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The last few days have been a bit topsy-turvy for the Mbiri pride. They were found on the 12th, just to the north of Reedbuck plains. We then found them at Mazambaan corner on the morning of the 14th. The young lionesses were playing around, and there wasn’t a care in the world. Later on in the morning, they had a huge fight with the Nharhu pride and were sent swiftly to the north, by the Nharhu’s and both Thanda Impi males. The next morning they were found with a nice big buffalo kill. It’s amazing how fortunes change in the bush!
The Nharhu pride was found on the afternoon of the 12th, on South gate road with a Buffalo kill, and accompanied by both Thanda Impi males, they were seen the next day at Main Dam. The Nharhu pride then slowly started moving a little more west than usual. It was this westerly movement that was probably the reason they met up with the Mbiri pride on Mazambaan corner. As I mentioned before the Nharhu were triumphant, sending the Mbiri pride north, but with the help of the Thanda impi males. After the triumphant interaction with the Mbiri pride, they moved south to Metsikitsoro plains. The next morning, they were found on Sundowner loop, playing with a toy, much larger than themselves. The cubs were having a lot of fun, with the females showing some interest, although half-heartedly. They eventually moved into the drainage line.
We had a surprise visit from this small pride from the Sabi Sands. We found them on Gowrie link, close to the boundary with the Sabi Sands. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we see them down there every now and again. The Selati male Lions, who dominate the south, are their fathers. And it’s possible that they may pick up on a familiar scent or hear them roaring. And being a young pride with no established territory, they must be looking for any security whatsoever.
We had a surprise sighting of the three young Mbiri males at koppies. After the Thanda Impi males and the Avoca males started showing interest in the Mbiri pride, these youngsters faced the inevitable exile that all young males go through. From what we’ve seen, they moved east into the KNP, but made an appearance close to the eastern boundary. Interestingly, they moved west deeper into the Manyeleti.
The Ntusuntsu male leopard was initially easily relocated with his Impala kill on Lomfane road. He moved during the night. It wasn’t until the afternoon of the 15th, that we saw him again. He was found on Red road, and moved to the east towards Lomfane area again. He seems to be moving in the same area, that his brother did, when he moved onto the reserve. His brother, the Rhulani male, initially stuck to the Lomfane area, before spreading his wings, and eventually securing massive territory. Will the Ntuntsu male be a successful as Rhulani? It seems he’ll first have to get through his big brother!
Rhulani was seen once, finishing his impala kill on Buffalo plains. Sorry, not much to report there!
The general game sightings were of the normal high standards. Some really good Elephant herds have been moving around the north, usually coming down to Mantobeni pan for water. Mantobeni pan has also been attracting a number of buffalo herds. On top of all this, sightings of Giraffe, Zebra and Hyena have been particularly plentiful. Great game viewing at the moment!
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