Lions of Timbavati

[Potato]

Klaserie Drift update

The sun was slowly rising over the beautiful Klaserie Private Nature Reserve when that most iconic sound of all reverberated through the bushveld - the telltale roar of a lion. Following their call, it wasn’t long before the entire pride was successfully located and - to our absolute shock - they were feeding on the fresh carcass of a teenage elephant! Weighing in at around 3 tonnes, the lions were dwarfed by the fallen behemoth and battled to break into the thick hide. Despite having secured a meal fit for an entire village, many of the 26 lions growled and snarled as they defended their corner of the kill. A few more, having eaten their share, lay scattered about the thicket in a meat-induced sleep.

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Speechless, our guides and guests ingested the scene before them with wide eyes. Thinking it couldn’t possibly get any better, male Socha then produced a soft moan that quickly caught speed, developing into a chorus of full-blown roars resounding from every lion in every direction! The very ground felt like it physically shook with the awesome tremble of the magnificent River pride. Despite taking photos and videos aplenty, it was clear nothing could ever replicate the awe-inspiring feeling of being present in that very moment.
Within just 48 hours, the ravenous lions had devoured their quarry, leaving us still struggling to comprehend how this scene had even come to be. Most likely, the elephant was a lone teenage bull and possibly injured from a fight with another elephant. The truth is, we may never know what transpired overnight between these two giants of the bushveld - an epic battle between arguably Africa’s most quintessential species.

Following such a momentous beginning to the month, you would be forgiven for thinking it couldn’t possibly get any better. However, just a few days later Hosi, Socha and the River pride struck AGAIN! This time guide Emily and our guests were in exactly the right spot at the right time to witness the lions take down a huge buffalo bull - from laying the initial trap after spotting their oblivious target to the eventual chase and kill. With so many formidable predators on its tail, the kill itself was mercifully quick and they dispatched the bull within 20 minutes. Once again, a frenetic bout of feeding followed and they consumed the entire 800kg beast in less than 24 hours. Nothing, it seems, can hold this pride in one place for long.

The rest of August continued with more wonderful sightings of the River pride, as well as a welcome sighting of the much lesser seen Timbila pride, normally found in the north of the Klaserie. Overall, it has been a mesmerising month of lion sightings here at Klaserie Drift.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

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