The mating of the lions has been unusual this month with one particular incident where one of the Sand River females whose cubs are 2½ years old has broken away and mated with the Mapogo. It is highly unusual that she will fall pregnant; however it is probably just her way of keeping the males content and stopping them from getting frustrated with the growing cubs that are all male.
The Xhumungwe female is still mating with the Mapogo, however doesn’t appear to be falling pregnant. The rest of her pride should start coming into oestrus any day now and as soon as they do, she will most probably conceive and there should be wonderful viewing of cubs in the not so distant future.
Three of the Mapogo appear to be moving further south on a more regular basis. This is probably due to the fact that they can sense that the Xhumungwe females are coming into season. It is wonderful to have these big males in the area so frequently.
These sightings have been viewed at Savanna Lodge
