The Southern Males have been spending a lot of time along the eastern border of Savanna Private Game Reserve within the Sabi Sand, and on one particular morning, guests were lucky enough to find them lying right outside the entrance of the lodge!
Paddy (Head ranger at Savanna) has noted that they have started roaring regularly now, which is seen as a direct threat to the older Mapoga coalition. In addition, one of the Southern Males has now started mating with a Ximungwe lioness. This again indicates that the younger coalition is growing in confidence and stature and looking to take over.
The Mapoga have spent most of their time to the south of Savanna’s traverse, mainly because they were following the movements of a large herd of buffalo. A man needs to eat! They made 3 successful hunts, and on one occasion when the Savanna rangers and guests found them, they could hardly walk they were so full!
The one kill they made was on the eastern border, and this definitely came to the attention of the Southern Males. The younger coalition investigated during the night, and the Savanna rangers promptly found that the Mapoga had retreated further west the next morning!
So we wait to see whether the Mapoga will grow old gracefully and move on, or will they stand and fight to the death in order to hold onto the last remains of their territory?
There are a number of quality safari lodges in the western part of the Sabi Sand. These include Savanna, Idube and Inyati, as well as the Exeter safari lodges. In addition Leopard Hills and Ulusaba. Contact Sun Safaris if you would like to find out more about the costs of visiting these superb safari lodges.
Copyright © Photographs taken by Paddy Hagelthorn, Neil Whyte, David Wilson and Greg Coates.
