The king of the beasts. They are indeed an awesome sight from close-up. It is the most sociable member of the cat family, living in prides of 3-30 individuals. The prides normally consist of 1-4 adult males, several adult females - one of which is dominant - and a number of sub-adults and cubs.

The females undertake most of the hunting, and despite the fact that the males play little part in most kills, they feed before the females. Lions normally kill only to sustain themselves, but the are opportunists and will occasionally kill much more than they can consume. Normally giraffe are the largest prey attacked by lions. A healthy full-grown hippo or rhino is more than a match for a lion. However, they will attack weakened hippo on land or diseased or disabled rhino. Small animals are usually swatted down and then grabbed with both paws, with the killing bite directed at the back of the neck, throat, head or chest. Larger prey often die from strangulation, suffocation or loss of blood. They usually hunt at night or during the cooler part of the day.

Lions have been killed by Sable Antelope, Kudu, Buffalo, giraffe, snakes and porcupines. When a lion attempts to kill a porcupine, the quills may become lodged in the paws or mouth, causing death from infection or starvation.

A lion is deceptively fast over short distances. Claims of up to 80 km/h have been made but not proved. Lions can climb trees far better than humans. Their sense of small is good and their senses of hearing and sight are excellent. The roar of a lion can be heard up to 8 km away. Lions do not take to water as readily as tigers or jaguars, but they can swim and it is not uncommon for them to cross a river.

The gestation period is 100-114 days. The average litter is 2 -3 cubs. A mating pair usually leaves the pride for one to three days. The lion's virility is amazing.

Come and see them in real life with L&J Tours! For more information, contact Judy at : lj-tours@iafrica.com