The Plains Camp Males at the Causeway! – Londolozi Blog

There is no denying that lion dynamics within the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve are ever-changing, and for many of us, it is extremely fascinating to speculate about what the future may hold for the Lions of Londolozi. Over the past couple of months, there has been one name in particular that has been taking centre stage more frequently: The Plains Camp Males.  The mere mention of the incredibly impressive and formidable Plains Camp Males, never fails to stir excitement and awe among guides, trackers and guests alike. As their influence spreads across the reserve, their actions are continuously reshaping the current lion dynamics and captivating the imaginations of all of who follow their journey.

As previously mentioned in ranger Barry Bath’s blog, we have already begun to see a slight expansion of the Plains Camp Males territory into the northern reaches of Londolozi as they look to pursue the Nkuhuma Pride.

However, the question begs, will they stop there and could we see an ever further advance into the eastern parts of Londolozi?

Two hippo bulls clash in a dramatic display of power and dominance at the causeway. Altercations such as this can lead to potentially fatal injuries.

We were recently treated to a very unique sighting with a very interesting turn of events. After the discovery of a male hippo carcass on the southern bank of the Sand River near our causeway, killed by a larger dominant male the morning prior. Eager to discover what had transpired around the carcass over the course of the evening, Barry, headed straight for the scene to see if there were any predators that might have come across the carcass.

Shortly after arriving there, Barry updated us that he had found two large male lions approaching the carcass from the east. Naturally, the first thought that came across everyone’s minds was that it was the dominant coalition to the east of camp: The Ndzhenga Males. However, upon closer inspection we were all quite astonished that it was in fact the Plains Camp Males!

The Plains Camp Males are a serious force to be reckoned with.

We sat in awe as these two majestic males began to gorge themselves on one of the easier meals they would have had in the recent months.

***Please note the following images contain graphic content and is not for sensitive viewers***

The larger of the two Plains Camp Males stands over the carcass of the hippo bull. Despite the sheer size of the hippo, the Plains Camp Male finds a way to dwarf the carcass.

The mesmerizingly intense stare of the larger Plains Camp Male as he lays beside their prized meal.

As the sighting unfolded, we realized that tracks of what was presumably the Ntsevu Pride were in and around that same area. We speculated as to what may have happened and why they were nowhere to be seen.  We came to the conclusion that the Plains Camp Males must have chased the Ntsevu pride away from the carcass before returning to the scene to feed. After having had the lions share of the carcass the two males started to move further downstream along the banks of the Sand River towards where the Ntsevu Pride were later located.

The smaller of the two brothers pauses in his pursuit of the Ntsevu Pride as he catches their scent.

As they moved further East, trailing the scent left behind by the Ntsevu Pride, they continuously scent marked along the river (this was surely a first for them as they have not yet been seen this far east on Londolozi). We started to get an uneasy feeling in our stomachs knowing what would likely happen if the males were to find the lionesses with their cubs however, the Plains Camp Males decided to abandon their pursuit after settling down and resting in the morning sun.

Working out there next step.

They decided to return to the carcass at the causeway where they each stopped for a drink before resuming their position along side their meal.

Quenching his thirst from the safety of a shallow pool on the causeway.

A photographers dream. An impressive male lion crossing the causeway!

Irony at its finest. The Plains Camp Males feed on the hippo carcass whilst the rest of the bloat of hippos watch on.

It truly was one of the most exhilarating morning game drives that I have ever experienced. A perfect display of these impressive males primal prowess.

So what is next for the Plains Camp Males…

Could we see further advances to the East into the territory of the neighboring Ndzengha Males and what could this mean for the Nstevu Pride and their cubs that have been sired by the Ndzengha Males?

I guess only time will tell…