Close Encounters Of The Lion Kind: Photographer Comes Face-To-Face With Kruger National Park's Gomondwane Males

By Crystal Chung @CrystalkChung

A coalition of six male lions look up with gleaming eyes before strolling towards the photographer sitting only 10m away

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The lucky snapper came across six male lions when he ventured out in Kruger National Park by himself

Shot in Kruger National Park, South Africa, the following series of stunning images were taken by wildlife photographer Ronesh Parbhoo.

The lucky snapper said: “This was a unique sighting, not an ordinary lion sighting one would come across.

The South African photographer later learned that the lions were in fact a powerful coalition that ruled the area

“There were six male lions sitting together, black maned lions, and it’s not common to find so many testosterone driven males sitting in each other’s company, but there I was staring at six Kings!"

Lion coalitions are normally made up of lions that are brothers, half-brothers, and cousins.

The South African photographer later learned that the lions were in fact a coalition that ruled the area.

Young male lions start showing signs of the bonding behaviour that will ultimately be a critical component of their coalition lifestyle

Parbhoo said: “It was a very powerful coalition! They groomed each other and then proceeded to roar, before getting up to advance with their daily territorial patrol.

Ronesh said: "This was a unique sighting, not an ordinary Lion sighting one would come across"

“I was later informed as time went on that these lions were known as the Gomondwane Males, the name given by the area in which they ruled.”

The lions sat around 10 metres from Parbhoo's vehicle and later on walked within touching distance

With six fully grown male lions sitting only 10 metres away from his vehicle, it is only natural that Ronesh felt a little apprehensive.

He said: “They sat about 10m away from me, relaxing in the lush bush and then later got up and walked within touching distance from my vehicle.

Parbhoo said: “They groomed each other and then proceeded to roar, before getting up to advance with their daily territorial patrol"

“I became slightly nervous but tried to remain calm as they made their way towards me. I couldn’t believe I was alone and in the company of six fully grown male lions.

Lion coalitions are normally made up of lions that are brothers, half-brothers, and cousins. They usually have their beginnings when these males are all still cubs, living in their natal pride.

It has been recorded though that unrelated males may join up and form coalitions later in their lives.