Lions moving through water. The Money Shot. I don’t know what it is about a photo of a lion or lions wading across a river – no matter how shallow – that is so appealing, yet this is the photograph we’re all after. Maybe it’s just the fact that lions and water seem so at odds with one another, maybe it’s the rarity of the event.
I certainly believe that there’s something in the seeming contradiction of the lion-water combination that holds the allure.
Whatever it is, we almost struck pure gold a couple of days ago, when 17 lions from the Ntsevu Pride and Birmingham Coalition were lined up at the Causeway, seemingly debating whether or not to cross. We were rushing out to view the Tsalala lioness, who had taken down a buffalo bull all by herself (more on this later), when we bumped the sighting of the Ntsevu pride approaching the Sand River:
The pride had moved off a kill early that morning and had walked a good few kilometres across Londolozi to get to the Causeway. They were lying on the road out of sight to the right of the picture when we joined the sighting, but knowing how amazing the photographs would be if they crossed, we decided to wait on the opposite bank ahead of them. After a few minutes of waiting, they got moving, and here the first ones come into view.
A couple of the adult females were leading with the cubs trailing behind.
A number of them had now moved into the reeds just behind the front lioness and to the left of her in this picture, but our hope grew as she came doggedly onwards down the Causeway.
The rest of the pride now emerged onto the Causeway and approached the water. With the water so low, lions can technically cross the river wherever they want, and aren’t limited to this concrete crossing point. In fact, it probably has the longest unbroken stretch of water around.
The pride paused at the water’s edge and started to drink. Notoriously wary of crocodiles, lions in this area are usually loathe to get their feet wet if they don’t have to.
There are 17 lions in this picture.
Once most of them had drunk their fill, the lead lioness opted not to cross the broad expanse of water, despite it being so shallow, and she led the pride off to the left into the reeds
A last look back from the last few to finish drinking.
And as usual, one of the Birmingham males was trailing behind..
17 lions coming across the Causeway towards us was almost too much to hope for, but seeing them all drinking in front of us was more than enough to make our day. And this was at 10am. Who says lions are only active at night?
It is wonderful to see so many lions together. It is great that the lion population at Londolozi is growing.
James, quite a sighting – even if they didn’t cross the Sand River.
James truly a great capture. It’s hard to believe that the pride has swelled to so many. With most of them making their home at Londolozi it portends well for the continuation of successful Lion and leopard life for many years to come. When word of this gets out it will Be even more difficult to find availability of lodging the most incredible Safari Lodge in Africa
Haha thanks guys. And we are still yet to see the latest litter of 5. Pretty soon we will have a pride of 22 walking around (excluding the Birmingham males)!
I look forward to reading yours and your teams blog entries every morning. I am surprised somebody from bbc or nat geo or maybe even Derek/Beverly Joubet haven’t taken on the task of filming the tsalala lioness for a documentary during this time with her litter. It would be an amazing story to watch unfold. We would get to witness her taking down buffalo with her own bare paws. Looking forward to that piece. Thanks for all the amazing stories and for keeping us informed on the happenings at Londolozi
You’re welcome Mark!
We’re trying to capture as much footage of the Tsalala lioness as we can so that hopefully we can put out our own story someday…
What a thrill to sit and watch this many lions in one place! Absolutely incredible!
Though I don’t believe that we know each other, you have no doubt been on a million game drives. I can feel your excitement in what you write . . . that is the hallmark of a great Ranger and is what, in part, makes Londolozi the special place that it is.
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the kind words.
Best regards
Wow! Great shots & story. Aren’t there crocs around the causeway? What about in the reeds? I assume that is always a concern for them around the river.
Hi Bob and Lucie,
Yes there are crocs around, but with the river so shallow at the moment they are sticking to the deeper pools, and there is very little danger for lions that are on the Causeway itself.
What an amazing sighting. I know how thrilled everyone must’ve felt having experienced a similar moment with the Mhangeni pride of 16 around a small pan a couple of years ago. As they began to move, one by one, lionesses followed by their playful cubs, we sat in awe, barely able to take photos as they were so close, passing next to the Rover.
Fabulous photojournalism James. Looking forward to hearing more about Tsalala’s takedown of the Buffalo bull.
17 lions in one photo……incredible!
Still a very good sighting!
Were they looking to cross into the north or the south?
Hi Aaditya,
They were going from south to north…
Hi James, thanks for the response. The pride is looking super solid. Hope they hang around Londoz for another three weeks – in time for our visit!
Remarkable opportunity! Can never get enough of the lions drinking in unison!
What a sight! 17 lions! Goose-bumps!
What a great blog James. You and the uests sure hit paydirt. To see that many lions in one spot and, to boot, see them crossing the river, had to have been an awesome experience for you all. Thank you for sharing with us.
I can imagine the frustration , still any sighting of a pride like this on the move in daytime with the males should be a cracker.
Hello James,
It must have been fantastic! What a sight!
I wish I had been there! Lucky you!
Thank you for sharing!
Wow, James, 17 lions! What a sighting. I counted 16 in the photo and I thought THAT was a very large number but I must have missed one small face perhaps. Is that the biggest number of lions having a drink that Londolozi has ever seen? Wendy M
Curious how the hippos that currently hang around that causeway react when lions are present. Looking forward to hearing about the Tsalala lioness took down a buffalo on her own.
What a fantastic sighting, James! Do me a favour and get them all lined up for when I arrive on 1st September – next to the airstrip as I come in would be most convenient. On second thoughts, let’s delay that until I’ve picked up my lens from the studio.
Amazing!!!!
Hi James! As I keep up with your Photo journaling at Londolzi on a weekly basis, I have to say that your photos are a ceaseless delight. The beauty of environment, and more so, seeing this huge pride in gathering, amidst the expression on the lions faces, as if they are happy to see you, is priceless. Mind I say, seeing the lions in fit form, brings joyful tears to my eyes, (for more reasons than one) added to a heart warming smile.
You do an amazing job upon bringing Londolozi into our homes from a distance. That in and of itself, is a gift.
I hope to someday be able to come see Londolzi, and Africa, in person, as day by day, there is a definite calling to the heart.
Hi Jen,
Very kind of you to say.
We hope to be able to welcome you here one day!
Warm regards