Lions of Sabi Sands

[Timbavati]

Throwback to 2011 in the Sabi Sands
3 of the Majingilane males after chasing the 4 Matimba males right back into the Vuyatela
Early August 2011
Image credits: Katia Meijs
Sabi Sands
Background: Majingilanes vs Matimbas
Monday, 1 August 2011
(25°C)
By Elephant plains
Seven male lions chasing each other around Lucas open area
Cedric (Nkorho ranger)
The second real test for the Majingilane
"Are the Majingilanes strong enough and smart enough to handle all the new coalitions crossing through their territory ? .. especially concerned with the Matimbas as they seem to be invading many areas" only time will tell."
As shared by Cedric, Ranger at Nkorho - 1st August 2011
Morning
- Our drive was all about the Majingilane's vs Matimba lions.
It all started out with 4 x Matimba'a (male lions) calling from the south of baboon pan. Then all of a sudden we got four of them moving across gowrie main in a northerly direction. We parked on gowrie main wishing that they would come south again. Then suddenly we got lions calling just south of baboon pan, i waited and then got visual of three male lions coming north. It was the Majingilane's busy calling claiming there territory. The four Matimba's did not back down and started calling from the north and came south again face on with the Majingilanes. The Matimba males ran across gowrie main again and headed towards baboon pan where the Majingilane's were, but the Majingilane's tucked there tail under them a started to run south with the Matimba males right on there heels. The vocalisation was immense as they were all calling trying to claim the territory. We just waited on gowrie main, and it was not long before we got the Matimba males running north again with the Majingilanes hot on there tail's. This happened several times, it was like a ping pong battle. The Matimba males moved further north but still calling like crazy and the Majingilanes settled just south of baboon pan. Tired from the mornings affairs. With all that commotion this morning I'm sure the other Majingilane will be joining his brothers and the other two Matimba males will be joining there brothers. Maybe tonight will be interesting. Watch this space.
Aug 1, 2011
Great report Cedric.1:0 for the Majingilanes, being able to chase the Matimbas off their territory although being outnumbered. May be the Matimbas decide the south being to costly to invade? Let's hope for it.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

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