Watching lion cubs interact around a fresh kill was one of the most fascinating wildlife experiences of our safari at Elephant Plains Game Lodge. On our second morning game drive in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, our guide and tracker were following a breakaway pride of lions that was believed to be settling into the area.
Tracking a Breakaway Pride of Lions
After some careful tracking through the bush, we found the lions resting beneath the shade of several trees. Nearby were the remains of a recent kill – a male impala. Although there was very little left, the cubs were still determined to clean every last scrap of meat from the bones and skull.
The pride consisted of two adult lionesses and six cubs estimated to be between five and seven months old. At this age, the cubs were playful, curious, and already learning important survival skills from the adults.
Lion Cubs Learning Survival Skills
The most entertaining part of the sighting was watching one of the smaller cubs drag the impala skull and horns away from the others. Despite wanting the prize all to itself, the cub stayed close enough to the pride for protection.
The cub worked tirelessly to remove every remaining piece of meat from the skull while the other cubs focused on the scattered bones nearby. It was both amusing and fascinating to watch the determination and instinct already developing in such young lions.
Spotted Hyenas Waiting Nearby
Although the lions controlled the kill site, a group of hyenas lingered nearby waiting patiently for their opportunity. They were not willing to challenge the lions directly, but they clearly hoped for leftovers once the pride eventually moved on.
The tension between predators and scavengers added another layer of excitement to the sighting. Even after we left the area during the morning drive, the scene stayed in my mind for the rest of the day.
Returning to the Lions Later That Afternoon
When we returned later that evening to check on the pride, the lions were still there, and so were the hyenas. Both predators and scavengers remained locked in a patient waiting game around the remains of the impala.
Experiences like this are what make a safari in Sabi Sands Game Reserve so special. Every sighting tells a story of survival, learning, patience, and the delicate balance of life in the African bush.
All the images in this post were taken using my Lumix G9II. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact me through my website, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram.