It was pointless checking on the lions at dusk and they would still be holed up in the hills after a hot day and still being well fed.
Instead I visited Banyini. It’s always been a favourite at sunset and has so many different moods. Today’s sunset was hardly too spectacular but still very pleasant and with frogs calling in the pan as it got dark, it still is a special spot. Unfortunately nobody came to visit while I was there.
When we did pick up on the lions they had moved out the hills heading west towards the Chiredzi River but didn’t make it there. Instead they passed out on the road for a couple of hours.
Manyari, with her still very much full tummy showed some interest in a herd of impala. She was trailed by the others, but as expected, nothing came of it.
They kept on with their movements southwest and when the neighbours across the river roared so they returned the volley. The Nyari pride then settled in for about an hour roaring on and off at their enemy. Being surrounded by 4 lions roaring in such close proximity is a pure sensation! Actually it’s probably one of the only things I like about lions.
Then there was a roar from the northeast. Who could that be deep in the heart of their territory? It sure alerted the Nyari pride sending them mobile in that direction. They walked several kilometres eventually resting up before dawn. Now they were quiet.
They stayed here till well after dawn in the cool overcast morning, grooming and socialising amongst each other.
So we didn’t find out who was shouting the odds in the north, but maybe tonight will be reveal all.
Innovative filming, an uncommon and intimate view of Africa. I was going to ask what the roaring was about but your blog seems to suggests that it’s a warning to other lions?
“…one of the only things I like about lions.” Ouch. That would kinda be like me saying the only thing I like about hyenas is Kim!!!
Hmmm, at this point last year we were grieving the loss of Tjololo and there was this film type person who had to journey to the American west whilst we were all frantic about the survival of Manyari from these truly horrible wounds….
Loved this video…especially the male dutifully roaring before rolling over back to sleep! Like Brendan Scully I had the same question for Kim about the purpose of it all.. but the territorial warning makes perfect sense.
I suppose it may also serve as a location marker/ warning to other animals that could otherwise stumble into the pride unawares?
-thanks for a great look into Lion nightlife^.
I saw a show once that really explained very well about the lions roaring to signal their territory. All I can remember from the show, though, is that they do their territory calls around dusk and dawn, because the air is easiest for their sound waves to travel through the furthest at those times.
lions roar at any time of night. on the open plains of the Serengeti lions use their roars a lot more for territorial affirmation than they do in the bush areas. this is cos the roars travel better across the open plains. but in the bushveld areas lions have to patrol more to maintain their territories as their calls don’t travel so far.
The way you’ve gotten described this is especially thorough. I’ll link your website page to mine.