It was a long haul yesterday but all went smoothly.
11hours drive back from South Africa. I had to then fly to look for the lions and we followed up on them at dusk down along the Chiredzi River.
Manyari, Sjambok and his brother were patrolling along the river marking as they went.
A large herd of impala were soon in their sights. Surely they couldn’t miss with so many in the thick bush. And lucky they were. I don’t know who caught the impala but all 3 lions tried to claim the carcass. In true lion fashion, none of them were about to share.
Eventually Sjambok made off with most of the carcass and Manyari and the brother, both thinking the other had found some scraps, ended up fighting each other over nothing.
The commotion aroused other lions to the west of the river and soon both parties were shouting abuses at each other.
With the carcass finished the lions headed east across a deep donga/gully. We had to do a long detour to get round and back to them resting and calling.
The whole time now the other lions were responding and one lion was coming closer.
Manyari then led the others to battle. They crossed back west over the donga and were suddenly engaged in full combat.
We couldn’t see anything but could sure hear it all. It lasted less than a minute and then the roaring started from both sides and went on for the rest of the night. All this activity taking place out of sight.
It was only at dawn that Manyari headed east. When I found her a long way east she was resting up and was joined by a young male. I don’t know where this guy came from. Manyari was growling her displeasures at having him around but didn’t seem too phased. I think this could be her 3 year old male cub.
Sjambok and his brother were looking for Manyari calling to the east. They had over shot the mark. No doubt they’ll find her tonight.
I noticed some fresh blood on Manyari’s face and it looked slightly swollen. Then she got up to move and was definitely in a lot of pain as she moved very slowly and soon lay down again.
The fight had obviously taken its toll on her, but I wonder what happened to her opponent? I like to think Manyari came off tops and her opponent is on the verge of death??
I’m sure Manyari will be fine and a lot of her injuries are just stiff. No doubt she’ll be hunting buffalo tonight!
On my way home I came across my elephant friend. The same dude who charged and pushed me some time ago. But not being in musth he was thankfully rather timid today.
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