The Ncila Lion Coalition: A Tale of Brothers and Brute Force

Every so often, a new lion coalition rises from the dry heat of the Timbavati and puts the fear into all that crosses its path. 

This is the story of four young brothers, the Ncila males, from Motswari Private Game Reserve, who first appeared in the Timbavati & Umbabat region around October last year. The Shangaan word ‘Ncila’ means tail, and one of the males is missing the tip of its tail, likely lost in a battle. And battle-scarred they are, every line etched in their face, a reminder that they survived, they won.

In the Ncila’s mission to gain territory, the first to fall at their feet was an old Western Pride male. Emboldened, they even managed to chase away the legendary white lion, Xakubasa, who was outnumbered and later seen licking his wounds. He has since returned to the Motswari concession, only to be chased off again. He will certainly be back, and perhaps next time he will return with his own coalition, and a battle of all battles will ensue. 

They have been seen mating with females in different prides, spreading their seed across the land they are determined to dominate. 

The Timbavati is part of the massive Greater Kruger open ecosystem, where lion dynamics, including coalitions forming and pride takeovers, are numerous. Those who survive have fire in their veins and blood on their manes, roaring into the misty nights as they carve out a kingdom. 

Happy World Lion Day from Motswari Private Game Reserve.