We know the Trilogy males, we know the Ross Pride, and we know the Ross split-off prides, being the Ross Breakaway females and the Hercules Pride. We can count on any and all of these prides to make an appearance on our immediate traverse regularly as all of their territories criss cross the area, while the formidable Trilogy coalition dominates all. On a game drive recently, both Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp ventured to an area on our traverse located a distance away from these lion territories, and unsurprisingly, came across 4 unfamiliar lions feeding on a buffalo carcass. We’ve been told they could be lions known as the East Block Pride.
The small group lay panting in the shade after enjoying a good meal, and Ranger Greg managed to take these photographs of them for our records. One adult lioness and 3 subadults – 2 females and 1 male – made up the sighting, but due to limited knowledge of this pride, we are not sure if this is the extent of the pride or if there are other members that weren’t present. Also located in the eastern region of the Klaserie at nDzuti Safari Camp we know the River Pride of lions, which has grown with the addition of 5 cubs.
Our local lions around Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp have been seen feasting on various carcasses and circulating the extent of their territories. The Trilogy male with a damaged hip is a constant source of concern given his deteriorating condition, but he is hanging in there and is still managing to get the ‘lion’s share’ at kill sites. Resilient big cats they are!
Other big cats seen regularly in our immediate traverse are Zero the male leopard, and the Ross Dam female leopard. With the addition of African wild dogs just about every day – it is clear the more elusive predators are making the most it while the lions are occupied with a feast in a neighbouring property!
Hilde