During our recent visit to Mapungubwe National Park we left the environs of Leokwe Camp early one morning to go and explore the western reaches of the Park around the Maloutswa Pan, near the Limpopo Forest Tented Camp and Mazhou Camping Site. We were already close to our destination when we came across a mating pair of lions enjoying the early morning sun.

Mating pair of Lions
The female especially was interested in (we thought) a herd of impala grazing nearby, and got up to sneak out of view followed by the male. Anticipating an impending attack on the impalas, we positioned our vehicle for a clear view of the antelope grazing entirely unaware of the danger lurking nearby.

What we didn’t see, but the lions did, was a family of warthogs. When next we saw the lions they were chasing the warthogs at speed across the road!
Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on which team you support!, the warthogs were too quick for the lions, and the honeymoon pair had to continue searching for their next breakfast opportunity.

Beautiful cats. I am sure they will find another breakfast.
No doubt, Anne. They are both beautiful specimens in prime health.
Ek is altyd aan die underdogs se kant. Dit sal die huwelik goed doen as die honeymooners saam moet staan en bietjie struggle om ‘n doel te bereik. 🤩🤣
Daai sewe sakke sout sou lekkerder met bietjie vlakvark afgegaan het! 😂
Pragtige foto’ van die leeus! Tog is ek bly die vlakvarke het weggekom 😀
Lyk my ou Pumbaa het baie meer ondersteuners as Simba!
Lyk my so!😂🤣😂
I always enjoy the photo stories you share!
Always nice to have you here listening and looking, John!
Team Worthog vir my 😉. Pragtige foto’s, veral daardie laaste foto waar die wyfie so mooi omkyk (welgedaan Joubert)!
Baie dankie, Corna. Ek moet erken ek het vir die verloorspan geskreeu in hierdie wedstryd. Die Koning en Koningin was honger…
Wat ñ voorreg om hulle so te kon afneem, de Wet!
O beslis, Una. Hoe gaan dit met jou?
Ek is weer 100% gesond, dankie de Wet
Wonderlik om te hoor!
The lions are gorgeous. Incredible photos.
Blessed to have been in the right place at the right time!
What a wonderful vignette and excellent shots both of you!
Thanks a lot, Janet!
The big golden cats! Aren’t they beautiful?. Great pictures, D. and Joubert. 😉
Thank you very much, H.J. Here in their natural habitat where they belong they are truly majestic.
You know I am Team Warthog all the way! You know I am not great with nature’s food chain. Great photos, Joubert.
No one likes to think that Pumbaa might end up as a meal! 🙂