The Matimba coalition

[Gamiz]

History of the 6 Matimba Male Lions 

The first time someone heard of Matimbas was in Manyeleti 6 of them in March 16, 2010. By the time, we have properly known them, they have already started pushing the dominant Males of the area. And in oct 10 2010, they took over their first territory when they attacked and ousted the dominant Male Dozie of the area.

Then they were unstoppable, they begin the take over of the other prides and by the start of 2011, they have ousted the dominant Males and taken over all of the prides in Manyeleti and in the surrounding areas. With each day their territory continued to grow and extended out of Manyeleti, stretching into parts of Kruger, northern Sabi Sands, and Ngala. That was a large territory to patrol! They covered enormous distances, it was a perfect example of these cats incredible physicality. We assume it was because of the lack of much lion prides in the area. 

All was going well for the Matimbas but in December 2012, the leader of the coalition (Ndhuna) suddenly disappeared but the other 5 members of the coalition did well to hold onto power without the protection of the bigger and older Ndhuna. 

As the time passed, the Matimba coalition was unchallenged. Their territory continued to grow so as the distance between them. By the end of 2013, the Matimba separated into 2 Coalitions. 3 further ventured into North, while the other two started to spend more time south into Manyeleti and Sabi Sands. 

Since 2010, the Matimbas have defended their kingdom and defeated many coalitions. The list includes :
 Dozie, 3 Original Skybed Males, 2 Gijima Males, 7 Orpen Males, 4 Machaton Males, 5 Giraffe Males, 3 Old Ngala Males, 3 Fourways, 2 Styx Males. They were undefeated until 2015, when a coalition of 5 Males (Birmingham) came and pushed the Two southern Matimbas out of northern Sabi Sands. But This wasn't the end of the two Southern Matimbas, they went to west and challenged the Majingilane coalition of 4 Male Lions for their eastern territory. And after some epic battles, it now seems that they have displaced the powerful Majingilane coalition and are the new kings of Londolozi and surrounding areas. 

The 3 Northern Matimbas are still in charge but since January 2016, one of the Males has been reportedly missing and presumed dead by the lodges. That leaves the coalition to only two Males and open to other younger coalitions in the area. 

Matimbas have been very successful Males genetically and have sired cubs with numerous prides. The numbers count well over 40 offsprings. Majority of these cubs have been sired by the both coalition with southern Matimbas contributing in somewhat 35 of them. The prides Matimbas have sired cubs with are, Mibri, Nkuhuma, Talamati, Torchwood, Styx, Red Road Pride, KNP skittish Pride, Skorro Lion Pride. Northern Matimbas have one or two more prides in KNP and Ngala area which we don't have any info about them. And also Southern Matimbas have two new prides in Central Sabi Sands, the Tsalala and Mhangeni prides. 

The Matimbas were born in 2006 and despite reaching 10 years old. The mighty Matimbas continue to rule and sire cubs till today. Starting from 2010, the Matimbas are in their sixth year in reign. 

By Darren Donovan 
Photo credits: Tintswalo lodges

*This image is copyright of its original author

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