Lions of Sabi Sands

[Blondemane]

MALAMALA TODAY: January 23rd-25th.
The last 3 days saw us record 9 sightings of lions involving 3 prides as well as a coalition of males, 10 leopards sightings, 2 packs of Cape hunting dogs totaling 30 individuals, hoards of elephants, several buffalo and an array of other game.
A rather strange thing happened on the evening of the 23rd. We were viewing a small herd of buffalo near Mlowathi Dam. A female that had been laying down stood up and, without preamble, gave birth in front of us. We didn’t have to much time to fully absorb the spectacle that is new life before a rowdy elephant that had been swimming in the Dam came charging in at the herd of bovines. For whatever reason the elephant had it in for the buffalo and chased them relentlessly. In the chaos it soon became apparent that the buffalo had more cause for concern... lions had entered the fray! The Nkuhuma pride made several failed attempts at catching one of the formidable beasts before giving up. Miraculously the newborn calf had gone unnoticed during the ordeal but it had been separated from the herd which was already moving off. Unfortunately, things didn’t end well for the youngster - the following day it was being fed upon by hyenas. The youngsters from the Torchwood pride who have been spending more and more time on our reserve (seemingly breaking away from the pride itself) were seen on all 3 days. They were found at Confluence Crossing, Lion Loop and Matshapiri Open Area respectively. All 23 members of the Kambula pride and Gowrie male coalition were viewed on the 24th and on the 25th. They were initially found near our airstrip and killed a wildebeest to the west of MalaMala Camp overnight. They then moved into the Sand River in front of MalaMala Camp. Reply