Some sightings stay with you long after they’ve ended. This was one of them. On the final afternoon drive of 2025, something unbelievable happened. Its always been my dream to watch a lion swim!
In the morning, we decided to cross into the northern parts of the reserve to go and see the two members of the Kambula Pride with five cubs that had been found feeding on a young giraffe kill. We arrived at the scene to only a couple of hyenas and vultures finishing off the scraps. While we were sitting there, we got a radio call from a vehicle on the southern bank of the sand river saying that one of the Gijima Males had crossed through the river and was heading towards where we were, as the vultures descending had most likely drawn him in, and there was an opportunity to scavenge a free meal. And arrive he did, but unfortunately for him, there was very little remaining. We had an incredible sighting of him chasing vultures away and finishing the remains, but this is not the sighting I want to talk about.
A few hours later, now heading out on the afternoon drive with the knowledge that the Gijima Male was still in the north, we decided to stay south of the River and explore a bit. All the while, knowing that at some stage the Gijima Male would need to return south. After a great drive around, and when we were on our way back to camp, the sun was just about to set, we got a radio call from a vehicle in the North saying he was up and heading for the river. We raced over to the southern bank, where he had crossed in the morning and set up perfectly.
The river was still flowing strongly, and crossing always comes with risks. Surprisingly, lions are awkwardly powerful swimmers, but they are also cautious, and water is one of the few things that can put them at a real disadvantage.
Everything came together in those final moments of the year 2025.
Enjoy this selection of a memorable sighting…
He reached the bank and stopped. You could see the hesitation. He looked up and down the river, paused, and then stepped forward before stopping again.
This wasn’t a casual decision. Eventually, he committed and slid into the water.
The current was strong. Almost immediately, it pushed him downstream, and at one point he disappeared completely as the water pulled him under. It was only for a second, but it felt much longer.
When he resurfaced, he powered on, head just above the water, pushing steadily toward the opposite bank.
Watching a male lion swim a full Sand River in flood conditions is not something you see often. There was no drama, no rush, just determination. He climbed out on the south side, shook himself off, and walked straight past us, back into familiar territory.
The light was golden, the timing perfect, and the moment unforgettable.
It was a reminder of how these animals constantly weigh risk against reward, and how sometimes survival means taking a chance.
It was a sighting I will never forget, and one that reminded me just how incredible these lions are, especially when they move beyond the boundaries we think they should stay within. Its in times where animals step outside there comfort sones that lead to magic like this.
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