On a chilly January morning, just before breakfast, the roars of two big Lions were heard booming through Camp. Those who have heard the roar of a lion close by would concur that it sends shivers down your spine. Even more so when two roar in unison! Nature seems to fall silent in respect. The strategy of fear and dominance is real when it comes to lions. Dominance is the ultimate strategy in the male lion world. It is essential for survival.

Humba and Netsai are two male lions aged about 10 years and have dominated a big territory stretching roughly from Ngweshla . On this particular morning, the two legends were on the run. Being ousted by three young male lions known as The Baggage Handlers (how did that name come about, we wonder?) . The wars in Hwange lion territories are wild and fierce. If you see these old lions in real life, their sheer strength and power and glorious mane you feel a sense of awe. One would think they are still in their prime. The courage of the young generation of lions to take over territory and females from these legends is awesome tenacity and shows the measure of their brute strength.

Lions have a lot of intra male politics and dynamics change quickly. Male cubs get kicked out of families as young as two to three years old and they usually become nomads, often onto the outskirts of Parks or even into communal plans unfortunately. Young and unwanted by fathers as they pose mating competition, no strength and strategy to gain hunting territory, food becomes a hustle and no protection from inter species enemies such as hyenas. It’s hard being a male teenage lion. Everything changes at about seven years as the prime strength in the Panthera leo male life. Peak strength, glorious mane, thunderous roar and unsatiable hunger and plenty testosterone means you are ready to challenge any reigning dominant lion to become the alpha. This is exactly what befell the coalition of Humba and Netsai. Maybe they did the same to their predecessors.

Camp Silwane has been noticing a shift of lion movement in the conservation area. A young, hesitant male has been making an appearance sometimes trying to join a group of female lions. This is has been the case after the vacuum left by Mopane the dominant male of the area was hunted in 2021. The last couple of months the famous Ngweshla males have been seen around Kennedy 1 and into the Silwane Conservation Area. It was a stunning sight to finally clearly see these magnificent males patrolling around Camp Silwane and even walking towards my tent (!!) from the sundowner platform. We knew something was up. The roars deafening and deep meant the legends were now establishing new territory and possibly seeking new females. There is a feeling of sadness for this loss of position that these two males held for so long, but that is the marvel of nature.

We had guests in camp to witness these two legends straight from their breakfast tables in the dining room which was a highlight of their stay. How could it not? I could explain in detail the feeling of seeing a lion close and roaring and the fear it imparts in one, mixed with the excitement of being in real time and eye witness to nature without watching it on National Geographic channel. However, it can only be an experienced endeavour to be able to relate in all its sensational stimulations.

The camp is aptly named Camp Silwane. The Lion camp. We wish Humba and Netsai all the best in their new life away from the pride they once called family. Camp Silwane is privileged to be part of their new home. To the new lions running the Ngweshla pride- better utilise the time. In the Lion world, the adage history repeats itself is guaranteed.