We suspected it for a long time, and yet it is a shock for us. By far the oldest lioness in the Madikwe Game Reserve, also known as "Mgogo Mika", died at the end of this week. The proud lioness has reached an age which is almost biblical for the wild. Mika died just a few days before her 20th birthday.

"The last few days have been really sad," says Rhulani's ranger Alasdair. “She barely moved, and could hardly lift her head”. It was obvious that the last day was near.

Mika was not only the oldest, but also the most noticeable lioness in the reserve. She was the queen. Her stature, which was very large and strong for a female, and her distinctive facial features set her apart from all other female lions. Mika was recognized immediately.

Mika hunted herself all her life and had many cubs. Her home was the area of the North West. That is where Rhulani Safari Lodge is also located. We had the privilege of seeing this proud lioness time and time again.

But Mika also had a character all of her own. She was not to be trifled with.

Rhulani's owner Rolf remembers a story: 

"It was one of my first safaris, shortly after taking over Rhulani in 2013. We approached a pride of lions. Two vehicles were already there, very close to the lions. The cats were resting, all relaxed. My manager who was driving our vehicle stopped at a safe distance. From here I couldn't see the lions well. He said, 'Rolf, there is the eldest lioness from Madikwe, called Mika. It is a huge lion!’ 

Now I got even more excited and asked, why don't we go closer? With awe on his face my manager said: "Oh no, Mika doesn't like me. Whenever she notices me, she stands up, comes in front of the vehicle and growls at me.’ I thought it was a joke and said, so let's go.

In fact, we went closer, but shortly after this huge lion got up, showed a grumpy face, and approached our vehicle. Then Mika growled at my manager. 'You see, she doesn't like me,' he said. There was quite a laugh from everyone.

From then on I knew that lions are really dangerous and that it was better not to meet Mika, especially not on foot. Nevertheless, and perhaps because of this, we have taken our Queen into our hearts. On each of my trips to South Africa, the first thing I asked was if Mika was still alive. So she lived another 8 years."

The cycle of life has now taken three of the most dominant lions in our region within a very short time. So sad! But we send one last, heartfelt greeting to the lion's heaven. Mika, we love you!