Lion War: Zulu Boys vs. Kwara Boys

Written by Maicol Guaita

The peaceful landscape of Kwara and Splash, in the Kwando region, turned into an epic battlefield between two powerful lion coalitions.

In 2019, the Kwara Reserve was home to a young coalition of five male lions, approximately 4 to 5 years old. Who would have imagined that this group of young lions, with their manes still developing, would go on to establish themselves as the kings of this vast area in the years to come?

(Photograph taken in December 2019: the young Kwara Boys) Photo by Nick Koster

By 2022, the Kwara Boys had matured and were ready to challenge and conquer any territory. Their ambitious first target was the domain of the three males known as the Zulu Boys.

Video credits to Artur Stankiewicz

If you want to learn more about the Zulu Boys, we invite you to read Kwando Safaris’ blog. But, of course, not without first enjoying our narration.

After multiple encounters and skirmishes, the Kwara Boys and the Zulu Boys finally clashed in a direct battle: four lions versus three.

Below, you'll find a link to the video where the Zulu Boys send a clear warning to the Kwara Boys, reaffirming their dominance. In the scene, one of the Zulu Boys chases three of the Kwara Boys, who appear to flee. However, the question remains: did the Kwara Boys return with greater confidence, or was it all part of a strategy?

Video credits to Fiona Walker

Lions are incredibly cunning when facing rivals. Sometimes, they pretend to flee to separate members of the opposing coalition, giving them the chance to attack an isolated opponent. This strategic behavior explains why territorial battles among lions often involve prolonged and calculated chases. Every move is aimed at minimizing risk and ensuring maximum advantage to avoid serious injuries.

One of the Kwara Boys suffered a deep cut on his face, a significant wound captured in a photograph.

Photo credit to the original author, taken from the Kwando Safaris website. 

However, the outcome was even more devastating for the Zulu Boys. The coalition lost one of its members, a loss that marked a turning point in their territorial dominance.

Kwando Reserve wrote about it:

Speaking of lions, there’s been action this month! 

A territorial dispute

The Zulu boys occupied the western part of the Kwara Private Reserve, extending into the Shinde area. One day we saw these males mating with a lioness. Soon afterwards, we came across five male lions feeding on a wildebeest carcass near the Splash boat station along the river road. We believe this coalition controls the Kwara-Splash territory. The next day, four of these lions picked up on roars of other males nearby. Kwando guides followed as the resident lions responded with fierce roaring and headed towards the challenging calls.

The four males caught up with the three Zulu boys, and a territorial fight immediately ensued near Basarwa Sethabana. It was four against three, and the resident four males won, leaving one of the Zulu boys with severe injuries. Unfortunately, this lion succumbed to the damages. Two days later, we discovered his remains. Guides were alerted to the carcass by vultures and rampant hyena tracks crisscrossing the road early in the morning. They only found his fresh skull, part of the skin and remnants of paws and claws.

The Kwara are a great coalition. To this day, they still reign. They have faced countless territorial battles but have managed to remain strong, at least in Kwara. Now, they have split into two groups to occupy their entire territory without having to travel long distances.

If you enjoy this kind of reports and stories, don’t hesitate to follow us!

(All images in this post are copyrighted, all credits to the original author).

The Guardian of the Family

The Guardian of the Family

Sekekama has been portrayed as a lion with a fierce temper—brutal and ruthless—a reputation solidified by National Geographic's documentary Savage Kingdom. However, behind this image of violence and authority lies another side to him: a steadfast protector, willing to go to any lengths to defend what he considered his own.

In his first brutal act shown in Savage Kingdom, Sekekama fatally wounds his own son. The young male, driven by a surge of testosterone and a desire for sexual maturity, attempted to approach Matsumi with intentions of mating or establishing a bond that, from a human perspective, could be considered "romantic." But Sekekama was not one to tolerate such behavior. His reaction was swift and merciless: he struck his son down with overwhelming force. The young lion, still too immature to challenge the laws of the pride, succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.

While this incident reinforces Sekekama’s image as an unforgiving ruler, it also reveals another layer to his personality. His aggression was not aimless; it was a defense of what he considered sacred. Sekekama was not merely a tyrant; he was a guardian, fiercely protective of his legacy.

Photo by Francis Bompard

One instance that showcased his protective nature was during the early days of his cubs. He was often seen walking with them, watching over his offspring with a mix of authority and care. But his protective instincts were most evident in moments of conflict.

Photo copyright. All credits to the original photographer.

In the north, during a clash between the Marsh Pride and the Northern Pride amidst a buffalo hunt, Sekekama proved his loyalty to his bloodline. His son Sekoti was attacked by Tsekedi and Pretty Boy. Without hesitation, Sekekama intervened, taking on both rival lions. The battle was intense and left visible scars: Sekekama suffered a deep cut on his face, a testament to his courage and determination. TornNose, also joined the fight to protect Sekoti, sustaining injuries of his own.

Photo by Dan Sweet

Photo by @ullimuehlhoff 

Despite his reputation for brutality, Sekekama embodied the role of a protective leader. He was a lion who understood that power and protection were inseparable, even if it meant making difficult and bloody decisions.

Photo by @travlthru

Written by Maicol Guaita

The End of an Era: The Fall of Sekekama and TornNose

The End of an Era: The Fall of Sekekama and TornNose

In December 2021, Sekekama and TornNose still reigned over the Marsh Pride. They had many sons, daughters, and even new cubs. In the last days of the month, Sekekama was seen in poor condition—he either hadn’t eaten for days or was caught in a territorial conflict in Savuti’s Sand Ridge. Fortunately, he reunited with the Marsh Pride and TornNose soon after, but everyone seemed to sense that things were about to change.

In January 2022, during the first week of the month, I remember reading a comment from a tourist saying, "New males have entered Savuti, and they are roaring." At the time, I paid little attention, thinking she meant Sekekama and TornNose. But soon, it became clear I was wrong—new lions had arrived.

By the end of January, TornNose appeared with visible injuries. He had wounds on his back, indicating that he fought the two Mababe males—Tsunami and Gaam. However, Sekekama hadn’t been spotted yet, and it was uncertain if he was present during the fight or if the invaders had only found TornNose. What’s certain is that TornNose managed to defend himself in a 2 vs. 1 battle, the same scenario he had already faced with these lions back in 2018.

For the first five months of 2022, Sekekama, TornNose, and the adolescent lionesses and young males from the Marsh Pride stuck together, while the adult lionesses remained with their cubs. During this period, Sekekama and TornNose held onto hope of reclaiming their kingdom. But things didn’t go in their favor—they appeared increasingly thin, and their bodies bore fresh wounds, showing they were still fighting.

In the last days of May, Sekekama and TornNose made the decision to move south to Mababe, just outside Savuti. Though unfamiliar territory for them, it was once ruled by Sekekama’s three brothers, who eventually disappeared—possibly hunted by humans.

They didn’t go alone—five of their sons followed them, though not directly at their side. Sekekama and TornNose eventually clashed with an adult lion and a young male who were mating with a lioness. The two old kings managed to win this fight.

Details About These Lions: The adult lion mentioned in this story still roams the area today, now holding territory with his companion. There are photos suggesting there were three males, though it seems their coalition might total six, but divided into smaller groups.

Although Sekekama and TornNose emerged injured from the battle, they recovered and mated with the lioness, resulting in new cubs. However, as more young and powerful males entered the area, the aging kings were forced to move repeatedly. Their last few months were spent wandering from place to place. Later sightings revealed they were still carrying battle scars—proof they were still trying to secure a new territory.

The last confirmed photo of Sekekama and TornNose dates back to August 2023. Mababe is an area with few safaris, and much of the land is not traversed daily by tourists, making it difficult to determine if the two old lions are still alive. There’s still a glimmer of hope, though it’s unlikely—but those familiar with the region would know. Botswana is different from other places for several reasons, though I won’t elaborate since some might take offense. I’ll just say this: tracking lions here and learning about them takes a lot of hard work.

As the rainy season approaches, if Sekekama and TornNose don’t appear in the coming months, it will likely confirm they are gone for good.

Note: I’ve also seen YouTube channels and websites claiming that Sekekama and TornNose were killed by their sons. That is a complete lie! If you read that, report it and stop following the person spreading misinformation. Only a few of us truly know the lions of Savuti, and we are all here on Facebook, not on other sites. Without the work we’ve done, no one would know what we do now about Sekekama.

Written by Maicol Guaita.

Photo taken by Mopane Safaris.

Welcome to @botswanalions

My name is Maicol Guaita, and I have created this page with a clear purpose: to document and preserve invaluable information about the majestic lions of Botswana, as well as other fascinating animals that inhabit the African continent. While our primary focus will be on the iconic Savuti region, we will also explore captivating stories and unique sightings of the diverse wildlife that makes Africa so extraordinary.

This space is designed for wildlife enthusiasts and those who seek to learn more about these iconic predators, their behaviors, struggles, and their crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Join us as we uncover the mysteries of Savuti and dive into an adventure filled with emotions, discoveries, and a deeper connection with nature.

I invite you to follow us and become part of this exciting journey. Join our community and share this passion for the wild!