Coalitions of Kruger National Park

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WILDLIFE REPORT
SINGITA KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA For the month of March, 2018

Lions:
Grumpy Shish male

*This image is copyright of its original author

Photo by Margaux Le Roux.

One of the most amazing things about game viewing on the N’wanetsi Concession is the sheer number of lion sightings one gets to experience. The viewing of lion prides and coalitions is almost a daily occurrence here, but that in no way diminishes the sheer wonder one feels when viewing the largest of all the African cats.
The Shish Pride, as always, is very special to see, with the white lion and his brothers still in very good health. Each day brings us closer to the moment when there will be a big change in that pride. The males will have to leave, and make their own way in life, leading to a drastic reduction in the number of individuals in the pride. As they draw ever nearer to the four-year-old mark, this change is imminent.

The Mountain Pride have been slightly enigmatic in March this year, especially towards the end of the month. We are under the impression that one of the lionesses in the pride has a set of cubs somewhere in the central area. We look forward to meeting the little ones when she is good and ready to show us!

*This image is copyright of its original author

Photo by Brian Rode

The Shish Males continue to dominate most of the area in which we conduct our game drives, but do not seem to be the force they were when the male with one eye was still part of the coalition. They operate as a coalition of two for the most part, with the older male seen on his own more often than not. There have been two sightings of a new, young coalition of four males that were seen around Dave’s Crossing on the last day of the month. We are very interested to see how this is going to play out.
Lastly, one of the Shish Males was seen mating with an unknown lioness near our staff village for numerous days. It made for great viewing for both staff and guest alike, as the lions were regularly seen on the commute to and from the lodge. Reply