Kings of the Nsemani Lion Pride: Mbiri and Rockfig

Lions in the Mist: Two beautiful Lion Brothers casually stroll down the road towards me. The two Nsemani pride males are still looking amazing despite their age. The one walking in front is the Senior Mbiri male, sired by the Matimba males in 2011, and the one at the back is the Rockfig/Avoca male, born in 2009. The reward for taking a misty and rainy early morning game drive down the H7 towards Nsemani Dam in Kruger National Park during March 2021. Senior Mbiri is a son of the Northern Matimbas and an older brother to the two famous Mbiri boys, Zigzag and Shaka. Senior Mbiri was born in 2011. After losing his brother and being unwelcome back into his pride, he set out again, found the Rockfig male, and formed the Nsemani coalition. The Rockfig male was born in early 2009. This male was fathered by the three old Ross males. Not much is known about his nomad life; he was seen from time to time in the Timbavati. But he is most famous for being seen in 2017 partnered with a legend, the last Northern Matimba, who was one of the fathers of his soon-to-be partner, Senior Mbiri. It is extraordinary how things work in the wild. They have controlled the Nsemani pride since late 2017 and have remained their dominant males to this day. Both males are past their prime, but they still look like strong, formidable lions. Hopefully, this coalition will hold their reign for some time.

Rockfig of the Nsemani Lion Pride

The last footage I filmed of Rockfig was when he feasted on a giraffe kill with one of his sons. He seemed not to be in good condition! Let's hope this amazing legendary lion will continue to prosper and keep control of the Nsemani Pride with his coalition partner, Senior Mbiri! "The Rockfig male was born in early 2009. This male was fathered by the three old Ross males. Not much is known about his nomad life; he was seen from time to time in the Timbavati. But he is most famous for being seen in 2017 partnered with a legend, the last Northern Matimba, who was one of the fathers of his soon-to-be partner, Senior Mbiri. It is extraordinary how things work in the wild.They have controlled the Nsemani pride since late 2017 and have remained their dominant males to this day. Both males are past their prime but still look like strong, formidable lions. Hopefully this coalition will hold their reign for some time."