Greetings from the very cold African bush.
Despite the unpleasant weather (and having to dress like an Eskimo), safaris in winter time are really and truly a spectacular experience. Game viewing in general has been incredible over the past couple of weeks, but there was one lion sighting in particular that really stood out.
What started out as a really quiet morning, eventually turned into be one of the best drives I’ve ever experienced. We’d heard over the radio that five young male lions were passing through an area in the vicinity of the Kruger National Park boundary, and quite close to another lodge. We were on our way to see if we could spot them when a second update came in, this time saying that the area’s two dominant males (the Mapogos) had been seen in the same area as the young males. We immediately sped up in order to get to where we believed these seven lions could possibly meet up.
One of the five males had somehow been separated from his group, and was lying low to avoid being discovered by the two dominant brothers. When we eventually saw the Mapogos pair, they’d picked up on the youngster’s scent. When they finally spotted him all hell broke loose, and with no escape route in sight things didn’t look good for him. The pair gave chase and tackled him in mid air, but it was only once they tumbled to the ground that things really started looking bad for the young lion. Separated from his pride, he didn’t stand a chance against the older, stronger Mapogo males. After a lot of vicious pawing and biting one of the brothers went for the jugular, while the other attacked his back legs. They broke his back legs and inflicted serious damage to his pelvis as well.
The sound of the fighting, and the roaring that accompanied it, was something to behold. After a while the young male lay helpless, while the Mapogos roared and scent marked all round him as a sign of dominance.
That evening we went back to follow up, as the four younger males had returned to the area to look for their brother. There was a lot of roaring going on between the four youngsters and the two Mapogos. It was only later, once we’d returned to the lodge that we received the very sad news that ‘Kinky Tail’ – one of the Mapogo brothers – had also been killed. Apparently he’d been cornered by the four youngsters, and consequently gotten into a fight with them that went on for the better part of an hour. Mr. T (his brother) arrived about fifteen minutes in, but by then it was already too late as they’d already ripped ‘Kinky Tail’ to pieces.
In the end Mr. T managed to escape the posse in one piece. Was he the clever one, or just plain lucky? It makes no difference now, because either way he’s alone. He called for his brother for a couple of days after the fight, but received no reply.
A legend may have been lost, but he’ll never be forgotten!
We hope to see you soon.
Warm regards from the team at Arathusa Safari Lodge.
Ravi
June 17, 2010 at 20:59
Thanks for the Awesome article on our beloved legendary Kinky Tail,I have a small request will you be kind enough to please share the video of this Battle with the rest of us so that we can also see that why for the first time in so many years the Mapogos lost a crucial battle ,We will always cherish the memories of Mapogo Shaka/Kinky Tail the King of Kings,may his soul rest in peace.
Doug Belyea
June 19, 2010 at 05:06
Wow! Great report of what sounds like a fascinating sighting!
Keep the reports coming please!
michelle_origin
June 23, 2010 at 14:12
Hi Doug
It was an incredible, albeit very sad, sighting! We normally post once a month, but are aiming for fortnightly. Will keep you posted. Thanks for visiting!
michelle_origin
June 23, 2010 at 14:14
Hi Ravi
It was with great sadness that this post was written. He truly was a king of kings, and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. I don’t think there is any footage of the sighting, but I’ll double-check and if there is I’ll definitely post it.
Jo Ann Bellone
June 24, 2010 at 22:48
And I cried. I know it is part of life in the bush, but I have such great pictures of him. I feel like I lost a friend. Miss all of you humans also, especfially Andre and Chris. Can’t wait to return next year.
gill blowey
June 25, 2010 at 08:42
thanks for shareing this must have been some sight though not sure id have wanted to see it ,have seen pics on link ryan posted,looking forward to seeing you all again next year
Hans and Anita
June 25, 2010 at 22:37
Hello from Holland.
Really sad news , but we hope to see Mr.T. alive and kicking in 2011 .
Grtz. Hans and Anita .
Angela
June 28, 2010 at 16:50
Hi Hans and Anita
Yes, sad news indeed. Here’s hoping MR T will stick around for the long run!
Angela
June 28, 2010 at 16:51
Hi Gill. We’re looking forward to seeing you again too!
Angela
June 28, 2010 at 16:52
Hi Jo. Many of us cried when we heard the news. Indeed, it was like losing an old and dear friend. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
youtube marketing
June 29, 2010 at 11:29
I love your website! did you create this yourself or did you outsource it? Im looking for a blog design thats similar so thats the only reason I’m asking. Either way keep up the nice work I was impressed with your content really..
youtube marketing
June 29, 2010 at 23:40
I love your blog! did you create this yourself or did you outsource it? Im looking for a blog design thats similar so thats the only reason I’m asking. Either way keep up the nice work I was impressed with your content really..
Arathusa
July 1, 2010 at 09:58
Hi there
We outsourced the blog design. Glad you like it, and the content!
Sol Bad
May 2, 2011 at 12:49
I hope to get everything together so that I can go to South-Africa this year. Would like to visit krugerpark and also dive in a cage and see The great white sharks of the coast.
Arathusa
May 2, 2011 at 20:07
Hey Sol. Holding thumbs that you make this trip a reality! Make sure you have enough time to fit everything in, there’s lots to see and do her in SA!