Cats on their favourite perch

This was a picturesque sighting that gave us the time to sit quietly and observe these incredible cats in great detail, while also listening to the birdsong and sounds of the wilderness – just soaking in all the splendour of nature.

Members of the Nduna Pride were sprawled across the sun-warmed rocks that ring Nduna Dam. The lions looked completely at ease, unfazed by our company, stretched out, sometimes rolling over with heavy paws dangling, and golden coats glowing against the blackened lichen-covered rocks.

It was clear why they favoured this elevated perch (much like domestic cats do). From the rocks they could survey the water and surrounds below, keeping a watchful eye on any animals that might come down to drink - a natural lookout perfectly suited for Africa’s apex predator. Also the sun-warmed stone provided comfort, allowed them to conserve their energy, and there was less chance of thorns or dust or annoying creatures bothering them.

Lions spend the majority of their daylight hours at rest. During these long hours of inactivity, they build strength for when it truly matters: the hunt. By positioning themselves here during the day, the pride not only enjoys comfort but also gains a strategic advantage. If a herd of impala, a lone kudu, or even a thirsty buffalo were to venture to the dam, the lions would already be waiting in ambush, conserving their strength until the moment to strike.

Watching them like this - half dozing, half alert - gave a sense of their dual nature: lethargic sunbathers by day, powerful hunters by night, their chosen rocks around Nduna Dam both a resting ground and a launchpad for survival.

Being so relaxed it also gave us many opportunities to photograph then from different angles, and at different zoom lengths – seeing wild lions like this in their natural environment is such a privilege, and the photos are an everlasting reminder of this.