He looked to one side, catching a glimpse of one of his pride emerging from the bush.

Eceleni means “aside” in IsiZulu.

The hot, incessant heat of the African bush was beating down on everything beneath it. The pride had found itself on some open hill terrain with various small bush and acacia trees dotting the area. With the little shade on offer, they seemed to accept their rest in the heat of the hour and lay spread out between various grasses and mounds. An old termite hill nearby provided some sanctuary for the smaller cubs, while the females seemed content to position themselves half in and half out of the shaded areas. He was relaxed, but his awareness of his surroundings remained. They had eaten well a day or two before, and their pangs of hunger were all but forgotten at this time. His eyes lifted a little as he observed a nearby bush, where the rustle of its dry branches gave way to an emerging adolescent exploring the foliage around him. He remained ambivalent to the sudden call of a hornbill settling in a small tree further behind as he watched the youngster gently scrub at the earth, teasing an unfortunate passing tortoise. Playfully lifting it, he turned it over and over, eventually letting it go to continue its crawl away. The male gave a sudden yawn, and with the little resistance left, he slowly spread back, residing in his afternoon slumber.

The Secrets Behind Lions' Midday Slumbers

Lions have a daily rhythm that revolves around their crepuscular nature. Crepuscular animals are most active during the twilight hours, specifically between sunset and dusk and dawn and sunrise. This behaviour grants lions a significant advantage, as it allows them to conserve energy during the hotter parts of the day when their prey, primarily less active during the cooler, darker hours, is at a disadvantage.

One of the primary reasons lions sleep so much during the day is their need to conserve energy. The intense heat of the midday sun can be exhausting, and resting during these hours helps lions avoid unnecessary exertion. Additionally, like many other cat species, lions have eyesight that is better suited to dim lighting. Their vision becomes particularly sharp in low-light conditions, making them formidable hunters during dawn and dusk.

Another interesting aspect of lions' frequent sleep can be related to their diet. As obligate carnivores, lions consume large amounts of protein. The process of digesting this protein is energy-intensive, requiring considerable effort. Therefore, when you observe a lion snoozing, it's not merely lounging around. Instead, the lion is diligently breaking down nutrients and storing up energy, preparing for its next hunt.

On average, lions spend over 14 hours each day napping. This extensive rest period is even more pronounced in male lions, who can sleep between 18 to 20 hours a day. Meanwhile, the female lions, the pride's primary hunters, are often out seeking prey, showcasing a remarkable division of labor within the pride. So the midday slumber of lions is a strategic adaptation that ensures they remain powerful predators. By conserving energy during the heat of the day and taking advantage of their superior night vision, lions are perfectly equipped to dominate their environment and maintain their status as apex predators.

Raw Africa Collection

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.