HOSI VONA B&W PORTRAIT

The lion’s piercing stare studies his focus of interest: me.

Hosi Vona means literally "king see" in Tsonga, or the king sees me (own meaning).

His gaze bore into me with unwavering intensity. I had just made a subtle adjustment in my position, and his keen senses immediately detected my presence. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a blazing heat over the savannah as the pride enjoyed a leisurely midday siesta. They had feasted well during the night, having successfully taken down a buffalo, and now lounged comfortably in the sporadic patches of shade.

I had positioned myself at a moderate distance from the male lion in question, awaiting an opportunity to capture a compelling moment. As I carefully inched closer with my camera, hoping to frame the scene just right, I inadvertently made a slight movement that caught the male's attention. His senses were finely tuned to his surroundings, and my subtle shift did not go unnoticed.

Despite the apparent tranquility of the moment, it was clear that the lions were not letting their guard down entirely. Resting is a crucial aspect of their daily routine, a means to conserve energy, and a key strategy for their success. Yet Hosi, the male in question, remained vigilant. In the prime of his life, his sleek coat shimmered in the sunlight, exuding an air of supreme confidence and undeniable strength. The rich copper-brown hue of his mane glowed magnificently in the sun's warm embrace, a testament to his status as a leader among the lions who comprised his family. His regal appearance and unwavering watchfulness spoke volumes about the responsibility he bore as a protector and provider for those under his guardianship. In that moment, it was clear that Hosi was the embodiment of leadership and majesty, a true king of the savannah.

In the realm of African savannahs, the lion reigns supreme as the apex and keystone predator, epitomising the essence of regal power and grace. Despite this title, lions allocate approximately twenty hours per day to rest, emblematic of their unwavering commitment to regal indolence. It is a characteristic that underscores their ability to conserve energy for the moments when it is most crucial. They usually get active post-dusk when they engage in social interaction and various grooming rituals. This continues under the night sky, fostering connections and reinforcing the social fabric of their pride until dawn, when they usually begin to hunt.

For the male lion, its majestic mane is an iconic feature. The mane signals a lion's journey to maturity and reproductive prowess. Believed to have evolved approximately 320,000 to 190,000 years ago, the mane’s colours and hues range from brownish tints to coppery yellow, rust, and black hairs, which this male lion exemplifies. His mane also signals his fitness to potential mates. As lions mature and their testosterone levels surge, their manes change into full splendour, typically reaching their peak at around four years of age. Interestingly, the colouration and density of the mane determine a male's success in courtship. From field research done over the years, darker-maned lions tend to exhibit higher reproductive success rates and extended tenure within prides than lighter-maned males. This phenomenon is attributed to the perception of enhanced virility and fitness that is also associated with darker manes. However, it was also found that lions with luscious, dark manes are more susceptible to heat stress than their lighter-toned counterparts. Some popular thinking also holds that the mane is a form of defence during territorial disputes and confrontations within the pride. Surprisingly, the neck, where the mane grows, is not often the focal point of aggression during conflicts. Instead, adversaries tend to target the face, back, and hindquarters, which tells us that the mane really serves as a protective barrier against severe injury.

A few takes later, I turned one more time to witness Hosi lay down. He was satisfied that we were no threat, and his time for a siesta had finally overcome him.