Curious Cubs: Lions at Shimungwe

As the sun dipped low over the African wilderness, painting the sky in warm golds and pinks, three lion cubs from the Guernsey pride began to stir. Their mother lay sleeping in the dry grass, unfazed by their gentle prods and tail tugs. With no luck rousing her, the curious cubs turned their attention elsewhere - mischief.

A shallow dent in the earth became a battlefield. One cub crouched low behind it, tail twitching, amber eyes locked on her unsuspecting sibling. She inched forward with all the focus of a seasoned huntress - despite being just a couple of months old. Of course, she wasn’t stalking dinner. She was preparing for something far more important: a surprise attack in the ultimate game of tag.

With a clumsy pounce, she launched herself at her brother and the chase was on - darting circles around the wheels of our vehicle in a whirlwind of dust and flailing paws. Their mother, stirred by the commotion, lifted her head and rose to join them, settling a little closer to keep a watchful eye on her spirited offspring.

Now all three cubs clambered onto a nearby fallen tree, teetering on its sun-bleached branches, each one determined to be the first to reach the top. This wasn’t just play - it was practice. In every tumble and leap, they were learning the skills they’d one day need to survive and thrive in the wild.

As the last light faded and dusk cloaked the bush, our guide Lucan slowly eased the vehicle away, giving the pride the space to melt into the night.

We’re incredibly fortunate at Shimungwe when it comes to lion sightings. The Thornybush Nature Reserve is home to three well-established prides - Avoca, Guernsey, and Monwana – as well as four formidable kings: the Black Dam males.

Since their dramatic arrival in 2023, when they overthrew the legendary Mapoza male, these powerful lions have claimed dominion over the area, laying the foundation for a new generation. And now, more than a year later, that dynasty is blossoming. A cub explosion is underway, with at least five litters counted so far - three of them born to the Avoca pride, who are often seen just a stone’s throw from our lodge.

Every morning and evening, we venture out into this wild, beating heart of Africa. And every drive brings new possibility. Whether it's the quiet thrill of watching cubs at play, the echoing roars of a territorial male, or the raw energy of a pride on the hunt, sharing these wild moments with our guests is one of our greatest joys.

Here at Shimungwe, safari is more than sightseeing - it’s a brief window into a whole other world. Because sometimes, watching a lion cub pounce in a patch of golden light is all it takes to remind us just how extraordinary the natural world truly is.

Words and Photos by Emily Whiting