“Lions are the most visible, most gregarious and noisiest of the cats. The patriarchs are dramatic to behold, with a cloud of mane as fragrant as dried grass – the only cat, domestic or wild, that displays such ornamentation. Add their high-voltage amber stare, deep chest and shoulders striated with muscle and sinew flowing under a golden skin as they drift though the bush, disappearing, reappearing, disappearing again and it is plain to see why few other animals rivet the imagination as vividly as the lion.”
– Mitch Reardon, Shaping Kruger
According to some estimates, over thirty million people visit Africa every year, and safari minded or not, few would pass up the opportunity to see the ultimate emblem of power and savagery. This was one of the males from the Birmingham coalition looking up at a passing vulture. Note the dark mane with a lighter halo around the face.
The African lion is a tactical predator that displays an extraordinary resourcefulness and inventive ability. In many a hunting situation they surprise us in ways that surpasses our interpretation. They ambush their prey, using teamwork and speed as their greatest weapon. But they cannot maintain that speed for long.
However, they are equipped with exceptional vision that’s approximately six times better than ours at night, so most of their kills are made after dark when they have more of the advantage. Nevertheless, from my own observations over six years, the Lions of the Sabi Sands have a habit of making kills in broad daylight. They are a pleasure to watch and a better understanding of their conservation status just adds to our appreciation of each sighting.
A lioness from the Ntsevu pride exhibits the art of blending in, a crucial element in any ambush.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, place the African lion as Vulnerable, occurring in 26 countries including India, and a possible 7 additional countries where they don’t have any data. According to Panthera – a global organization devoted to the conservation of wild cat populations – they occupy just 8% of their historical range. It’s amazing to think that there was a time when the sound of a lion’s roar reverberated through the mountains surrounding Cape Town! But it’s not all doom and gloom. Apparently in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa lion populations are on the increase. The good news is that there are solutions to most of the threats they face and through increasing global awareness and some big conservation initiatives the future of the African lion may be brighter than it has been in the past. By the Kruger National Park’s own admission their estimate is of 1600 lions across the reserve (give or take 225) and that includes the adjoining private concessions such as the Sabi Sand Wildtuin.
A rare sighting of the young cubs of the Tsalala female. This lone lioness was resting in the open shortly after moving her cubs into the Sand River. The sighting lasted all of twenty minutes before she moved back into the relative safety of the Phragmites thickets.
Londolozi Game Reserve is in the heart of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin (Game Reserve) and being situated in one of the lions’ remaining population strongholds, we count ourselves truly fortunate to be able to expose our guests to the high-voltage amber stare of these super predators from close quarters. Many of our guests are left feeling enthralled with each encounter and they are often at the core of every bush experience. I agree with Mitch Reardon when he said that few species rivet the imagination quite like the lion and with such a high profile species it’s our duty as guides to remind ourselves and our guests how lucky we are to see them on a regular basis.
As the Ntsevu pride trail a herd of buffalo at midday, the new generation tag along behind the adults and learn from them as they prepare to take on their biggest adversary.
We have been visiting Kruger for over 37 years. We have noticed in the last 10 years that we do not see as many lions as we used to in the early years. We believe that the numbers are dwindling, although it is a excellent protected area. We see more leopards on Kruger than lions. We enjoyed fantastic lion sightings over the years at Londolzi. The best lion sightings were recently in the Kgalagadi. I always say it is about the little things but nothing beat a lion sighting. It is the ultimate African experience.
I would venture to guess that when people in the States think of Africa, the first picture to come to their minds is of the magnificent male lion, then perhaps elephants, etc. And you are so right, Paul, staring eyeball to eyeball with one is mesmerizing, somewhat terrifying, but all in all a fantastic experience. I hope the numbers continue to grow!
The first up close sighting of a male lion is breathtaking!
The word “majesty” resonates, befitting the king.
Paul, such an insightful piece.
Great blog, Paul. While leopards will always be my favourite cat, there’s nothing to beat seeing a large male lion walk right past you in the vehicle – and then look straight at you! Their sheer power is awesome.
To me it is the elephant and I dream of one majestic tusker…
Lions are the animal most folks instinctively associate with Africa and the lions roar is a sound that is universally recognized. We must do whatever we can to avoid their extinction.
The roar of a lion or lions, heard for the first time on safari, sends shivers down one’s spine or turns skin into goosebumps. That sound reverberates throughout the bush/veld. What are they saying? Is it a call to meet a brother or to entice a mate? A single male lion is stunning, but two or three together is breathtaking! I’m mesmerized by their eyes- I like to gaze back holding that stare for as long as I can. And then there are the cubs, curious, playful and hanging close to mom. My best lion moment was being in the middle of the Mhagene pride, sixteen strong a couple of years ago.
But then there’s the lure of the elusive leopards, now you see it and then you don’t. Leopards fascinate me in a way lions do not…. perhaps it’s their solitary nature, not depending on a pride to help hunt or care for their young. In watching leopards I find more expression in their eyes. Perhaps I’m reading my thoughts into them.
At any rate, I cannot choose a favorite just like I can’t choose my favorite African country for animal viewing. Where I am, and what I’m viewing is always the best!!
Paul, please forgive me but I need to say – I don’t like the word savagery. They just do what they do. I get bothered the same amount when people refer to violent, inhumane behaviour by homo sapiens, as animals. Not so. Lovely article and they are truly magnificent creatures.
Hi Patricia. I do agree with you. Thank you for commenting.
We are sure that combined conservation etiquet of the Sabi Sands lodge owners is a big reason why the wildlife and especially the “cats” are so prevalent. Cheers for the protection they receive to be free from most human intervention!
I wish that lions still roamed near Cape Town.
That makes two of us Callum! Thank you for commenting
Every lion sighting is a special one, beautiful photos-