Megan and I had actually each done a strolling safari before in different countries– those sluggish, mindful strolls that immerse you in the bush, where every footprint tells a story. Without the hum of a vehicle, the smaller moments shine: bird calls, rustling leaves, and the increased awareness that comes from being fully present. However nothing prepared us for the words from our guide, Andre Fourie, and tracker, Chris Khoza: “We’re going to track lions this morning.”
At Royal Malewane, known for its world-class directing group and refined safari experience, we had the unusual opportunity to exceed a common nature walk into something much more primal and thrilling: tracking lions.
We set out just after sunrise, so the bush was still cool and peaceful. Walking single file behind our guide and tracker, we followed signs invisible to most– fresh prints, a snapped branch, a shift in scent on the breeze, a bird making a caution call. Every sense honed intuitively as we realized lions could be just ahead.
Eventually, we saw them– a female and one of the dominant Black Dam males showed up, resting under a tree, uninformed of our presence. We watched in silence, hearts racing yet strangely calm, grounded by trust in our guide. When the wind shifted, and they turned and looked straight at us, it was a moment of awe and reverence. Understanding the female had cubs, the guide instructed us that we must provide space and slowly make our retreat.
This wasn’t practically the thrill of tracking lions on foot. It had to do with stepping into the wild not as an observer, however as part of it. At Royal Malewane, we were advised that real safari high-end isn’t just about the lodge– it’s about uncommon, extraordinary experiences that stay with you long after the journey ends. Tracking lions? That’s one we’ll always remember.
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