The Charleston Males and Their Male Lineage

[Tshokwane]

blog / umkumbe safari lodge:
A Fight, Theft & Kill: Sabi Lions Cause Mayhem

We all know that the Sabi Sand is a huge drawcard for visitors due to its big cat sightings and incredible landscape. The ever-changing lion pride dynamics, the absolute rawness of nature and witnessing the extreme line between life and death are experiences which happen while on safari.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Watching a lion pride stalk and take-down a buffalo is one of the rare and incredible moments on safari. When lions attack they assume their positions and they come in from all angles in an effort to confuse, ambush and attack their intended target. If there is a failed attempt at a kill, a lion will not hesitate to steal a carcass from its competition! During the course of last week, this is exactly what happened at Umkumbe. One of the Charleston males, together with three of the Southern Pride lionesses, caused mayhem on our turf. They stole a carcass from hyenas, attempted to hunt, had a fight with each other and returned the next day to enjoy a successful hunt. We love nothing better than a bit of lion drama on a Monday morning.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

Here’s an account of what went down in the world of Sabi Sand lions. Mauritz, Bradley and Nicki were all present during different phases of the lion showdown. Definitely an epic day for all involved!

The Charleston male and Southern females were located on the Sabi clearing. The area was inundated with a huge herd of over 100 buffalo. Close to the chaos was the carcass of small buffalo which was the centre of attention for a clan of scavenging hyenas. The hyenas were chomping at the bit to get their turn to feed, while trying to fend off the huge herd of buffalo. This draw the attention of the vultures, who like nothing better than to scavenge on carrion. The kettle of vultures circling in the sky drew the attention of the lions.

The hungry and curious cats came stampeding over to see what was on the menu. They chased the hyenas away and started on the carcass. The huge herd of buffalo then circled the lions to get them to vacate the area, but the lions decided to try and take them down instead of moving off. The hunt was unsuccessful. When they returned to the stolen carcass, the big Charleston male wanted the lion’s share of the meal and sent marching orders to the females. He started a fight with one of the lionesses, so all 3 just sat and watched him. This all happened in the morning.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

After the morning game drive was complete, we thought the frenzy of activity had calmed down. But later on that afternoon during the evening game drive session, the same lions returned to the Sabi Sand clearing. They were chasing a cheetah onto our property ! The following morning Bradley and Mauritz found the lions on a buffalo kill. At last – they finally made their own kill! But yet again a fight ensued – it seems this Charleston male doesn’t like to share his meals! The big Charleston boy gave the Southern lionesses quite a mouthful before settling down to eat. After eating all that meat and not sharing, this big boy needed to quench his thirst, so he was spotted drinking from a small waterhole.


What a week of lions ! This Charleston boy is quite a tough beast and has made it clear that he doesn’t enjoy sharing his meals with the Southern lionesses.

Thanks to rangers Mauritz, Bradley and Nicki for the images and update.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

Reply