The past week has been nothing short of extraordinary in the reserve, with an array of special sightings that left us in awe. Guests and rangers alike were treated to rare encounters with elusive animals such as the Honey Badger, Serval, Civet, and Porcupine. However, the true highlight of the week was the incredible presence of the entire western pride of lions right in front of the lodge—for nearly five days!
An Unexpected Visitor: The Western Pride at Mhondoro’s Waterhole
It all began on Tuesday evening when we discovered that the lions were just around the corner from us, having made a fresh kill. Typically, after feeding, lions head to the nearest water source to drink, and it just so happened that the closest water was at Mhondoro. The entire pride came to our lodge’s waterhole to quench their thirst, offering us a breathtaking sighting. But what happened next was beyond anything we could have anticipated.
The Chase: A Dramatic Encounter Unfolds
As the lions lounged in the grass around the waterhole, a group of kudu arrived for a late afternoon drink, completely unaware that they were being watched by some of Africa’s most skilled hunters. It didn’t take long for the lions to spring into action, and before we knew it, they were in full chase.
In a flash, the lions caught one of the kudu—right in front of us. The entire scene played out so quickly that it left us all in stunned silence, followed by an adrenaline-fueled buzz. It was a rare and thrilling moment that set the tone for the rest of the week.
A Pride That Felt Right at Home
The lions seemed to feel very much at home at our Mhondoro waterhole, as if they had decided to move in. And move in they did—for just under five days! Their presence brought an electrifying energy to the lodge, and those five days were filled with incredible sightings and unforgettable experiences.
The week may have started with rare animals making surprise appearances, but it was the western pride of lions that truly stole the show, turning our lodge into their temporary home and giving us memories that will last a lifetime.
