The Mantimahle Males

[BA0701]

(02-23-2025, 06:42 PM)FACR2212 Wrote: Hello dear friends, in an heroic act I read this full topic of 50 pages! lol

This coalition is fundamental to understand the origins of important male coalitions dominant today in Sabi Sands. So I had the idea to provide ChatGPT the information of the most relevant posts and ask for a history of the Mantimahle Coalition. With some corrections and assitance, GPT managed to create this text (if you want to add relevant information or make a correction, let me know and GPT will do the job):



The Mantimahle Coalition: Conquest and Dominance in Kruger
The Mantimahle lion coalition stands as a remarkable example of how to conquer and rule in the lion world. Unlike many coalitions whose influence is short-lived, the Mantimahle managed to establish themselves as a constant presence in Kruger National Park, defying the ever-changing dynamics of wildlife.

Members and Nicknames
Each of the five original members had a distinctive nickname:

1. The Boss "Charcoal mane"
2. Honest Face
3. Orange Mane
4. Sharp Eyes
5. "5th Mantimahle" Good Boy
   
   

Origins and Lineage
The Mantimahle coalition was born in 2010 within the Mazithi pride. They were the sons of the Two Old Mazithi Males and half-brothers of the Four Mazithi Males. There are speculations that the Mantimahle lions share a bloodline with the Matimba coalition, as the Matimbas were said to be the sons of the Three Old Skybed Males, who were half-brothers to the Two Old Mazithi Males. Additionally, the Old Skybed Males were the fathers of the Skybed Males, further intertwining their lineage.
These five males received their name from Mantimahle Dam, where they took over their first pride in 2015. Their power and aggression quickly turned them into a dominant force in the region.

Rise to Power
In 2016, they invaded Sabi Sands, particularly the southern section around Kirkmans Kamp and Lion Sands. By then, they were rumored to have killed around 35 lions, including confirmed fatalities of a Toulon male in early 2016 and a Sparta male in December of the same year. After taking over the Plains Camp pride and ousting the last Toulon male, they secured dominance over the Sand River pride, concluding their expansion in Sabi Sands.

Expansion and Control
Rather than continuing further into Sabi Sands, the Mantimahle turned their focus back to Kruger. They expanded their territory along the H4-1, taking over the Nkuhlu pride, one of the largest in the park. Their control stretched from Skukuza, through Rhino Post Safari Lodge, to Lower Sabie and the S21, where they began taking over another pride after abandoning Sand River.

This extensive territorial dominance resulted in a significant number of offspring. Subadult males sired by them were confirmed in the Sand River, Plains Camp, and Nkuhlu prides. However, with the arrival of the Southern Avoca males, uncertainty loomed, as the Sand River cubs seemed to have dispersed after the new males took over the pride.

By late 2020, three members of the coalition were seen with the Nkuhlu pride along the H4-1, while the rest moved south towards the S21. It is believed that "5th Mantimahle" remained north of the H4-1, with the two S129 males positioned between the split coalition. Despite the presence of the S129 males, they posed no real threat to the Mantimahle, who had superior numbers and experience.

In 2021, the coalition was seen moving into the Renosterkoppies area along the S21, a former stronghold of the Mpondos coalition. Speculation grew that the Mpondos might soon face heavy pressure, with the Mantimahle to their north and the hungry Mjejanes to the south.
By then, the coalition had split into two groups: one consisting of #1, #3, and #4, and the other including "5th Mantimahle" along with the younger males #6 and #7 from the S36/Mantimahle pride.

By January 2023, the Mantimahle territorial landscape had shifted again. In 2020, they controlled one or more prides in the S21/Nwatimhiri area with several subadults. However, by 2021, this area fell under the control of the S79 males, forcing the surviving Mantimahle to move west towards Renosterkoppies.

Decline and End of the Coalition
The Mantimahle achieved something exceptional: all five members reached 10 years of age, a rare feat for lion coalitions.

• Mantimahle Honest Face was the first to die in 2020 after deteriorating in condition.
• Mantimahle Sharp Eyes died in 2021 or early 2022.
• 5th Mantimahle perished around mid-2022.
• The Boss "Charcoal" and Orange Mane were last seen together with the Renosterkoppies pride in late 2022. After that, only Orange Mane was spotted, but his fate in 2023 remains uncertain.
  
  

Legacy and Descendants
The Mantimahle bloodline continues through multiple generations of lions in Kruger and Sabi Sands. Some of their known descendants include:

• 6 Nkuhlu males
  • Took over the Sand River pride from the Southern Avoca males, killing some Avoca cubs.
  • One of the Nkuhlu males disappeared in 2024.
  • The remaining five form a large but unstable coalition, with fluctuating health conditions.
    
• 2 S36/Mantimahle males (born 2016)
  • Dark Mane Mantimahle
  • Ginger/Blonde Mane Mantimahle
  • Seen in Manyeleti with females from the Imbali and Nkuhuma prides.
  • Currently controlling the Torchwood pride, though they may be seeking expansion.
    
• 2 Plains Camp males (born 2017)
  • Currently dominate the entire western sector of Sabi Sands, ruling over multiple prides.
    
• 2 Sand River males (born 2016)
  
  In 2025, the two S36/Mantimahle males continue to dominate the Torchwood pride. With subadults already present in their territory, speculation arises that they might be seeking a new pride to expand their influence. Given the high number of males in Sabi Sands, any move could trigger violent conflicts if they venture beyond their current range.
  

A Lasting Legacy

The Mantimahle coalition not only conquered vast territories but also left an indelible mark in Kruger National Park’s history. Their power, strategy, and resilience made them one of the most formidable coalitions of their time, and their lineage continues to shape the future of the lions in the region.

Excellent efforts, and, dare I mention, mighty brave, to read through the entire thread. :) Now, onto reading through the Sabi Sands thread. Thanks, for the summary, it is very helpful, and most surely will be for future lion fans! Reply