Dana Atkinson is a safari enthusiast and author who has written several books inspired by her visits to thirteen of Africa’s countries. On a self-guided expedition through Kruger National Park, Dana pulled onto a dirt road near Tshokwane picnic site, where she spotted a vehicle pulled over.
Interested in what the group was looking at, she scanned her surroundings and discovered a pride of seven lions lounging about on the far side of the dried-up riverbed.
Watch the Sighting:
A Watcher Among the Sleepers
Time passed and other vehicles came and went, taking pictures and leaving when they realized the lions were only sleeping. Dana stayed, however, because one lioness in particular caught her attention.
While all the other lions dozed peacefully, the lioness at the front of the group was watchful and alert. Her eyes carefully scanned the riverbed back and forth, searching for any potential prey, and Dana knew that if she stayed long enough, she would likely witness some action.
A Warthog’s Worst Nightmare
Finally, over an hour later, the lioness appeared to perk up, her attention snapping towards some movement on Dana’s side of the riverbank. Dana followed the female lion’s gaze and immediately spotted a warthog cluelessly trotting towards the lion pride.
The lioness alerted her pride and in an instant, the trap was set. All seven lions crept down the valley moving into position to ambush the warthog.
At this point, the warthog was hiding behind a bush, but as the lions crept closer, it seemed to finally realize the imminent danger. The warthog booked it with lightning speed, dashing away from the lions as quickly as possible!
Dana couldn’t believe her eyes, the excitement of the chase was unbearable! In seconds, the warthog made it up the valley and the lions decided not to waste their time. The warthog made a lucky escape with its life that day and hopefully learned to be more aware of its surroundings in the future.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Whose Turn is it to Stay Awake?
Unlike other types of animals, it is not necessary for one lion pride member to remain awake while the others sleep. Being the most social of the big cats, lions will typically rest together at the same time.
While no one lion must remain awake, often certain individuals in the pride will stay more alert than others depending on their role within the pride, the time of day, and the situation. Females are also more likely to be the members on high alert, as they are largely responsible for doing most of the hunting.
Patience Pays Off
This sighting teaches us that in the African bush, it always pays to be patient. Whether you are a lion in wait of your next meal or a traveler hoping to catch a once-in-a-lifetime sighting, nature always rewards those who take the time to watch and listen!
