There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
One of the most important ingredients in an amazing safari is a good tracker/guide/driver who can not only spot animals, but understands their behavior. This is what enabled us to meet The Musketeers, a powerful coalition of male lions in Masai Mara.
This is Morani. We spotted a young male lion at dawn, running and continuously looking over his shoulder. We figured he was chased by another lion. We drove in the direction he was looking, and eventually we met Morani and his brother Hunter, enjoying the sunrise. We stayed with them until they started walking. Our driver, who knows the area very well, guessed they were heading towards a particular tree by the Mara River where they like to rest, and that they may stop to drink from a small natural hole on their way. And indeed they did. We waited for them by the water, and they walked right towards us. This is my favorite thing: to plan the shot and wait for the animal. This way you get what you want, and you don't disturb the animal by following it.
My trip to Masai Mara was incredible - I loved every second of it. Nights were filled with the sounds of hippos, hyenas and lions roaring in the distance, and the glorious days were filled with wonderful lion sightings, leopard and cheetah. I couldn't wait to meet Scarface, who together with his coalition partners Hunter, Morani and Sikio make up the group called the Musketeers. The lions had killed a hippo in the night, and when we got to them there was a female and her cubs feeding on the carcass. Scar was lying nearby relaxing in the sun. Fortunately he got up and I managed to get this photo of him.
Lion King..!!! Boxernose Photo credits: Robyn E. Preston
It was an easy meal. One he didn't have to work for. The meal consisted of a zebra, trapped down an embankment with no way out. The lion pride had spent the afternoon, a short distance away, lazing in the afternoon shade unaware that the zebra was floundering. At the end of our day, that's how we left them.
Coming back the following morning, the ineveitable had happened. Such is life in the wild.
From The marsh pride FB
We came across the contenders, resting up on Rhino Ridge this morning, right now there are 4 of them, two have gone walkabout and for now they are biding their time and building strength before they mount a pride challenge. Which pride they will contend for is anyone's guess, Scar and his brothers are looking old now, Scar himself is limping so maybe the Paradise Pride, or perhaps they can out number the two males at the Marsh? They would be foolish to take on the Madomo Pride with Lipstick and Blackie being so strong.. time will tell. The drama is certainly building and no one knows how or when these boys will make their move. Photos courtesy of Moses Manduku, Governors Camp Head Driver Guide.
Other male lion coalitions from Masai Mara
