Following the Kambula Breakaway Pride
on Mar 22, 2023In recent months, the Kambula Breakaway Pride, as they are known, has been seen regularly on our reserve. The pride is made up of one lioness and four young males and they have been spending a lot of time on Sabi Sabi as they explore the area. To date, they seem to be comfortable in the area and seem to have claimed it for themselves at this point.
We were lucky to find them following a herd of about 200 buffalo, waiting for an opportunity to strike once it presents itself. Setting out in the early morning before sun rise gave us a head start and we followed them between thickets and open areas. The lions tried but with no success. The buffalo were always aware of their surroundings and knew the lions were following them. Even though the lions were not successful, it was an incredible experience for my guests to witness lions hunting. My guests had been on many safaris previously but never seen a hunt.
We kept following them until mid-morning, but it seemed the lions had given up and only wanted to rest as the sun was getting hotter as the day progressed.
Our afternoon safari began and we headed straight back to the area where we’d left the pride in the morning. Fortunately, they were still there, sleeping. The temperature was becoming favourable, and they started to get ready for the night. Intervals of yawning amongst all the members is always a signal for us that the lions are getting ready to get up and move. To our surprise the buffalo were not anywhere close. We followed the sounds of the Red-billed and Yellow-billed oxpeckers jittering in the distance, the same direction the pride of lions was heading to.
While off roading, it is difficult to see far into the distance and this is the same for lions. They managed to get closer to the buffalo and all we could hear was the sounds of running buffalo in the thick bushes, but we could not see what was happening. Following close was not an as option as the ground was still very wet from the recent floods. We sat and listened as they disappeared into the distance, and this was our cue to move on and follow up again in the morning.
Finding tracks of the pride again the next morning had us all excited, and massive smiles on our faces. We knew what to do! It did not take long before finding the lions feasting on a buffalo just off the road.
Yes, we were not lucky to witness the full hunt, but were rewarded with the outcome we’d hoped for the young pride. After days of trailing the buffalo, they were rewarded; and so were we! Maybe the pride has found a new home for themselves, or they are yet to encounter the territorial males in charge of this area. Four males is a big advantage against a lesser number, but we will have to wait and see what happens.
Later, we followed up one last time and the pride was still enjoying their big meal. They were in the company of some hyenas and a lot of vultures as they waited for the scraps. Following this pride over a few days with my guests was a highlight for us all and something we will all remember for a long time to come.
Blog by Ronald Mutero (Selati Camp Ranger)
