Hunting training

On the morning of September 18, I had the pleasure of guiding two guests from Mara River Tented Camp on a full-day game drive. It was their first visit to Africa, and like many first-time visitors, they arrived with high expectations—hoping to witness iconic scenes such as the Great Migration river crossing and sightings of the continent’s most elusive predators. Their enthusiasm was palpable, and while their hopes were ambitious, I gently guided their expectations, reminding them that nature operates on its own timeline and that the best experiences often require patience and presence.

Understanding their primary desire to witness the wildebeest crossing, we made our way directly to Crossing Point No. 4 along the Mara River. Upon arrival, the scene was quiet, the air filled with anticipation. We settled in and waited, allowing the natural rhythm of the bush to unfold around us. Hours passed, and our patience was rewarded.

In the early afternoon, the landscape suddenly burst into motion. Hundreds of wildebeest began to gather at the river’s edge. Then, as if driven by an unseen signal, the herd surged forward, pouring down the riverbanks and plunging into the water. The crossing had begun. It was a spectacular sight—raw, chaotic, and profoundly beautiful. Dust rose into the air, hooves splashed through the current, and the rhythmic calls of the wildebeest echoed through the valley. For the guests, it was a surreal, almost cinematic moment—one that perfectly mirrored the scenes they had seen in wildlife documentaries.

As the adrenaline of the crossing began to settle, the guests turned to me with another question: "Do you think we might see a kill today?" Before I could respond, nature once again provided.

A lone lioness emerged from the thickets nearby, accompanied by a young cub. It was immediately apparent that this was a teaching moment—a mother imparting vital survival skills to her offspring. With focused intensity, the lioness targeted a wildebeest that had strayed from the herd. In a calculated burst of speed and strength, she gave chase and successfully brought it down just meters from our vehicle. The cub remained close, observing every movement, learning the techniques and timing necessary for a future as a hunter. It was a powerful display of maternal instinct and the transfer of knowledge between generations.

After feeding, the lioness made a second attempt—this time targeting a zebra. The chase was thrilling, showcasing her determination and agility, but the zebra ultimately managed to escape. Even in the wild, not every hunt ends in success—a lesson as important for the cub as the initial triumph.

By the end of the day, the guests were in awe. Their dream of witnessing the river crossing and seeing a predator in action had been fulfilled, and in a way that was authentic and unforced. More importantly, they gained a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of life in the savannah and the lessons that are constantly being passed from one generation to the next.

It was a truly memorable experience—not only because we were able to meet all of the guests’ hopes, but also because the day offered such a profound window into the natural world. As a guide, it was a privilege to facilitate that connection and to witness such extraordinary events unfold in real time.