Temperatures peaked to around 30C in the afternoons, during the period of heavy rains, making for cool mornings of 17C. This has now increased to 32C in the afternoons and 19C early mornings with clear skies and stunning sunrises making for lovely early morning drives. Occasional showers are occurring every two days at present, starting in the late afternoons, creating a challenging drive through the thick mud, of course, soon overcome by our able drivers and strong vehicles. 

 

 

The Marsh Pride are remaining strong with the six male lion coalition often venturing up towards Rhino Ridge but not exceeding Topi Plains into Madomo (Ridge) Pride territory. The dominant male of the six males has been spotted with hierarchy scars, likely attained during dominance battles with the other five boys. We know this male as Baba Yao, meaning “their father,” since Babayao is the father to Lioness Rembos cubs and clearly the superior alpha male of the six coalition. 

 

Photo courtesy of Moses Manduku  

 

Lioness Rembos litter has reduced to two cubs estimated between 2-3 months old. Rembo had moved her cubs to various different spots around the wooded area of the Marsh, with the most recent hiding place being inside a fallen down tree alongside the centre Marsh. On the evening of 23rd March, all three of Rembos cubs were seen nestled together in their most recent hiding spot with Rembo away hunting. However the following morning of the 24th March just two cubs were seen, with the third cub missing. We cannot be sure of the circumstances that occurred on the evening of the 23rd, however Rembo was seen nurturing her now two cubs, then circling the various hiding spots, seemingly in search of the third cub. Baba Yao has been patrolling the areas surrounding the cubs location, between Musiara Marsh and Bila Shaka to show Rembo that he is present and protecting the area. This is a clear indication that he is the father of the litter, since the other five males have not shown any interest in Rembo or her cubs. 

The other members of the Marsh Pride have not returned to the area and are still seen across the conservancy. 

 

The Paradise Pride are slightly divided at present, with the four muskateers, females and youngsters having crossed over into the Mara triangle earlier on in the month. There is little activity around Paradise Plains with high, thick grasses giving the Paradise Pride better opportunies to hunt elsewhere. Recently, Hunter and Sikio have been seen past Paradise Plains towards Serena away from the rest.  

 

All sixteen members of the Madomo (Topi Plains) Ridge Pride have been seen regularly together as one pride. Lipstick has been managing a sore leg, which has been healing slowly, fortunately Blacky and the pride are all close by giving Lipstick a good chance to feed on kills brought home by the females, to gain strength. 

 

Two unfamiliar male lions, estimated at six years each arrived at Rhino Ridge on 15th March. Both males were then seen around the Musiara airstrip, having stolen a Warthog kill off Marsh Pride Lioness Rembo. The two males have supposedly arrived from Sand River and lately were spotted digging out a Warthog Den. We shall see how this unfolds with the six Male coalition and / or the Madomo pride males. 

 

Cheetah 

 

Malaika does not stay in one place for any amount of time, we are still unsure of her whereabouts having not seen her since the beginning of the month, during the start of this seasons rains. Malaika’s two male sub adult cubs however, were seen hunting and feeding on a large male Impala, proving their capabilities. They are both appearing extremely healthy and able to fend for themselves, making a great hunting duo.

 

Photo courtesy of Moses Manduku 

 

The five male Cheetah Coalition are still moving around the Southern area of the reserve. Lioness Rembo was spotted snatching a kill off one of the two Cheetah sisters earlier in the month, recently they have not been spotted together & have supposedly split as a pair.