LION UPDATE ON NGALA

Lions on Ngala over the past 2 years have been quite difficult to find, but we think that the lion density is on the rise and that they are back for good!

Naturally lion densities in areas go up and down, and lately the lion population has been relatively low, as Ngala does not share a fence with its neighbours, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and the Kruger National Park. This means that lions are able to wonder in and out as they please!

Over the past year and a bit we have had 3 big males pushing in from the west and  during this time they have managed to obtain the whole South of the reserve as their territory, which includes one big pride and 2 single females! The one single female was seen mating with one of the males almost 3 months ago now so cubs are expected soon. The other single female has 2 or 3 cubs but she is quite unrelaxed. This means that getting a look at her can be quite difficult!

The pride from the South West of Ngala is quickily becoming a favorite plan for the Ngala rangers to head out and look for. When the pride is together they are 27 strong, consisting of 3 males, 5 females and 19 cubs and to see them all together is an amazing sight. As the males extend their territory further east, we are starting to find this big pride further in that direction each week! Closer to the main lodge we have a pride of around 8 or 9 animals, which have come from the north and consist of 1 or 2 males, 3 cubs and 4 females!

Lastly we have a nomadic pride that we seem to think have come from the Timbavati as well. This pride has been on Ngala for 5 or 6 months now but they seem to head in the Kruger National Park for a couple days and then return. This pride is about 8 animals with only 1 adult female. The rest are sub adult males and females. With new lions coming in and out of Ngala on a regular basis there are exciting times ahead for us. Now we have the opportunity to head out on game drives and potentially find close to 40 lions.!

If you enjoy seeing lions, Ngala Private Game Reserve is a good place to be at the moment!

Posted: Ngala by Fin Lawlor, Date: 6 February 2012