Are The Ndzhenga Male Lions More Dominant Than The Plains Camp Males? – Londolozi Blog

Lion dynamics around Londolozi and the greater Sabi Sand area have always intrigued me, particularly the interactions among male lions. Being at the heart of the Sabi Sand, Londolozi frequently sees various coalitions moving through our property. Over the past few years, we have seen the Majingilane Males get pushed out by the Birmingham Males who in turn killed the Othawa Male. The arrival of the Ndzhenga Males then saw the Birmingham Males whittled down to one who was overthrown.

And in more recent times two coalitions have especially made a mark: to the west of our camps, the Plains Camp Males have established a vast territory that stretches to our western neighbours and further north. On the eastern side, the Ndzhenga Males, now dominant over two prides, have continued to assert their dominance with impressive displays.

The very impressive Plains Camp Males.

The Ndzhenga Males on the patrol.

Every morning drive carries an air of anticipation about what might have happened the night before. A recent morning was particularly thrilling, as just before starting the engine, we heard powerful roars emanating from just south of camp. There was no need to brief my guests; we were clearly following up on these roars, which seemed to come from the area near the Founders’ Camp Entrance.

Shortly after leaving camp, Tayla reported that she had located the Plains Camp Males, who were on the move and appeared to be chasing a Ndzhenga Male towards the airstrip. We quickly looped around to the southern end of the airstrip, realising that the lion they were pursuing was indeed one of the Ndzhenga Males, and they were hot on his trail. Observing male lions in pursuit is always a breathtaking experience, with the action moving so fast and excitement filling the air with what could unfold.

 

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While pursuing the lone Ndzhenga Male, the Plains Camp Males paused their roaring display to listen. As we watched the Ndzhenga Male running down the road, we heard another roar in the distance. The second Ndzhenga Male had heard the commotion and was coming to his brother’s aid and roaring too.

Listening to the distant roaring from the second Ndzhenga Male.

Listening to the distant roars from the second Ndzhenga Male was captivating. His call caused the Plains Camp Males to halt their pursuit. Realising that the Ndzhenga Males were regrouping and preparing a counterattack, the Plains Camp Males decided to retreat. We chose to wait at a nearby watering hole for the Ndzhenga Males to arrive.

On the charge…

The tension was palpable as the Ndzhenga Males approached, their roars echoing with a ferocity I had never heard before. They were seeking revenge and pushing back hard.

When lions are roaring like this, everything stops.

Still early in the morning you can see the steam from their breath as they roar.

Just as it seemed the Ndzhenga Males had the upper hand, the Plains Camp Males regrouped and launched their own counterattack. The battle between the two coalitions became a dynamic spectacle, with each side chasing and retreating in turn. For about an hour, the two sides engaged in a fierce back-and-forth.

The Plains Camp Males on the charge.

Ultimately, the Ndzhenga Males managed to drive the Plains Camp Males deep into their territory. As they walked back into more familiar grounds, their roars reverberated through the area, signaling their victory and their unwillingness to be easily overpowered.

Mission, successful!

Witnessing these two powerful coalitions roar and chase each other was truly one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve had at Londolozi. This might be the start of a significant rivalry between the Plains Camp Males and the Ndzhenga Males, making for exciting times ahead!

Who do you think is the more powerful coalition of male lions?