)
...Makhulu was the oldest and the last one seen alive at 15 years old. He was probably the reason why the Mapogos didn't loose any members in their first years out of the tribe. He defeated the dominant male of the Othawa pride and the Sand river pride on his own. Here's the report of this fight: "Nhlanguleni was first seen in the west around March 2005, he was found in the river mating with one of the Ottawa lionesses, close to Ottawa camp. He moved from there to feed on an elephant carcass south of Exeter that the two resident males had been on with some of the SRP previously. Soon after that our two males disappeared, one was found dead in the river and the other was reported as having left the reserve under pressure from Nhlanguleni (who at that time was unnamed). His name came from Nhlanguleni picnic spot in the Kruger, directly east of the Sands as that is where we guessed he came from. At first he was very agressive, charging the vehicles from about 100m away (we later learned that he had earlier been seen on chitwa-chitwa with a kill, reacting in a similar way). He was often on his own but started spending more time with one half of the Ottawas after the cubs were born (the other half- 2 lionesses 2 young males and a young female stayed away from him) as only a few people had seen Nhlanguleni mating with the females it was often said that he had adopted the previous males cubs - He certainly thought they were his own though. He also started to push further West, and came into frequent contact with the Sand River pride - 5 females and 8 cubs at that point. The two older females (One eye and 1+1) left the 3 younger females to look after the cubs and started to move with Nhlanguleni who by this time was relaxed with our prescence It was around this time that the testicle incident occured, the 3 lionesses and the cubs had a Kudu kill and the two older lionesses came over to join, bringing with them the male, the rest of the story you know... It was after this that the 2 lionesses and the male started being referred to as the Skorro pride as they were all looking old and battered! he never fully took over the Sand River pride, the 3 younger lionesses managed to keep away from him until the arrival of the 6 male lions from the east who would soon become known as the Mapogo in Feb 2006. The new males first came into contact with the Ottawa pride but continued to push west as the Ottwas ran across the river to escape from them. Over the next few weeks the new males slowly moved further west until one night the oldest male (Makulu) left the others and followed the scent of Nhlanguleni all the way to the western fence, north of the river. The next morning the rangers following the tracks found the evidence (blood, scuff-marks etc) of a huge fight between the two males. The large male from the coalition was found heading east to rejoin the others, bleeding heavily from the mouth and showing many scratches from the fight, on closer inspection it was seen that his lower right canine had been snapped in half. Later on Nhlanguleni was found, limping badly and with a terrible wound on the right side of his face, the wound was deep and it seemed he had lost an eye, inside the wound was what suspiciously like a broken canine tooth lodged in the cheekbon. A few days later Nhlanguleni was seen with the Ottawa pride, the swelling around the wound had gone down a bit and we could see the eye was not damaged after all. he was seen for a few more days after this before he dissappeared. Nobody knows what exactly happened to him." written by Rob Vamplew P.S.: It is believed that all 6 Mapogos found the expelled lion and killed it cruelly.  (03-29-2021, 02:06 PM)Leo Aslan Wrote: Hello to the community. I hope that I can contribute something to enrich the famous Mapogo story. Is it not more likely that Mr T was simply caught by the 4 males and killed?  (03-29-2021, 09:53 PM)Tonpa Wrote:It definitelly is. As you can read in that comment guides arrived at the spot of the fight after MR T was already mauled and that how the fight started are just speculations and myths around that.(03-29-2021, 02:06 PM)Leo Aslan Wrote: Hello to the community. I hope that I can contribute something to enrich the famous Mapogo story.
5 Mapogos vs. Scar & Tyson Split Rock (2005)
...Young Mapogos in a battle about food against the dominant males, Tyson and Scar known as the Split Rock males. 5 young Mapogos on a Buffalo kill....suddenly the dominant Tyson and Scar came! Split Rock male Lions would chase the Mapogo around when they were still with the Sparta pride. They almost caught the young Mapogo on several occasions . That is in the documentary of the Split Rock Lions (Tyson the supreme Fighter) and it´s in the Mapogo documentary (Brothers in Blood - The Lions of Sabi Sand), when they show a lion chasing another one off his pride´s food that the Mapogo were stealing. It´s the scene where it says that the Mapogos had some close calls with local dominant males and it shows one of the Split Rocks chasing Kinky Tail or Mr T away. The Split Rock lions are the only coalition of lions ever that can say they beat them. The Mapogos would run from them many times when they were young as the Split Rock lions were dominant males in the area and they were stronger than the Mapogos. Their territory bordered the Sparta pride´s territory . When the last West street male died, the Split Rock lions took over half of the Sparta pride (proving the invaluable protection the West Street males gave the Sparta pride, even though they were said to be decrepit and 14 yrs old). The young Mapogos could not stop the Split Rock lions from partially taking over the Sparta pride. But the Split Rocks could not completly take it over from the Mapogos because some lionesses did not accept the Split Rocks. Three months after the Mapogos left the Sparta pride and started their great adventure to the top of the lion world, the Split Rocks were finally going to take over the Sparta Pride. Suddenly tragedy strikes: Tyson had been suffering from Tb (Tuberculosis) for a long time and it finally caught up to him and killed him . Now only one older Split Rock was left, Scar and he got kicked out of the area by the 2 Rollercoaster male lions. The Rollercoasters would be the ones to take over the Sparta pride. These Split Rocks were very capable and impressive lions . They are the Fathers of Solo, the Tsalala young male. Incidentally a month or two after the Mapogos left the Sparta pride 4 of the adult lionesses died (they were about 13 yrs old) These were the mothers and aunts of Mapogo who became sad when they left. They died of a broken heart...
Brothers in Blood - The Lions of Sabi Sand (Mapogo)
...This is a powerful documentary about the rise of a Coalition of six lions, branded The Mapogo Lions, and their takeover of the largest territory by a pride. This was filmed over the past 16 years by professionals and amateurs privileged to witness their survival skills. Down the years, rangers and biologists have been astounded by the pride's relentless hunger for domination as they showed no fear in massacring other lions - and their cubs - in order to expand their territory. In just one year, these six killed more than a hundred lions, and conquered an unprecedented amount of land. Their story is one of violence, deception, and thirst for power, one which reveals a surprisingly sophisticated side to the politics of lion behavior. One of the most fascinating powerful documentaries to date. This gives one the other side of the coin, how ferocious lions really are. It keeps one on the edge of the chair from beginning to end. Shocking, fascinating, unpleasant, sickening, and then loving, amazing and fantastic how one's emotions took a roller coaster just watching this amazing footage taken over 16 years making this documentary. The guides and people being interviewed was done so superbly and to see how many emotions were involved in the making of this documentary absolutely gave this a top score...
Mapogo Lions - The Battles of Africa
Ranger report: Mapogo vs. Styx (August 2008) ...The coalition became infamous for their sheer power and strength in taking over and dominating an area of approximately 70,000 ha (170,000 acres). It is believed the Mapogos killed in excess of 100 lions and cubs in a little over a year. The statistics may be higher given their coverage of such large territories. Mid 2007, one of the Roller Coaster males was killed by a Crocodile. Since then, his brother has maintained dominance over the Styx pride and is believed to be the Sire of their current cubs. There have been a number of reports of the Styx lionesses seen mating with males from the Mapogo Coalition but the old Roller Coaster male is usually in attendance with the Styx pride and accepts the cubs as his. The latest reports indicate the two oldest cubs were sired by the Roller Coaster male, the other seven it is unsure rather it was the Roller Coaster or the Mapogos or a combination of both that sired them. March reports indicate another lioness has very young cubs that were sired by the Mapogo/Eyrefield males. There have also been several reports of the Styx pride fighting off Mapogo Males when they came near their cubs. Below are a couple of the recent fights between the Styx Pride and the Mapogo/Eyrefield Males as reported by Mala Mala. August 2008 It seems the Mapogos found the Styx pride with their 11 cubs on Aug 10th. It was said the 5 male lions didn’t pay much attention to the lionesses until they noticed the cubs. They went for the cubs and the Styx girls went into action fighting the males but of course they were no match for 5 big males and had to depart. The Mapogos went in search of the cubs but it was believed they couldn’t find any. A couple of days later the latest Styx mother and her two new cubs were still safe in their den area. On the 15th of Aug. the rangers were relieved to see the rest of the pride along with the other 9 cubs so all survived the Mapogo attack. The Styx pride have always been questioned about their Motherly qualities and are usually shown in a bad light when it comes to taking care of their little ones. In their defense… one must reconsider how good of Mothers they truly are. Taking on 5 big males to defend their cubs and grant the little ones time to escape to safety was indeed heroic. On another Aug 2008 encounter between the Styx Pride and the Mapogos the Styx didn’t fare as well. The encounter was with 3 Mapogo males and the adult lionesses had an aggressive fight with them. One cub was caught and slung in the air but managed to survive and take refuge in the nearby rocks. The adult lionesses escaped unhurt except for one lioness that received fairly bad bite marks on her back but she recovered quickly.
Mapogo Lions - Safari Highlights of 2012
Ranger report: Year 2012 - Dramatic demise of the Mapogo Coalition ...At the beginning of the year, the remaining Mapogos still ruled in the western sector. Gray clouds were gathering over the horizon as 4 newcomers advanced deeper and deeper into their territory, apparently trying to overthrow the old kings. Pretty Boy was surprisingly attacked by the 4 Selati males when he was alone on patrol. Makhulu and Mr. T saved him at the last moment. Weeks later, the final showdown took place. The defining moment had to come, speculation as to how and when has dominated conversation around dinner tables and campfires in recent weeks. Every epic tale must build up and deliver a scintillating finale and the story of arguably the most acclaimed and notorious coalition of male lions ever documented to prowl Africa certainly did! After their brief encounter with the 4 Selati (Southern) males a few weeks earlier when the bent spine Mapogo member was slightly injured, the dynamic changed and a follow up encounter involving the coalitions was imminent. Was it the Ximhungwe lioness mating with the Selati males a month ago and giving them a taste of the trophy at stake? What is certain is that a number of factors led to the showdown and heart wrenching culmination on the morning of March 16th! Firstly the youngsters moving in, strengthening their coalition bond, scent marking all over the Mapogo’s northern territory. It was almost as if they were preparing themselves for the inevitable confrontation. On the morning of the 16th when we received the radio message “we have audio of lions fighting in the south”, we knew it was on! The initial message was relayed as 3 Mapogo’s have isolated a young male, this is what we expected…what we wished to be for the proud old men we had known for so long! On arrival on the scene to see the tables turned was unforeseen, shocking…it took us all some time to grasp what was unfolding in front of us. We expected all 3 Mapogo’s to stand their ground and rise to the challenge! The old boxing adage “You’re only as good as your last fight” certainly holds true! It was the veteran gladiator that stood up to be counted and fought admirably for his territory, his offspring, his lionesses and ultimately his livelihood as a male lion! Without a territory is he not a male lion? He would rather die defending his pride than live out his existence as a castigated nomad, whatever your thoughts are on the short maned Mapogo and there are many contrasting opinions! He will always be respected and remembered for his character and fearlessness. An afternoon thunderstorm rose eerily and saturated the bloodstained earth, washing away the Mapogo bloodline and unveiling an exciting new era. Makhulu and Pretty Boy lost their brother Mr. T and now after years as unrestricted Kings of Sabi Sand, they became nomads again...without a pride, without a kingdom. They wandered around for weeks and months, avoiding the dominant coalitions. Whether Selati, Majingilane or Solo & Cleo, all of them were now ready to give the Mapogo story a final blow. The last Spartans decided to go south and gathered forces for a last Hurrah against the two powerful KNP males Freddy and Limper. It was their last Battle. Limper Kruger lost his life, but Freddy Kruger still retained dominance over the Southern pride. After this episode, our heroes left Sabi Sand for the first time and marched towards Kruger park. it was a short intermezzo in the area around Crocodile Bridge where the 6 powerful Gomondwane males were the absolute rulers. They returned to their homeland and Pretty Boy's physical condition began to fade. The Phoenix of Mapogo had TB and the disease began to destroy his health more and more. In December of that year he was no longer seen with his brother. The last of the Mapogos was now the oldest, he...the godfather, the boss. Makhulu struggled alone for weeks through the African bush and as of March 2013 he was no longer sighted, What remains is an incredible story about 6 brothers who showed the world what the true life of a male lion is. They came, ruled and became legend of the Savannah. R.I.P. 
MAPOGO COALITION
DATED: MAY 29, 2011 GREG COATES REPORT http://www.mrtmapogo.com/2021/04/03/mapogo-coalition-may-29-2011-g-coates-report/
Rare image of The Mr T's Partner in crime
The Brave Shaka aka Kinky Tail Mapogo ___________ Credits Rory James Loader  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author
Mapogo Lions - The Battles of Africa
Ranger report: The Battle Kings of Sabi Sands Coalitions and Males the Mapogos fought and defeated in at least one encounter as well as Males that were KIA against the Mapogos. Keep in mind there are multiple Nomadic Males that were pushed out or killed by the Mapogos that were never documented. 3 coalitions of Nomads that were documented. So we may never know the true extent of the massive Mapogo reign which is already incredibly illustrious as it is. Furthermore it took 9 Males and two different younger Coalitions, poaching as well to contribute in the downfall of the past their prime Mapogos. The list includes at least 20 Coalitions and/or 1 dominant Lion. Truly amazing. Nhlanguleni Male (1 Male) Northern Coalition (4 Males) Dzunani Male (1 Male) Rocky Serengeti Male (1 Male) Nkuhuma Coalition (2 Males) Ravenscourt Male (1 Male) Skukuza Coalition (4 Males) One eye and Stompie Coalition(2 Males) Nomadic Coalition, East (4 Males) Nomadic Coalition, West (2 Males) Nomadic Coalition, East (2 Males) Manyeleti Coalition (2 Males) Golf Course Coalition (2 Males) Gijima Coalition (2 Males) Rollercoaster and Solo (2 Males) Toulon Coalition (3 Males) Majingilane Coalition (5 Males, Day battle) Matimba Coalition (3/4 Males) Selati Coalition (4 Males, two battles) Limper KNP Male (1 Male) Casulties Casulties include at least 12 fully grown Males killed by the Mapogos. It is not known exactly how many Male Lions the Mapogos killed. The Mapogos simply were doing nature's calling and they excelled as Lions like no others have. 1 Nlanguleni Male 1 Northern Male 1 Dzunani Male 1 Rocky Serengeti Male 1 Skukuza Male 1 Nkuhuma Male 1 Golf Course Male 2 Nomadic Males 1 Manyeleti Male 1 Majingilane Male 1 KNP Male
Mapogo Lions - The Battles of Africa
Ranger report: The End of Limper Kruger In mid 2012 not long after Mr. T's death at the hands of the Selatis, the now established and dominant KNP coalition in Southern Sabi Sands were unstoppable. The old Makhulu and Pretty Boy who had been recently ousted by the same Selatis were surrounded by 3 different coalitions around them. They ended up in the South and the last 2 remaining old Mapogos had one last hurrah in them. Makhulu would lead the last of his brothers into ONE LAST STAND. The old Mapogos ended up in KNP territory to try one last stand and the huge KNP Males more than obliged. A clash of epic proportions came next as the 2 Mapogos fought the 2 prime KNP Males for perhaps new territory. A bloody fight took place as the old Mapogos gave it all they had but ultimately lost as the KNP Males triumphed and kept their land. In a glorious defeat the old Mapogos showed they could still bang with the best. Despite the win the KNP Males suffered a big blow. The Mapogos (Makhulu) inflicted an injury to Limper who was suspected to have died 2 weeks later from the same injury. Result and aftermath The 2 Mapogos lost but they gave the younger and stronger KNP Males all they could handle and inflicted a mortal wound to one of the KNP Males, Limper. The Mapogos would then wonder off into the sunset. The remaining KNP Male Freddy continued to reign supreme in the South but not long after their triumph his brother Limper died of his injuries sustained in the fight with the Mapogos.
Mapogo Lions - The Battles of Africa
Ranger report: 3 Mapogos versus 4 Matimbas ... The mystery night of June 19th 2011: In June 2011 another epic battle took place. The 3 remaining Mapogos (Makhulu, Pretty Boy and Mr. T) fought the younger and huge Matimbas (probably against the oldest of them, Hairy Belly, Ginger Matimba and one more fo the Matimbas). Even now in their old days, the 3 old warriors pushed the Matimbas out of their area. For days a Showdown was brewing on the northern border of Sabi Sands. The Matimbas, Majingilanes and also the Mapogos moved at the same time on the very thin line of their kingdoms. There was a night battle and the traces could be clearly seen on the 3 Mapogos. It was a Clash of Titans. The Mapogos succesfully defended their pride and held their ground. The old Mapogos supremacy proved one more time. As we all know the Mapogos won that battle, with heavy injuries though, and that against 3 younger Matimbas. Makhulu was 13+ yo, PB 11+ and MrT almost 10. After their defeat the 4 Matimbas gave up their plans to expand west into the Mapogo Kingdom and turned their interest towards the East and SE. This brought them in direct confrontation with the Majingilane in August 2011. The full fury of the Sava males felt the infamous Night watchmen and left the battlefield defeated. The Spartans, meanwhile, consolidated their rule and remained firmly on the throne. A danger was approaching them from the south. The young Selatis moved deeper and deeper into Mapogoland ...
Mapogo Lions - The Battles of Africa
Ranger report: Makhulu vs. Ravenscourt (2007) ...On our last evening at Londolozi, our guide followed a lion that was looking for his pride. We followed him into the bush, at one point in time. I left that footage in, even though it's jerky, so you can get a sense of what it's like to be on safari.The safari drive was spent following two lions (Makhulu Mapogo & Ravenscourt male) who were having a territorial encounter. Ravenscourt /Castleton Male was chased off by Makhulu Mapogo. Ravenscourt/Castleton male grew up in the Castleton pride before joining up with 4 Rollercoaster Males (Shaws males) for a while. Ravenscourt male was also known as the Castleton male, he was the brother of Kokwana. He eventually joined the Ravenscourt pride and seemed to accept the Sand River males cubs as his own. The Ravenscourt pride succumbed to the pressure of the Mapogos and disease with both the Castleton male and one of the youngsters being absorbed into the Ximhungwe pride in 2008. When the Ravenscourt pride disintegrated the Castleton/Ravenscourt male rejoined the Ximhungwe pride, he teamed up with the young Ximhungwe male. The Castleton male and young Ximhungwe male formed a bond and moved away from Mapogo controlled territory in late 2008/early 2009 but both had to be put down after killing and eating a Rabies infected domestic dog (a week or two later and they would have been inoculated against the disease as the authorities were busy with all the large predators at the time). Late 2008/early 2009 was when the Ravenscourt & young Ximhungwe male died. by Silent Sensei 
The Twins
Rasta and Pretty Boy on a kill.  *This image is copyright of its original author
Mapogo Lions - The Battles of Africa
Ranger report: Mr. T & Kinky Tail vs 3 young Toulon male lions – 10 June 2009 ...During the morning drive, the Eyrefield males (Mr. T and Kinky Tail) were found south of West Street bridge. They moved southwards searching for something, and finally came to rest close to Rattray’s Camp on the western bank of the Sand River. The three young male lions (Dominant, Shy & Diamond Face Toulon) from the buffalo kill were found fat and fast asleep on the eastern bank opposite Rattray’s Camp. In the afternoon, both sets of males got active. The young males - still full - didn’t move far, while on the western bank an unseen threat approached. The Eyrefield males got active early in the afternoon and continued their quest from the morning. Searching along the river, the two males headed for the position of the younger coalition. Crossing the river, the two Eyrefield males picked up the scent of the other males and made straight for them. Once a male lion picks up the scent of its enemy it becomes silent, moving through the veld with murderous intent - and these two males were intent. Surprising the three sleeping males, the two dominant males set about their task with gruesome ambition. Springing to their feet, the young males tried to defend themselves - but without much success. They were soon overpowered. Turning and running, the three youngsters split up - trying to escape into the darkness. The Eyrefield males gave chase. In the ensuring fight, rangers were able to catch glimpses of skirmishes as lions flashed past the spotlights. Eventually, as the roars subsided, the Eyrefield males regrouped and came back to the river to drink. The three youngsters had vanished. |
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