A2A Safaris - lionshttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/lionsenLebombo: Land of Lionshttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/lebombo-land-lions<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Founded in 1898, Kruger is one of the oldest national parks in the world and at over 4.8 million acres, it’s also one of the largest. Singita was granted a 33,000-acre concession of the park in 2001 and permitted to construct lodges and private roads in this unexplored part of the park, which was done...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kruger-national-park" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kruger National Park</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div></div>Thu, 16 Feb 2017 07:28:36 +0000Anonymous1871 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/lebombo-land-lions#commentsFeast & Famine: Times of Plenty in Occasions of Droughthttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/feast-famine-times-plenty-occasions-drought<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>As game rangers, conservationsists and animal lovers, it can be extremely difficult to see the landscape and wildlife suffering during a drought. The current, severe lack of rain in the Kruger National Park area has caused a knock-on effect with food supplies, making it extremely difficult for grazers to find grass on which to feed....</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/environment" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Environment</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/buffalo" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">buffalo</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sabi Sand</a></div></div>Thu, 17 Nov 2016 07:00:58 +0000Anonymous1839 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/feast-famine-times-plenty-occasions-drought#commentsHighlights from our Wildlife Reports: Lots of Lionshttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/highlights-our-wildlife-reports-lots-lions<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita - Safari Lodges & Luxury Accommodation in Africa</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/wildlife/highlights-from-our-wildlife-reports-lots-of-lions/">Highlights from our Wildlife Reports: Lots of Lions</a></p>
<p>What do the lion, elephant and hippopotamus have in common? Besides the fact that these are all animals you are likely to find on safari, they are also all listed as “Vulnerable” on the <a href="http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/15951/0" target="_blank">IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</a>. Lion populations, in particular, have declined by approximately 42% over the past 21 years, and their conservation status means that they are likely to become endangered unless the circumstances threatening their survival and reproduction improve. Protecting this majestic species and their natural habitat is an important part of <a href="http://singita.com/conservation/" target="_blank">Singita’s conservation work</a>, and it is thrilling to see them in such healthy numbers across <a href="http://singita.com/regions/">our reserves in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania</a>. Here are some highlights of recent sightings from <a href="http://singita.com/wildlife-reports/">last month’s Wildlife Reports</a>:</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16683" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_4.png" alt="Lions at Singita" width="830" height="467" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_4.png 830w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_4-300x169.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_4-768x432.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_4-548x308.png 548w" sizes="(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px" /><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16682" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_3.png" alt="Lions at Singita" width="879" height="494" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_3.png 879w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_3-300x169.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_3-768x432.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_3-548x308.png 548w" sizes="(max-width: 879px) 100vw, 879px" /></p>
<h3>Singita Sabi Sand, South Africa</h3>
<p>Lions continue to dominate the area, mainly moving along the Sand River. Within a short period of six days, the Mhangene Pride managed to kill seven buffaloes, six of which were taken down in two separate sightings. They have managed to maintain their dominant behaviour within the area and their den-site has been kept along the river, just east of <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-boulders-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Boulders Lodge</a>. The coalitions of Majingalane male lions have been enjoying the feast of buffaloes, somewhat to the disapproval of the lionesses from the Mhangene Pride. In the photo above, one of them licks his cheeks clean after gorging himself on a buffalo carcass that he claimed as his own after the lionesses had killed it the night before.</p>
<p><em>Read the full Wildlife Report <a href="http://singita.com/wildife-report/singita-sabi-sand-38/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16687" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_7.png" alt="Lions at Singita" width="734" height="425" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_7.png 734w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_7-300x174.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 734px) 100vw, 734px" /><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16686" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_6.png" alt="Lions at Singita" width="737" height="384" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_6.png 737w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_6-300x156.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px" /></p>
<h3>Singita Kruger National Park, South Africa</h3>
<p>We have had another amazing month of lion viewing, with over 130 sightings of these cats recorded this last month. The Shishangaan Pride includes the famous “White Lion of Satara”, and fortunately for us, much of this pride’s territory lies within the Singita concession. This particular pride was once one of the mega-prides of African and it numbered over 30 individuals. It became so large that they were having difficulties feeding all the members and so the pride split into two distinct groups. The Xhirombe Pride also seems to have split up now, and are often seen in the hilly areas near the Mozambique fence-line to the southeast of camp. The young male is looking stunning and his mane is growing well. Sadly for him, the two females of the Xhirombe Pride have been seen flirting with the larger, adult males from the Southern Pride (who have been making forays into the area near the lodge). The sub-adult lioness was seen mating with one of these Southern males near the spring in the gorge east of camp. The Xhirombe male has therefore left the two females and is roaming alone for now.</p>
<p><em>Read the full Wildlife Report <a href="http://singita.com/wildife-report/singita-kruger-national-park-38/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16705" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_9.gif" alt="Lions at Singita Grumeti" width="770" height="770" /></p>
<h3>Singita Grumeti, Tanzania</h3>
<p>Lion sightings have truly been incredible over the last few months and September did not disappoint, with a total of 123 different sightings recorded. The majority of these sightings took place around Sasakwa Dam and the many drainage lines that are found within our area. Raho drainage was particularly productive as we have a pride of 21 lions which move along it – they consist of five males, five females, five cubs of 10 months, three of 4 months and three of 2 months. They provided many guests with some unforgettable sightings, like spectacular sequence captured by field guide Mark Nicholson.</p>
<p><em>Read the full Wildlife Report <a href="http://singita.com/wildife-report/singita-grumeti-40/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16704" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_8-1024x681.jpg" alt="Lions at Singita Lamai" width="1024" height="681" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_8-1024x681.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_8-300x200.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_8-768x511.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_8-320x213.jpg 320w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<h3>Singita Lamai, Tanzania</h3>
<p>Yet another great month for the lions in the Lamai Triangle. With the migration in full swing, they did not have to work too hard to find a meal. There seem to be three different prides that make up the majority of the sightings, and the pride which frequents the koppies near the camp is seen on a regular basis. This pride has two magnificent big, black-maned males, which protect the pride and make sure that no other males are able to move into their territory and attempt a pride takeover. Dominant males will normally hold sway over a pride for two to five years whilst they are in the prime of their lives. When old age starts catching up with them younger, stronger males will move in and force them out, taking control of the pride.</p>
<p><em>Read the full Wildlife Report <a href="http://singita.com/wildife-report/singita-lamai-26/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16680" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_1.jpg" alt="Lions at Singita" width="809" height="1022" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_1.jpg 809w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_1-237x300.jpg 237w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/big_cats_1-768x970.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 809px) 100vw, 809px" /></p>
<h3>Singita Pamushana, Zimbabwe</h3>
<p>The tracking team had devoted hours to tracking a coalition of male lions in thick mopane woodland, and once they had spotted them on foot they called us, hopped on our vehicle and guided us to the position. Unfortunately by that time the lions had moved off a little from where the trackers had left them, so we scouted around to find them. The photo above shows the moment when we did – you can see how this male is looking slightly alarmed and has locked his stare on to me but he soon settled down and relaxed again. Can you spot his brother in the background?</p>
<p><em>Read the full Wildlife Report <a href="http://singita.com/wildife-report/singita-pamushana-66/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Singita’s Vimeo channel is a great place to see the lions in action. Some of our favourite snippets include <a href="https://vimeo.com/160447039" target="_blank">Lion Fight at Singita Grumeti</a>, <a href="https://vimeo.com/155728155" target="_blank">Othawa Pride in the rain at Singita Sabi Sand</a>, and <a href="https://vimeo.com/155733041" target="_blank">the Shishangaan Pride on a kill at Singita Kruger National Park</a>.</em></p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/wildlife/highlights-from-our-wildlife-reports-lots-of-lions/">Highlights from our Wildlife Reports: Lots of Lions</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a></p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div></div>Tue, 18 Oct 2016 12:57:56 +0000Anonymous1791 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/highlights-our-wildlife-reports-lots-lions#commentsWildlife Updates from Singita Kruger National Parkhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/wildlife-updates-singita-kruger-national-park<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Guests at <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-kruger-national-park/" target="_blank">Singita Kruger National Park</a> have 33,000 acres over which to roam on twice-daily game drives with their dedicated field guide and tracker. The area is well known for a particularly high concentration of the “Big 5” – including a number of large prides of lion – all of whom benefit from Singita’s steadfast commitment to conservation as well as its minimal environmental footprint. Field guides Barry Peiser and Brian Rode put together the latest wildlife report from the area, which highlights some of the recent changes in the landscape and lots of exciting animal activity:</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16093" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_6.png" alt="sknp_6" width="811" height="540" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_6.png 811w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_6-300x200.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_6-768x511.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_6-320x213.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 811px) 100vw, 811px" /></p>
<h3>Landscape</h3>
<p>We had almost no rain during April (a few drops of drizzle) and the water that filled up the N’wanetsi<br />
River last month is slowly drying up. There is still quite a bit of standing water at the weir, at Dumbana<br />
Pools and in front of both <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/sweni-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Sweni</a> and <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-lebombo-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Lebombo Lodges</a>. Hyena Pan, in the Lebombo Hills is still holding water and is attracting a fair amount of game. The depression is bare of grass and visibility is amazing. This has been a great month for game-viewing.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16089" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_2.png" alt="sknp_2" width="919" height="611" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_2.png 919w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_2-300x199.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_2-768x511.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_2-320x213.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 919px) 100vw, 919px" /></p>
<h3>Cheetah</h3>
<p>The stars this month were a female cheetah and her four young cubs who arrived on the concession. We<br />
estimate the cubs to be in the region of two months old and have ruffs of golden hair on their backs and<br />
very dark bellies and sides, making them look a lot like honey badgers from a distance. It is said that the<br />
young cheetah cubs are coloured like this so that potential enemies such as lions and hyenas mistake them<br />
for badgers, which are notoriously aggressive. We have had amazing views of the mother and her cubs,<br />
particularly in the open areas of the Central Depression. When we first started seeing them the cubs were<br />
very shy of the vehicles, although they have now become fairly relaxed and we have had some great views<br />
of them.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16090" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_3.png" alt="sknp_3" width="919" height="611" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_3.png 919w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_3-300x199.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_3-768x511.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_3-320x213.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 919px) 100vw, 919px" /></p>
<h3>Elephant</h3>
<p>We have seen elephants almost on a daily basis. They have been coming down to drink at the water in the<br />
N’wanetsi River. Johnathan reported seeing a herd of over 70 elephants drinking at Dumbana Pools one<br />
day. On another occasion we saw a breeding herd of elephants bathing in the pool at Hyena Pan. While<br />
they were playing in the water they were surprised by a hippo bull that surfaced right in front of them. It<br />
was amusing to watch them as they got startled by the hippo and then tried to chase it around the pool.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16092" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_5.png" alt="sknp_5" width="811" height="538" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_5.png 811w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_5-300x199.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_5-768x509.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_5-320x213.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 811px) 100vw, 811px" /></p>
<h3>Lion</h3>
<p>Singita Kruger National Park is certainly the place to see lions; at least 70 sightings of these large cats were reported this month. The white lion from the larger portion of the Shish Pride has been seen this month and is looking healthy. He was seen feeding on a buffalo carcass with the rest of the larger portion of the Shish Pride right opposite the river from the camp! Barry had had an amazing sighting of two Shish lionesses, just the day before, stalking and catching a waterbuck close to Euphorbia Crossing, a short way upriver from Lebombo Camp. Two of the females of the Shish Pride also caught another Waterbuck right where the water ends north of<br />
Euphorbia Crossing.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-16091" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_4.png" alt="sknp_4" width="918" height="610" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_4.png 918w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_4-300x199.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_4-768x510.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_4-320x213.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 918px) 100vw, 918px" /></p>
<h3>Hyena</h3>
<p>Spotted hyenas were seen regularly during the month of April. The hyena cubs at the den along the H6<br />
public road have become very used to the cars and have been quite inquisitive. We have had to chase them<br />
away from the vehicles on occasion as they try to chew the plastic mudguards of the game viewer! One of<br />
the sub-adults was seen with porcupine quills stuck all over in his throat and neck. He had obviously been<br />
too inquisitive or had gone into the wrong burrow, one that was already occupied by a large, spiny rodent.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16088" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_1.png" alt="sknp_1" width="918" height="612" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_1.png 918w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_1-300x200.png 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_1-768x512.png 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sknp_1-320x213.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 918px) 100vw, 918px" /></p>
<p><em>Did you catch our recent post about the adorable <a href="http://singita.com/wildlife/meet-the-mountain-pride-lion-cubs/" target="_blank">new lion cubs in the Mountain Pride</a>? Field guide Barry Peiser gave us the story along with some gorgeous photos of them with their mother. You can also stay up to date with news from our twelve lodges and camps by following <a href="https://www.facebook.com/singita.gamereserves/" target="_blank">our Facebook page</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/wildlife/wildlife-updates-from-singita-kruger-national-park/">Wildlife Updates from Singita Kruger National Park</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/cheetah" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">cheetah</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/elephants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">elephants</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div></div>Fri, 10 Jun 2016 08:00:22 +0000Anonymous1532 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/wildlife-updates-singita-kruger-national-park#commentsLion Armies: The Mega-Prides of Singita Kruger National Parkhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/lion-armies-the-mega-prides-singita-kruger-national-park<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>The competition for attention between siblings is something many people will be familiar with, but imagine having 20 of them to contend with! This is the norm for the unusually large lion prides that roam <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-kruger-national-park/" target="_blank">Singita Kruger National Park</a>; family groups that can reach up to 40 members.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sknplions_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13689" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sknplions_1.jpg" alt="Singita Kruger National Park Lions" /></a></p>
<p>These “mega-prides” don’t stay this size for long as demand for food requires strong, confident adults to hunt large mammals on a consistent bases, and the survival rate of cubs to this level is low in large groups. Due to the size of the pride, multiple females can give birth to litters in the same period of time, creating even more competition for food. Unfortunately many of the cubs become victims of internal rivalries or even die of hunger if enough food cannot be caught to feed all the lions.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sknplions_2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13690" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sknplions_2.jpg" alt="Singita Kruger National Park Lions" /></a></p>
<p>This often causes big groups to fracture into smaller prides with a better chance of survival through successful hunting. They have been known to rejoin several months later however, and although it can be difficult to identify the exact number of lions in the area, there are at least three known mega-prides in and around the Singita concession.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sknplions_4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13692" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sknplions_4.jpg" alt="Singita Kruger National Park Lions" /></a></p>
<p>Watching a mega-pride strolling down the road towards the game vehicle is by far one of the most spectacular sights at Singita Kruger National Park. Guests have been rewarded over the past year with many such sightings, including a few moments with some rare white lion cubs. The surviving white male is still seen sporadically and is growing into a very handsome lion.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sknplions_3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13691" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sknplions_3.jpg" alt="Singita Kruger National Park Lions" /></a><br /><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sknplions_5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13693" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sknplions_5.jpg" alt="Singita Kruger National Park Lions" /></a></p>
<p><em>Singita Kruger National Park is a 33,000-acre stretch of wilderness well-known for its remarkable concentration of the ‘Big 5’, and is home to two beautiful properties; <a href="http://singita.com/lebombo-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Lebombo Lodge</a> and <a href="http://singita.com/sweni-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Sweni Lodge</a>. Our monthly wildlife reports follow the animal activity in the region, including the comings and goings of the lions. <a href="http://singita.com/blog/wildlife-region/singita-kruger-ntl-park/" target="_blank">Read more »</a> </em></p>
<p><em>All photos by Singita field guide and wildlife photographer, <a href="http://singita.com/blog/tag/ross-couper/" target="_blank">Ross Couper</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/lion-armies-the-mega-prides-of-singita-kruger-national-park/">Lion Armies: The Mega-Prides of Singita Kruger National Park</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kruger-national-park" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kruger National Park</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div></div>Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:28:38 +0000Anonymous1430 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/lion-armies-the-mega-prides-singita-kruger-national-park#commentsDecember highlight- Duba Plains, Botswanahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/december-highlight-duba-plains-botswana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><b>DECEMBER NEWS and a wonderful gallery</b></p>
<p>December month has created a great opportunity of photography, especially the beautiful clouds before and after the rain with the sun rays sticking out behind a rain cloud. The paradise of Duba was flourishing with newly born red lechwes and the faint colored young tsessebes. The plains of Duba looked stunning green and for many giving them that imagination of “the last remains of the Biblical Eden” as described by one of our guests.</p>
<p>The grass is green and buffalos eating well. We’ve had fires burning in the south of the concession in November and when the rains came the buffalos seemed to enjoy the new shoots as they spent most of the days in this area. Lions are not taking chances with them when they are this fit but have rather resorted to warthogs and lechwes.</p>
<p>The circle of life in the bush is still continuing, with lions killing, hooded vultures cleaning up before hyenas come for bone crushing.</p>
<p>The year was summed up well with celebrations and great dishes by our own Duba Chef Pierre van Zyl on Christmas day.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_0104.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9064 aligncenter" alt="IMG_0104" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_0104-300x226.jpg" width="300" height="226" /></a></p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9066 aligncenter" alt="IMG_0547" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_0547-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Duba Cubs play together as they feast on a young buffalo</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-9065 aligncenter" alt="IMG_0471" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_0471-300x258.jpg" width="300" height="258" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A fish Eagles watches a Duba male, perhaps waiting for some scraps off a kill – they don’t just eat fish!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_0673.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9067" alt="IMG_0673" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_0673-300x182.jpg" width="300" height="182" /></a><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9068" alt="IMG_6350" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_6350-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Waterways of Duba. A great place to see Hippo, and if you are lucky perhaps a Buffalo crossing</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_8606.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9069 aligncenter" alt="IMG_8606" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_8606-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Could it be time to mate?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_8812.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9070 aligncenter" alt="IMG_8812" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_8812-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You will only ever see such a sight at this time of year</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/New-young-maledominant.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9072" alt="New young male(dominant)" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/New-young-maledominant-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a> <a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Skimmer.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9075" alt="Skimmer" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Skimmer-300x192.jpg" width="300" height="192" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This is what happens when you mess with the ladies of Duba</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/X-MAS.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9063];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9077 aligncenter" alt="X - MAS" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/X-MAS-200x300.jpg" width="200" height="300" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At Christmas time there won’t be any snow in Africa</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9079" alt="X-MAS" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/X-MAS1-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It was all hands to the deck getting our Christmas tree up this year</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9078" alt="x mas" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/x-mas-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-9080" alt="xmas" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/xmas-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Christmas Lunch in the wilds – after a hearty feast it was time to lie like Lions grrr</p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/duba-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Duba Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/headlines" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Headlines</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/recently-spotted" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Recently Spotted</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari-experiences-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari Experiences News</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-luxury-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Luxury Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/dereck-and-beverly-joubert" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dereck and Beverly Joubert</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/great-plains-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Great Plains Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/silver-eye" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Silver Eye</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/the-last-lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">The Last Lions</a></div></div>Thu, 09 Jan 2014 07:20:28 +0000Anonymous661 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/december-highlight-duba-plains-botswana#commentsLions return to iSimangaliso in memory of Mandelahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/lions-return-to-isimangaliso-memory-mandela<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><img width="250" height="150" src="http://blog.africageographic.com/africa-geographic-blog/files/2013/12/lioness1-250x150.jpg" class="attachment-sliderimg wp-post-image" alt="lioness" /></p>
<p>After 44 years of absence, lions are being introduced into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, affording the park with Big 7 status.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">News</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/isimangaliso" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">iSimangaliso</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/mandela" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mandela</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/st-lucia" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">St Lucia</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wetland" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">wetland</a></div></div>Tue, 24 Dec 2013 06:25:18 +0000Anonymous548 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/lions-return-to-isimangaliso-memory-mandela#commentsA winter wonderland at Sabi Sabihttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-winter-wonderland-sabi-sabi<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><img width="250" height="150" src="http://blog.africageographic.com/africa-geographic-blog/files/2013/12/leopard-cub-250x150.jpg" class="attachment-sliderimg wp-post-image" alt="leopard-cub" /></p>
<p>There is something magical about Sabi Sabi in winter as the bush fades from its lush greens to dead browns, the rains disappear and the parched earth cries out for a drink.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife-and-nature" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife and Nature</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bush" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">bush</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/cheetah" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">cheetah</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/cubs" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">cubs</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/leopards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leopards</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lions</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sabi-sabi" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">sabi sabi</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/winter" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">winter</a></div></div>Wed, 11 Dec 2013 04:45:46 +0000Anonymous402 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-winter-wonderland-sabi-sabi#comments