New Beginnings for the Nkuhuma Pride

For weeks, the Nkuhuma females had been keeping us guessing. We’d observed signs that something special was happening. Several of the lionesses had been mating with different males, and more recently, a few had started showing signs of pregnancy. As guides, this is where instinct kicks in. We knew they were hiding something, and that “something” was likely tucked away in a hidden den deep in the bush.

The Nkuhuma pride has been keeping a very important secret, Image Credit: Marius Zeilinga

A Subtle Clue

Despite our efforts, tracking proved difficult, even for my master tracker, Elly. But then one day, things took an unexpected turn.

We found a few members of the Nkuhuma pride resting and drinking at a dam. They seemed relaxed, so we stayed with them for a while, enjoying the calm of the afternoon. As we were preparing to leave, Elly noticed a subtle detail that changed everything: two of the lionesses had visible suckle marks.

That was our sign.

Still, the lions seemed content to lounge by the water. But something told me we shouldn’t give up just yet. I turned to Elly and said, “Let’s wait five more minutes. If they move, they’re probably heading to the den.”

Into the Thick of It

And then, as if on cue, a herd of impala made their way toward the dam. That was all it took. The lionesses perked up, and the hunting instinct kicked in. The impala quickly spotted them and scattered, but the lions were now on the move.

They headed north, disappearing into a thick drainage line. This was the very area we had long suspected might be hiding their cubs. Following them wasn’t easy – the dense bush, fallen trees, and tangled undergrowth made the going slow and difficult. But I looked at Elly and said, “We need to find this den.”

Discovery at Last

Twenty minutes later, after some intense off-roading and careful tracking, we caught up with them again. The pride had settled once more, resting near the drainage. We switched off the engine, scanned the area, and waited. Then it happened.

Elly whispered with a huge smile on his face, “I saw something.” I didn’t even have to ask what. We grabbed the binoculars, trained them on a fallen tree in the dense drainage, and there they were: tiny, wobbly, fuzzy lion cubs.

We sat in stunned silence for a moment, soaking in the incredible sight. After all the weeks of waiting, hoping, and tracking, we’d finally found the Nkuhuma pride's den site. It was a moment we won’t soon forget.

With a bit of patience, we were finally gifted with the most amazing sighting, Image Credit: Clayton Herb

A New Chapter for the Nkuhuma Pride

Since then, the cubs have been moved a few times by the females, but they’ve continued to give us some truly spectacular sightings. Watching the pride dynamics shift, seeing how the lionesses protect and care for their young, it’s been a privilege to witness.

Witnessing new life come into the bush is a true gift, Image Credit: Clayton Herb

Experience the Magic for Yourself

The Nkuhuma legacy continues, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. Moments like these remind us why the bush holds such timeless magic. Every drive at Silvan Safari offers the chance to witness life unfolding in its purest form, from the first steps of a lion cub to the quiet power of a pride at rest.

Join us in the Sabi Sand and experience your own unforgettable encounter beneath the African sky.