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Lionesses chow down on World Lion Day

We don’t need a World Lion Day to celebrate, talk about, or post about lions, because we’re obsessed like that, but today brings attention to these epic creatures like no other day of the year. One of the most terrifying thoughts in the world is the idea of an earth without lions. Aside from the sadness of future generations not knowing lions like we do, the absence of lions on the earth is a dangerous and life-altering reality.

Conflict with humans, trophy hunting, and loss of habitat are the top three biggest killers of lions in Africa, and the population of lions has declined by a gut-wrenching 95% over the last 60 years. From 450 000 in the 1960s to only around 20 000 today – this is a genocide of one of the world’d most iconic species. Be aware, and most importantly, only support legitimate, ecotourism operations whose goal it is to uplift and conserve the lives of lions and other wildlife.

Our favourite pair of lionesses at Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp have welcomed a third lioness to their small group and the 3 females have been feeding and resting together, alongside a pair of big Trilogy male. This is exciting not only because we have been able to watch the behaviour of a new lioness and the relationship between all the lions, but because the formation of a new pride means strength and prosperity for them. Lions are social animals and rely on the pride in order to succeed. At the moment, one of our resident Ross breakaway lionesses is heavily pregnant, as we have pointed out in our recent sightings, and we can become more hopeful about the survival of her cubs because she has more than just one other lioness to depend on.

The force of 3 lions is vastly greater than 2 when it comes to hunting and the chances of successfully taking down prey. If these lionesses are constantly eating, our new mother will constantly be able to feed her cubs, and will have to spend less time away from them to hunt. All in all, more lions the merrier! This is a video clip taken over the weekend when we found the 3 newly allied lionesses feasting on a warthog.

The old warthog had died after getting stuck in the mud and then violently removed by a rhino who wanted to mud wallow to himself. We’d been watching the carcass for a few days to see which lucky meat-eater would stumble across this easy meal, and eventually we arrived at the scene as the 3 lionesses were each tucking in to a portion.

The Ross Pride is back and stalking buffalo!

When we were just getting our knickers in a twist about the sensational week of lion sightings we’ve had (ending in the possible new alliance of 3 lionesses on our traverse), we stumbled upon the original Ross Pride! There have been lion tracks causing excitement all over the show, from the 2 big Trilogy males, to the Ross pride breakaway girls, to a single lioness, and then to 4 Ross Pride lions, all coming into very close range of each other. We’ve also heard the Hercules lions calling from within their territory; so Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp guests are pretty much surrounded by these king cats!

We located the 4 Ross pride lions just in front of the Africa on Foot treehouse yesterday morning, where they were lying up in the grass only 100m from a pair of dagha-boys and showing keen interest. These 2 burly bovines are heavyweights and would have outweighed the 3 sub-adults and 1 adult lioness easily, so the lions lay low and passed on the opportunity to take on the buffalo this time.

One of the last times we laid eyes on the Ross pride, there were 7 members and they were looking worryingly hungry. Filmmaker, Kevin MacLaughlin, set up a camera and filmed their 4 hour struggle against a pair of warthogs.

This time the lions look in good condition, but they could do with a meal. Last night, guests caught up with the 4 lions again and they had barely moved, keeping close to the massive buffalo herd that had moved into the area. There we were, seeing Africa on Foot’s treehouse straight ahead, on the left we could hear buffalo bellowing as they munched on the vegetation, and on the right the 4 Ross pride members lay basking in the last of the day’s sunlight. As the sun set they engaged in the typical grooming and stretching behaviour before rising and strolling right passed the vehicle in the direction of the buffalo herd!

Spotlights came out and we viewed the 3 youngsters and their mother as they disappeared and reappeared through the thicket. Eventually they crossed into a neighbouring property and we were all reminded of the fire-roasted dinner that was waiting for us back at camp.

This morning we were woken by the high pitched yelping of a pair of side-striped jackals near Africa on Foot, and game drive began headed in that direction. As we arrived in exactly the same spot we had left the Ross pride last night, we saw a large herd of impala standing dead still and staring determinedly into the bush. Buffalo moved behind us, and as we followed the impala’s gaze, we laid our eyes on the threat: Ross pride! All 4 lions were making a move in the direction of the buffalo. They were so focused that even the presence of a spotted hyena didn’t bother them.

As the lions disappeared into the bush, buffalo were alerted to their presence and were sent bellowing and thundering through the early morning haze in an attempt to avoid the cats. We are not sure of the outcome of the attempted hunt this morning, but the lions are most certainly trying to bring a buffalo down!

Top 5 Reasons to Stay at the Ezulwini Game Lodges

Located in the heart of the undiscovered Balule Nature Reserve lies the Ezulwini River Lodge and Billy’s Lodge. Home to an abundance of birdlife, the big five and an array of other wildlife; the Balule certainly sets the standard in terms of game viewing. Crocodiles dwell in the river and spend their days targetting plains game that flock to the banks of the Olifants River to replenish their thirst. Predators silently stalk unsuspecting prey in the thickets of vegetation surrounding the river and bloats of hippo can be heard from miles away. The Balule is where the circle of life unfolds !

Both Billy’s Lodge and River Lodge offer guests a much needed break from the daily grind of city life. Each lodge differs slightly in their location, architecture and decor but neither compromises on quality of game viewing.

Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge is ideally located on the banks of a seasonal river which draws numerous breeding herds of elephants to its banks. There is a resident mega-pride of lions that have made the territory around Billy’s Lodge their home. This private lodge incorporates natural elements in its architecture and rarely strays from the authentic natural feel of the African bush. There are four luxury suites complete with plunge pools, indoor and outdoor showers, personal lounge and dining area. Billy’s is by no means ostentatious but boasts many simple luxuries neccessary for the ultimate safari.

Set deep in the heart of the riverine forest and overlooking the mighty Olifants River, lies a secret paradise – Ezulwini River Lodge. This luxury lodge is a utopia for bird-lovers because of it’s diverse eco-system and contrasting vegetation types. There are four standard rooms and four luxury suites with private plunge pools, all with expansive views of the Balule. A massive entertainment area with a lounge, bar and swimming pool housed under a traditional thatched roof building provides the perfect hideaway for guests to relax.

Top 5 Reasons to Book a Safari at Ezulwini Game Lodges:

1. Wine Tasting in a Stone Cellar

Billy’s Lodge has a secret wine cellar stocked with a variety of wines, all of which have been handselected. The cellar is designed in such a way to resemble a cave. Lauren can arrange a wine pairing evening coupled with a casual talk about the history of the Balule Reserve.

2. The Elevated Wooden Skywalk

There is a wooden skywalk at Billy’s Lodge which leads from the main lodge and fans out into an expansive viewing deck area. The fairytale of a skywalk takes pride of place at the lodge and is the ideal viewing place to watch elephant herds trundle underneath the platform.

3. Elephants Drinking from the Pool

Nothing beats a “back to basics” experience when an elephant drinks from the private plunge pool on your deck while staying at River Lodge. Watching these gentle herbivores come up close to your suite is not something you see everyday. Game viewing from the comfort of your deck while cocooned in luxury – it doesn’t get any better than this!

4. Friendly Staff and Game Rangers

Flexible, accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable are all keywords used to describe the staff at both lodges. Their warmth contributes to the overall atmosphere of the Ezulwini Game Lodges.

Read our the Ezulwini TripAdvisor reviews and see what previous guests have to say.

5. Incredible Game Viewing

Plains game, predators, birdlife and large mammals – the Balule is teeming with activity. Elephant and buffalo herds clamber down to the riverbeds and waterholes in front of the lodges to smother themselves in mud. Hippos and crocs climb between land and water. Plains game litter the banks of the river and the Olifants West mega-pride of lions are seen on a regular basis while out on game drives. Game drives take place twice a day – in the morning and at night. This allows ample opportunity to enjoy sightings of diurnal and nocturnal creatures.

Week in Pictures: Big Cat Crazy

It’s the end of another week in the bush and we’ve skimmed the cream off the top of 4 safari camps that have outdone themselves with sightings this week. The Greater Kruger lion activity is out of this world, and we can’t wait to watch new alliances develop and unfold, plus, we’re expecting the arrival of a number of cubs! At nDzuti Safari Camp, guests watched 2 pregnant lionesses stalking some impala near the Klaserie River (we posted the video on their Facebook page!), and in the Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp traverse, we’ve been seeing a lot of pregnant female number 3! Belonging to the Ross pride breakaway duo, this lioness was mating with a Trilogy male a while ago and is now boasting quite a serious belly. Holding thumbs!

Umkumbe Safari Lodge has the pleasure of starting everyday in full view of the Sand River, which this week, has been visited by herds of elephants and a pair of male lions. One barely feels the need to head out on game drive given the action at the lodge, but what they find out there is well worth it! Leopard cub, Kigelia, is thriving and has been seen with a kill on a number of occasions. This week, guests enjoyed a moment with her after dark, and got to know just why the Sabi Sand is such a special place. A few young lions also spent some time in the Umkumbe traverse this week, which was fantastic. The 4 sub-adults belonged to the Ximhungwe Pride and have since stepped out on their own.

We received perhaps the greatest gift from the big cat gods this week when a lone male cheetah took to stalking impala just outside of nThambo Tree Camp. A female leopard and her cub were tracked down to their throne on top of a termite mound, and both cats were so relaxed with a steenbok kill nearby that Africa on Foot guests could really get some superb photos. These highlights among other top notch sightings are all included in this week’s Week in Pictures. Enjoy!

nThambo Tree Camp

nDzuti Safari Camp

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Africa on Foot

Safari Shopping at Africa on Foot

When you’re on vacation, there is nothing more rewarding than spending your hard-earned on money on a few locally made souvenirs. They’re small reminders of your much needed vacation and it’s always nice to bring back a trinket or two for friends and family. We’ve also stocked our curio shop with essential safari items such as warm fleeces, peak caps and even suncream. Despite the time you’ve spent oggling over what to pack for your safari, there’s a strong possibility you may have forgotten to pack an item.

We have an incredible range of khaki shirts in a hue of colours. They are the same shirts the game rangers wear while out in the bush, which means you can emulate the look of your ranger. In addition to this, we have a range of stylish safari dresses which are ideal to slip on over a swimsuit when you walk from the swimming pool to the bar in the hot Summer months.

The beaded necklaces and handcrafted bangles are available in a kaleidoscope of colours. There is also an array of locally made leather handbags and bright “South Africa” branded bags.

Don’t come empty handed, we’re continuously adding new items. We accept both cash and credit cards!

Want to keep up to date with the new additions to our curio shop? Then follow our Pinterest board on “Safari Shopping : Africa on Foot“.

VIDEO: Trilogy male dominates Ross lionesses at buffalo kill

The lions have given the guests at Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp a fantastic opportunity to watch them closely as they devoured an entire buffalo over the last couple of days. When guides first tracked the 2 Ross Pride breakaway lionesses and 1 Trilogy male to an area just off the road, we were excited to discover they had taken down a buffalo and were going to begin feeding. When lions eat, they stay at the carcass for as long as there is meat to be eaten, so we knew we were going to be able to view these big cats frequently over the following days, and so we did! It was incredible to watch the dynamics between the 2 lionesses and 1 male, and then watching a third unknown lioness enter the scene, and finally a second male lion also belonging to the Trilogy coalition.

Take a look at the video put together of the sighting guests had yesterday when the big male tucked in to feed. The close-knit group got touchy with one another, and the male kept the females off the kill while he was eating. One cheeky lioness who was new to the group determinedly held her ground and continued to feed next to the male despite his warning growls. In the end he allowed her to feed there, while the 2 Ross Pride breakaways kept their distance. Watch as the 2 lionesses were filmed inching closer to the male and the kill, pleading with him to be allowed to join the feast. Once the third lioness was full she took herself off to sleep the sisters attempted to enter, but once again were chased off by the Trilogy male.

Finally, in an impressively romantic gesture, the male gave the signal that he had finished feeding and the 2 lionesses were allowed to eat. Completely submissive to her leading man, one of the Ross breakaway females thanked the male with an affectionate nuzzle as she approached the remains of the buffalo to feed with her sister.

This morning, buffalo carcass no-more, the female lions made their way to Twala Dam to drink. Amazingly, the unknown lioness has stuck with the 2 Ross females, and we are beginning to wonder where this new found friendship will lead. We are assuming this lioness comes from the original Ross Pride, which fragmented over a year ago, and this is perhaps the making of a new pride. We will have to wait and see what happens, so watch this space for updates on the Klaserie lion activity!

Unusual Lion Sighting in Klaserie

It may not have started out as unusual when we discovered the 2 Ross Pride breakaway lionesses and one of the Trilogy males on a buffalo kill yesterday, but overnight a third lioness joined the mix and we are currently unsure about her identity. This is not all: One of the resident lionesses appears to be carrying a litter of cubs, while her sister has been the victim of a nasty fight and is sporting a badly swollen eye and a deep (but superficial) wound on her leg.

There has been talk of a lone female lion leaving her tracks and traces all over the traverse and guides and trackers have been suggesting and guessing who she might be for the last day or two. The unmistakable tracks of one of the big Trilogy males and the familiar twin tracks of the Ross Pride breakaway females led nThambo Tree Camp guests to a sighting of the 3 lions feeding on a freshly killed buffalo. The king was resting his jaw muscles and enjoying the shade, while a lioness with an exceptionally round tummy was tucking into the cavity of the buffalo. The third lion was also resting, and she was clearly in bad shape with an injured eye.

After enjoying this up-close and personal sighting with our familiar lions looking as hardcore as ever, guests moved off the sighting and headed to the lodge for dinner and some lion-chat around the fire. The Sun Destinations media team went out after dark to watch the lions feeding at night when they are most active. As we expected, all 3 lions were guarding the carcass with one of the females feeding energetically. We watched the cats under spotlight and the light of the waning gibbous moon, and the air was still except for the crunching of cartilage and bones. Then, out of the silence, an unfamiliar roar was heard quite a distance away. Our Trilogy male raised his great head off the ground and aimed a penetrating stare into the direction of the unknown lion. We geared up to capture his response on camera, but no such luck! This male just flopped his head down and went back to sleep.

Bright and early this morning, Matt and Jacques led their guests back to the lion sighting where, once again we were lucky to see some action. Two Africa on Foot guests opted for a morning game drive and got to join the sighting too. We could not have expected to see what we did, but sure enough, there was an additional lion at the sighting and she was not shy to tuck right into the carcass alongside one of the Ross Pride breakaway females. This is unusual, because the two lionesses have not been part of a pride for a long time and are always seen alone or with the Trilogy males. Last week they got into a fight with the Hercules lionesses (who have 4 cubs sired by one of the Trilogy males), which is where our one Ross female got her injuries from.

The third lioness is tatty and scarred, but she was relaxed with the game viewers and she had confidence. This creates the speculation that she might be one of the lionesses from the old Ross Pride. It is all a guessing game at this point, and we will be doing some research to figure out the truth and put the puzzle pieces together. Notice how aggressive the newcomer is and how submissive our injured Ross breakaway lioness is. Was this old looking female previously a dominant lioness of their pride?

Leopard and Her Cub in Klaserie

It was one of those nights in the Klaserie when all of a sudden the radio announces something you’ve been hoping for. After locating, losing, and relocating a female leopard in a drainage line area, teams at Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp were beginning to lose hope, until Matt’s excited yet controlled voice issued through the news we had been waiting for. The leopardess had come to rest on a termite mound and was seemingly ultra-relaxed.

After visiting a lazy Trilogy male lion and bumping into herds of elephants, the game drive had already been satisfactory, but when guests arrived at the scene of this beautiful spotted cat illuminated in the spotlight, everything else melted away. The story was that she had killed a steenbok and the carcass was lying nearby, just out of guests’ vision. Word was that this particular female is the mother of a cub, but it was not in the sighting… Not yet, anyway.

Matt pulled out of the sighting and handed the reigns to Mike who was waiting for the signal to bring Africa on Foot guests into position. A hum of excitement rose into the night air as cameras clicked away to capture the vision of this big cat relaxing in her territory. And then, a rustle from the foot of the termite mound sent the spotlight searching through the dry vegetation. Knowing that there were hyenas hanging around hoping to get a taste of this leopard’s dinner, we expected to see just that emerge from the darkness, but as Enoch’s sharp tracker-eyes adjusted to the light, what he announced was “another ingwe“.

Sure enough, it was her cub. The youngster bounded up the termite mound to greet its mother and remained there for a short while before targeting something down below and once again disappearing from sight. Feeling incredibly fortunate to have seen both a mother leopard and her cub, Africa on Foot guests headed back to camp for dinner and, no doubt, a photo sharing session!

A Safari After Dark

After taking your first conscious breath of the day as you wake up in the bush (and consequently smiling), the next conscious thought is more than likely “coffee”. Straight after that, you point your nose to the ground and investigate the evidence left behind by the creatures of the night.

This is the way things go for the guides at Africa on Foot. Mornings in the Klaserie have a pungent smell of possibility, and a definite air of enchantment. The chances are, you’ll go to bed with as wide a smile as you woke up, and you will have discovered and unearthed and absorbed a world of wonders only the bush can offer. Day after day, the tracks left on the sun burnt sand are examined and scrutinised for their meaning.

What occurs in the dead of night reveals the secrets of the wild, exposing the truth about what moves around while you sleep. At Africa on Foot, where wildlife is most welcome, guides have become accustomed to dodging the elephant dung, cleaning up after honey badgers, and ushering wandering antelope out of the lounge. Carrying a torch at night is a necessity, and keeping your ears pricked is advised, because there is certainly a motley gang of nocturnal visitors to look out for.

After battling curiosity, the guides set up a series of camera traps in strategic spots throughout the camp. We would call it cheating, but curiosity got the best of us too! The evidence shows that Africa on Foot is a hive of activity during the hours of darkness, and it is no wonder the guides are trained in the art of honey-badger-prevention. Take a look at this footage incriminating no less than 7 species marking their territory between the kitchen, the bar and the guest bedrooms. And right at the end, well, that’s why your days on safari end with such a smile.

Week in Pics: A Mixed Bag of Rare Sightings

Welcome to this week’s collection of “week in pics”. We’ve highlighted a few incredible moments that have happened while out on game drive. Enjoy!

Umkumbe Safari Lodge – Leopards:

We are acutely aware that one of the female leopards, White Dam, has cubs stashed away close to the property. She has been seen hovering around the area close to camp.

Little Bush’s cub has finally been named. Her name is Kigelia and she is seen on a regular basis. Our favourite male, Mxabene has been scarce but male leopards to have a propensity for exploring large territories.

Plains game is in abundance, galloping and hoofing it down to any available water sources on our traverse. It is Winter here, which means the rains have ceased and water is in demand.

Bird sightings are bountiful and this keeps our avid ornithologists happy.

nThambo Tree Camp and Africa on Foot – Wild Dogs & Lion Cubs:

The wild dog pups finally emerged from their burrow – a sighting which delighted guests and rangers. Guests even saw how the pack rally together to feed the youngsters. The adults feast on a kill and regurgitate chunks of meat in order to feed the pups.

The Africa on Foot team spotted the Trilogy males and the Hercules pride of lions devouring a buffalo calf. The two Ross pride breakaway females were also seen in the vicinity and they were heard calling for each other.

Huge breeding herds of buffalo have been making their way down to Twala dam. There are so many of these large and powerful bovines that they are literally littering the banks of the dam.

The Klaserie is a bird lover’s paradise and keen twitchers will be elated to know that we’ve had spotted incredible flocks of birds over the past couple of days. Just yesterday we saw a martial eagle, saddle-billed stork and a yellow-billed stork.

nDzuti Safari Camp – Pangolin:

A definite highlight this week at camp is the sighting of a rare pangolin. Its protective armour and the ability to roll into a ball when under threat, makes it quite the curious creature to obseve.

We stumbled across yet another rare moment in mother nature. In the dead of night, we saw the pale male leopard sitting on the banks of the main dam. As we approached we heard the leopard barking at a hippo, who decided to bark back. Listening to the two of them “have words” with each other was yet another remarkable experience!

The birding and presence of plains game in our neck of the Klaserie Reserve is always remarkable. The main dam attracts a plethora of birdlife and sees plenty of kingfisher activity.

This week plenty of buffalo herds on the move and grumpy dagga boys have also been spotted.

Here are our choice selection of images from the week.