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The Mighty Mapogos
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 Hilarious! Lioness attempting to lure uninterested Mapogo male Lion to mate! Makhulu Mapogo: "How many times do I have to tell you?! NOT IN FRONT OF THE HUMAN!!! I don't want to give them the satisfaction!!" Very funny - this lioness wanted to mate but the dominant Mapogo male was way too tired to be interested. He´s the Boss! Didn't stop her at all... +Date: 14. July 2011 +Location: Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa +Filmed by: Nina Wennersten (Hippo Creek Safaris)* *This video is copyright of its original author 
I have few queries related to Mapogos:
1. Did any of Mapogos son survive to rule any pride? 2. Did Mr T kills all cubs after joining the coalition, even Makhulu's? 3. Is Mapogos bloodline still present in Sabi sands via daughters of Mapogos? 
1. Unknown. Othawa T and Othawa M - the only Mapogo's sons which made it to an age of nomadic life went into Kruger in 2012 and noone knows if they succeed or fail.
2. Well... as you can imagine Mr T didn't make DNA test to the cubs before killing them. 3. Yes, whole Othawa, Mhangeni and Kambula prides as well as males which come from those prides.  (01-28-2019, 11:24 PM)Charan Singh Wrote: I have few queries related to Mapogos: 4 Mhangeni females (3 as of today, 1 disappeared) and two Adult Othawa females are their daughters
That are the daughters, but there are also granddaughters: all Kambula lionesses, Mhangeni sub adults and younger Othawa lionesses. Also all cubs from those prides has Mapogo blood.
(01-13-2017, 01:02 AM)Georgel Wrote: The link was broken and I replaced it with one that works.
"Legendary Mapogo male lion
Once part of a 6 male strong coalition, this male lion known as Makulu is now one of 2 remaining Mapogo male lions." (Greg McCall-Peat) https://rangerdiaries.com/diary/legendar...7g3jt_LDSs Picture of Makhulu taken by Greg McCall-Peat  *This image is copyright of its original author
"Lion warfare – Life’s tribulations
Karen Loader, June 16, 2018 I remember the morning like it was yesterday. At the time, I was working for the world renowned Londolozi Private Game Reserve as a Lodge Manager at Founders Camp where a Big Cat Safari has become synonyms with Londolozi. We had a honeymoon couple, let’s just call them Mr and Mrs Smith who wanted to do something special and requested to sleep under the stars at the Londolozi lookout deck. Being a romantic at heart, the Founders team and I set up an incredible evening for this great couple. Just think lanterns, candles, beautiful Londolozi bed, draped in an Out of Africa mosquito net, surrounded by an incredible River view, a finely prepared picnic dinner and an assortment of luxury beverages, not to mention the sounds and the incredible stars, bringing you closer to nature, a spiritual connection. What an incredible evening, little did they know the morning would bring a sighting like no other. It was awesome to be out so early in the morning, still dark, the air was crisp and I had a sense of excitement about me that I couldn’t quite explain. I set off, following the sand river, passing Taylor’s dam and Pioneer Camps entrance and through open areas to Mhangene Double Crossing to where the look-out deck was situated. Conversing with Mr and Mrs Smith over the radio I made my way through the giant Jackelberry trees towards the deck where the couple were eagerly awaiting, with big smiles, excited to tell me about their night and how special it was. After enjoying a fresh, hot cup of coffee we all set off back to camp to meet up with their guide Sandros, who would take them out on their morning game drive. It was starting to get light now with a slight mist hovering over the dewy grass, Impala attentively watch us from the open areas and a chorus of baboons barking in the background alerted us to something incredible. With limited time, we moved on and followed the sounds, moving closer and closer to camp, we were eagerly followed the barks of the baboons. We had no idea what we would find. With the barking escalating in volume and witnessing the baboons scrambling from tree to tree to get a better vantage point, we came to a sight that to this day is etched in my memory. Turning the corner towards the Pioneer entrance and the wall of Taylors dam, right where I had driven early this morning, were two of the famed Mapogo Male Lion Coalition, Kinky Tail and Mr T, devouring a sub adult hippo. These Incredible lions, had successfully taken down an animal 4 times their size with ease and were now enjoying the spoils. It was an absolutely incredible sighting, positioning the vehicle so the guests could get the perfect shot, all I could hear was the “cha cha cha” of the shutter of Mr Smith’s Canon SLR like a semi-automatic machine gun, mixed with tearing flesh and low pitched growls as the two males fed. Calling in the sighting we left to get back to camp to ensure we were able to meet up with the other guests. The lions had a large meal and we knew they would more than likely be there for some time, coming back to visit them later. It’s incredible. We had to warn staff at Pioneer Camp to ensure they were aware of the lions right outside their entrance and to be mindful during the day as the interaction was bound to attract other predators to the scene. The staff canteen was full of commotion about the lions and the hippo they had killed, so much so that we decided to go out to see how far the lions had got and whether there was another story to be told. Heading back towards Taylors Dam, to where we had seen the lions that morning, we found not two but now four lions, two lionesses from the Styx pride had heard the commotion and had come to investigate. It was an unusual sighting, as one of the lionesses you could see was quite skinny and clearly hungry but was not feeding, where the other lioness and older female was feeding alongside the males. Every time the younger lioness tried to feed, the males would aggressively confront her, forcing her to submit and retreat to a nearby bush. She would try again and the interaction would become more and more aggressive, leading to the flashback Friday image of the lioness bearing her teeth at Mr T. Sheer power seen in both lion’s bodies as they face off each other before the lioness very wisely submitted and retreated. Why was one lioness accepted and the other not? And what would happen next we all thought! We would find out that evening, as the often tranquil evenings, was now filled with lion roars, growls and cries, that were so loud I don’t think anyone slept that night. Investigating the area in the morning, we came across a gory sight, the lions had moved the hippo closer to Pioneer car park, and we could see by the spoor marks, fur and blood throughout the Pioneer car park that a huge fight had taken place that evening and someone had come off second best. But who? We found out about an hour later over the radio, warning staff that there was a lioness walking through the staff village. The guides moved in to investigate to find the female breathing heavily at Camp Dam, she had been mauled by the two males and was in a bad state. Nature at her cruelest, watching the magnificent animal take her last breath in front of us was very sad. Why had the males killed her? It’s hard to understand the lion dynamics in the Sabi Sands, and ever changing saga, which fascinates us all on a daily basis. Nothing is wasted in the end, the lioness’s body was later consumed by crocodiles who found her body on the banks of camp dam. I will never forget the events of that day and it will forever stay with me and all that had the privilege of seeing nature in all her glory. The circle of life." https://unearthexperience.com/lion-warfa...xBpLTigP04 Kinky Tail – Photo Credit: Rory Loader  *This image is copyright of its original author
I AM LEGEND
“Legend” – A person whose fame or notoriety makes him a source of exaggerated or romanticized tales or exploits.  *This image is copyright of its original author ‘Legend’ is a word that is thrown around all too often in this day and age but the term surmises the reign of the Mapogo lions in the Sabi Sands to perfection. For the last 6 years or so, this notorious band of brothers has ruled the area with an iron paw. They are true warriors and have proved themselves time after time on the field of battle. During their prime, 6 of these magnificent specimens patrolled their territory, dispatching all competitors and striking fear into the hearts of all that found themselves in their way. Legend has it that the Mapogo have been responsible for killing in excess of 40 males, females and cubs as they stamped their authority on their domain. Whole prides have been wiped out in their relentless march for dominance and challengers have been eaten in an act of defiance: a fate almost unheard of in the species of Panthera leo. The former warden of the Sabi Sands has been cited saying that he believes them accountable for over 100 lion fatalities although the true number will probably never be known. Never before has the lion population known such a force and it is stories like this that have elevated their exploits to legendary status.  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author These brothers may have a fearsome reputation but in the world of the lion, they should be seen as the epitomes of what a successful coalition should be. They have been labeled as sadistic and remorseless to mention only a few adjectives assigned to them, but their exploits have ensured safe breeding grounds and stability in an area of unusually high competition. Their success has changed the dynamic of the lion population in this area forever and it is no surprise to me that litters are becoming more and more skewed in favour of male offspring. This is an inevitable outcome as nature attempts to balance the scales and provide a more level playing field.  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author In recent years, new and equally formidable coalitions have been responsible for whittling down the Mapogo’s numbers as territorial lines were drawn in the sand and crossed and repeated battles were waged. The Majingilanes in the north and the Southern Pride males in the south have both had their say in the shaping of the new regime and now all that remains of the mighty Mapogo are two aging specimens known as Makhulu and Pretty Boy. Since being overthrown by the Southern Pride males, the last of these legends have been sighted regularly on Sabi Sabi as they search for new territory or maybe just sanctuary as they live out the remainder of their days. At 14 and 12 years of age, they have surpassed the life expectancy of most male lions and carry the scars of years of conflict on the front line.  *This image is copyright of its original author During my 6 years of working in the bush, I have been privileged to view and come into close contact with many different lions from different areas of South Africa and Tanzania but I can honestly say that I have never witnessed such magnificent specimens as these two remaining legends. Perhaps it is the stigma attached to them that accentuates their aura, but they are the most intimidating lions that I have laid eyes upon. It is not merely their freakish size and musculature that raises the adrenaline levels and starts the heart pounding, but the look contained deep within their eyes.  *This image is copyright of its original author Peering into those yellow abysses one can truly feel the history and experience of many a hard fought battle in which the deciding factor was not just power, but a will to survive. Their eyes bore through you like no other lions I have even seen and I refuse to believe anyone who claims to not feel a slight pang of uncertainty when they stare back at you. The uneasiness of their presence is something that I have never felt before when watching the Kruger males. For fear of downplaying the current kings of Sabi Sabi, the last of the Mapogo make them look like kittens.  *This image is copyright of its original author It is hard not to paint the Mapogos as terrifying, evil beasts due to the wrath they have rained down on the area but I hope that they are remembered as great rulers and protectors. They have raised the bar as to the expectations of male coalitions in so far as protecting a territory and ensuring their genetic success. They should be seen as role models, not killers.  *This image is copyright of its original author In conclusion then, legendary status is hard to achieve but ask anyone who has worked in the Sabi Sands for the last 7 years and they will tell you tales of the Mapogo. Sadistic tyrants or protective fathers? Both could be claimed true but the fact is that their arrival heralded a new age of the lion population in the Sabi Sands. Love them or hate them, their exploits will never be forgotten. These tales will no doubt be embellished and exaggerated but this is how great icons are born. Over time, these stories will become myths and myths will become legends: a fitting legacy for the most famous lions of the modern era.  *This image is copyright of its original author By: Ben Coley (Bush Lodge Ranger) Images by: Ben Coley and Richard de Gouveia https://www.sabisabi.com/blog/1360/i-am-legend/ Previously posted here: https://wildfact.com/forum/topic-the-mig...6#pid28516, but from another source (not the original one!) and missing a lot of pictures.
An Ode to Kinky Tail, a Legend at MalaMala
MalaMala June 22, 2012 The inimitable Kinky-Tail by Andrew Batchelor  *This image is copyright of its original author One of our astute YouTube friends made an adept observation that it has been two years since Kinky Tail's demise. Our more recent safari enthusiasts may not have heard of Kinky Tail – he was one of the legendary male lions to grace MalaMala in years past, and was part of the Mlowathi lion coalition. He met his very tragic and ultimately end during an epic battle with a rival coalition. Click here http://blog.malamala.com/index.php/2010/...-the-ages/ to read the account if you were not part of it way back then. In lieu of the (close to) anniversary of the end of his reign, we though we would share this clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wnibRs7txU of him and a Styx Pride lioness roaring into the night. I am sure that those who have been near a roaring lion will agree that nothing tops the real thing. But it comes close…. Here’s to Kinky Tail! Happy weekend everyone, The MalaMala Ranger Team https://blog.malamala.com/index.php/2012...-malamala/ (12-20-2016, 03:22 AM)Georgel Wrote: A saga for the ages This write up of Mala Mala has a lot of misinformation, something unusual for Mala Mala articles. I suppose this happened since the battle didn't take place at Mala Mala, and their rangers wrote about what they were told. The Nkorho rangers version of the story is well known, and in some parts quite the opposite, as in this particular case: "Caught unawares, the Mlowathi males hightailed it out of the area. But the four young lions proved too fast for them..." I'm sure everyone watched Kinky Tail chasing the Majingilanes. This article is also a good lesson for us: don't trust the second hand information! (09-03-2017, 11:46 PM)LionKiss Wrote:(09-03-2017, 10:37 PM)IñigoMontoya Wrote: That if I'm tired to hear that a video with only roars in the night shows a battle between Mapogos and Majingilane. If we saw videos of battles between lions without images I doubt we could differentiate if they are males, lioness, males vs males, males vs lioness, lioness vs lioness etc etc. (In fact, many rangers say that the only roar they recognized was that of Makulu Mapogo because this was only.) After listening to the recording July 9 Khimbini Hlongwane said: "All 5 members of Mapogo were left moving south-east from Idube lodge and this morning 3 were found far north in front of Exeter camp high mobile west as if going some where purposeful or away from something. Among i think i can recognize a roar of the Makhulu Mapogo (the older Man) who is with the Mr T and one other in the west (Dreadlocks). They certainly look unhappy I think they were involve in this. As where is the other two is mystery." This comment of Khimbini doesn't imply that he recognized Makhulu's roar in the audio recording. As far as I can understand Khimbini refers to the next day. 
can anyone help. i am having a problem in uploading pics here. they are appearing as a little thumbnail on preview
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