Kalahari family

Lions in the desert

During our vacation in South Africa last summer, we not only visited Kruger Park but ventured far out on an unforgettable journey northwest to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This remarkable area, nestled within the southern reaches of the Kalahari Desert, spans a vast expanse, with approximately three-quarters in Botswana and the remaining one-quarter in South Africa. The complete park encompasses a sprawling terrain of around 38,000 square kilometers.

In the heart of this extraordinary wilderness lie two prominent rivers, the Auob and Nossob, whose beds have remained dry for countless years. These rivers only flow once in a century, their life-sustaining waters typically coursing beneath the surface. Remarkably, even during the winter season, daytime temperatures reach a pleasant 30 degrees Celsius, only to plummet to a bone-chilling -10 degrees Celsius during some nights—an unexpected and rather cold experience.

One treasured encounter took place one afternoon in the Nossob riverbed. Days had passed quietly, with wildlife sightings remaining few, particularly of the majestic cat inhabitants. Therefore, after spotting two lion cubs in the shade one morning, we knew that this was the place we would need to visit in the afternoon. Lion cubs are rarely left alone overnight, so mother lion would certainly return. Since cats generally become more active around sunset, we knew patience would have to become our closest companion.

Mother’s love

Our eyes fixed on the cubs, now concealed behind a large bush, we suddenly sensed a flurry of activity. Several vehicles were approaching, an uncommon sight in the Kgalagadi, where accommodations are scarce. Something remarkable was afoot. Our gaze shifted to the left, and there she was—a lioness, unmistakably the mother. She was coming our way, frequently calling her offspring. Her face bore the evidence of a recent kill, with blood dripping from her jaws, and she was on a mission to retrieve her cubs.

Before long, her calls could be heard by her children, and the cubs stirred. Rising from their hiding place, they headed our way, eager to reunite with their mom. The lioness, visibly exhausted, was now lying down to await her children. It was a beautiful sight, the moment they met – the bond shared between mother and cubs becoming evident in their playful headbutts, rollicking tumbles, and affectionate embraces. These clear displays of love left a deep impression. If animals can exhibit such care, doesn’t it illustrate the care and love of our Creator?

Yet, it was clear that the lioness had a purpose in getting her children. The three soon roused from their reunion and resumed their journey in the direction the mother had come from. We tried to stay ahead, predicting their path and trying to capture these moments in photographs over several kilometers. Regrettably, the location of the lioness's kill remained hidden among the dunes. At a certain point, she ascended a dune and vanished over the ridge, her cubs trailing closely behind. Although the kill remained unseen, we sighed a sigh of contentment. Once again nature had not failed to disappoint us.

This special encounter also taught us a lesson about the unpredictability of nature. In the wilderness patience is the greatest virtue, and the rewards are as rare as they are priceless. Despite waiting for the three lions in areas where we expected them to return in the following days, they remained unseen. Therefore we treasured the moments we had captured; they were worth every moment of waiting and every ounce of effort.

Running towards mom

Love between mother and cub

Stretch!