The notorious Hercules Pride has been spotted again on the Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp traverse, where this elusive and not-so-friendly pride has been seen intermittently for the last 18 months. The last we saw of these lions was 2 months ago when we reported a little drizzle of rain and the unexpected vision of the pride blending into the winter bush. This time, the pride had killed an impala and all members had been feeding well when the guides in the Klaserie found them relaxing in the thicket. We enjoyed the best sighting of the lions when they, one by one, got up and crossed the road between the Africa on Foot and nThambo game viewers, staring daggers at us all along… Of course.
The Hercules Pride is a unit made up of two big lionesses and 4 subadult cubs, which are nearing 2 years old and can hardly be called cubs anymore! Early last year we laid eyes on these lions, and at that stage they were extremely skittish around our vehicles. The lionesses would lead their cubs into the thick vegetation upon sight of us, and this behaviour didn’t really change much over time. Luckily, with the constant presence of our vehicles during game drive hours, the Hercules Pride has gained a little confidence, and each time we saw them we’d get one less snarl, and a minute more viewing time before they disappeared.
We have always admired the Hercules Pride for their fierceness and their success as a pride. All four cubs have survived through the vulnerable years of young life, which is quite the feat in the wild! They had zero tolerance for us when they didn’t know us (and we still get nervous if they hold our gaze a little too long), and they have zero tolerance for neighbouring prides – e.g. the Ross Breakaway females. Our hearts were broken when this pride killed the Ross Breakaway cubs a year ago, but it also reminded us of what is necessary to survive, even as apex predators!
This morning, after we watched the Hercules lions for a while, they resumed their position in the shade to sleep away the day. Perhaps we will see them later on afternoon drive, or perhaps they will disappear into the wilderness for another couple of months. All we can say is we are happy to have caught up with these Klaserie legends again… and lived to tell the tale!
Brenda Quatember