Coalitions of Kruger National Park

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WILDLIFE REPORT
SINGITA KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA For the month of June, 2017

Lions: ”Lebombo, the land of lions” certainly lived up to its name this month. With 69 sightings during the month and spread across all three of the main prides. On a few occasions, all three prides were seen in the course of a single day.

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Photo by Nick du Plessis
 

The Shishangaan pride made up the bulk of the sightings this month, and most of those being of the large group of 19, surprisingly with all the sub-adult males still present! There were so many quality sightings but one definitely stands out as a buffalo hunt we were lucky enough to witness. 

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We had watched them throughout the day lying up on a rocky ridge above a small pan. During the course of the entire day they moved all of about 50 metres and looked lethargic at best, hardly batting an eyelid at some kudus and impala who came down for a drink. But at dusk a large herd of elephants passed through which looked to startle them a bit and with their heads finally up they noticed a herd of around 50 buffalos moving in their direction. After what we had seen during the course of the afternoon we didn’t expect too much but stayed anyway hoping to see a little action. 

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What would transpire in the next half an hour no one could have ever predicted! All 19 lions went from zero to full out in a few minutes and without the slightest attempt to stalk they ran directly into and after the herd, with absolute chaos ensuing. They ended up successfully targeting and bringing down three different adult buffalos at the same time! Nineteen lions are without doubt incredibly strong and powerful but buffalos are no slouches either. What is maybe more impressive is that by midway through the next morning’s drive there was almost no sign that anything had happened. The three large Shishangaan males got wind of what happened and came for their share which meant that between them and the 19 lions there was nothing left less than a day after it had all happened!

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The Mountain pride have been a little scarce compared to last month. They are slowly moving further north again and with the Xinkelengane drainage holding water very well to the north this is definitely a good move to be away from the big pride. The only thing which is not in their favour is how the ”Grumpy” Shishangaan male is almost constantly with the pride, adding extreme pressure especially when there is a kill. For the most part they are doing well, the entire pride and female cub looking extremely healthy.



The Xhirombe pride have only made up a few sightings and only seem to come into the concession when the bigger Shishangaan pride are not present. At this point, there are only the single (very old) lioness and her last male cub who is now around four years old remaining. There is a thought that maybe the younger lioness has separated herself from the pride because she has small cubs of her own. If that is the case it will be her first litter and of course very exciting for us.

This last month we have also had a few sightings of two unknown young males. These two males have been seen in the vicinity of the lodge and in the southern parts of the concession. We don’t know how long they’ll stick around, but we are enjoying the odd sightings and vocalizations around the camps at night

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

A beautiful male lion on patrol as the suns tries to poke through the early morning fog in Kruger National Park. He is part of a group of coalition males in charge of an incredible 35 member pride. Photo by hamishmitchellphotography Reply