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09-08-2021, 08:52 PM( This post was last modified: 09-08-2021, 08:52 PM by Timbavati )
A interesting update! Sandringham area has been bought (a part of it at least) the new owner will build a lodge there! Thus, the fences should come down in about two years time. That’s where the black dam pride is at the moment and the Xikukutsu males are, they climbed under the fence and have been there for awhile now
note: Sandringham it's an old hunting farm
(09-08-2021, 08:52 PM)Timbavati Wrote: A interesting update! Sandringham area has been bought (a part of it at least) the new owner will build a lodge there! Thus, the fences should come down in about two years time. That’s where the black dam pride is at the moment and the Xikukutsu males are, they climbed under the fence and have been there for awhile now
note: Sandringham it's an old hunting farm
Oh thats not good news for Monwana pride and their cubs, I assume Mapoza stayed behind?
(09-08-2021, 09:06 PM)Tr1x24 Wrote: I assume Mapoza stayed behind?
Yes
(09-08-2021, 08:52 PM)Timbavati Wrote: That’s where the black dam pride is at the moment and the Xikukutsu males are, they climbed under the fence and have been there for awhile now
Ain't they in southern Thornybush with Black Dam breakway pride? When did they crossed into Sandringham?
(09-08-2021, 08:52 PM)Timbavati Wrote: A interesting update! Sandringham area has been bought (a part of it at least) the new owner will build a lodge there! Thus, the fences should come down in about two years time. That’s where the black dam pride is at the moment and the Xikukutsu males are, they climbed under the fence and have been there for awhile now
note: Sandringham it's an old hunting farm
Oh thats not good news for Monwana pride and their cubs, I assume Mapoza stayed behind?
Actually, they've been spending time there for months now. So, doubt it poaching incidents are happening there. At least knowing that was bought recently
A recent sighting of the limping Nharhu male feeding of a buffalo carcass that him and the River pride kill a few days ago. Photo credits: Richard Edwards
(09-09-2021, 06:35 AM)Timbavati Wrote: A recent sighting of the limping Nharhu male feeding of a buffalo carcass that him and the River pride kill a few days ago. Photo credits: Richard Edwards
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.
*This image is copyright of its original author
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.
"Look into the eyes of a Pirate!! This bruiser, & his brother, launched an attack on the Kudyela Pride, who were busy feasting on a Giraffe they had brought down.
It must have been mayhem & the sad result is that one of the young females in the pride were killed.
And pretty soon, these males, known as the Masungulu brothers, will probably be siring the next generation.
This is the way of the Lion dynasties - it’s no picnic out there!!" - Tony Williamson
One of the Black dam young males was seen again in Thornybush Game Reserve. This one and his brother were seen in Manyeleti and Sabi Sands a few months ago.
Photo credits: Kelwan Rudi Kaiser
