What are you looking for?

Last Updated: 30 January 2024

Who are the Eastern Bank male lions?

Megan Warrington Headshot

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Verified by  Megan Warrington

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Part of the South Africa Safari Collection

Kruger National Park is the largest park in South Africa. At 20 000 square kilometres, the park is dedicated to giving South Africa’s wildlife a save refuge from the pressures of urbanisation. The park is famous the world over, seeing 950 000 visitors a year; most of which are South Africans who consider the Kruger National Park to be their safari destination of choice.

If you’re going on a South Africa safari, then not visiting the Kruger would be a crime. With all of Africa’s Big Five to be found here, as well as many birds and small mammals, this is the ideal destination for all things wildlife. In addition, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. Here you’ll find value-for-money to ultra-luxe lodges, all with superb views and great safari activities.

The lion takes centre stage in the Kruger National Park. As the biggest predator, you’ll almost be guaranteed to meet one on your trip.

Who are the Eastern Bank male lions?

Image: Estiaan Houy 

Lions are pack animals that are dominated by an alpha male who claims a territory and gets mating rights with the lionesses of the group. Claiming a territory is tough business; a battle of wit and strength. Male lions have to draw on all of their instincts and skills in order to solidify the group and this can be a challenge for single males. Not if you form a coalition that is.

Born in Sabi Sands reserve in 2012, five brother lions were branded as part of a research project on lion behaviour. Having been moved to the private Jock concession, these lion brothers managed to oust the dominant males in the Jock area and even claimed the Biyamiti Weir section as their own. Unfortunately, one of the lions died from an injury, bringing the coalition down to four. They are no less ambitious though and have claimed a pride of lionesses and mated successfully. By working together as a team, these lions have successfully ensured that their genes will be carried on.

Who are the Eastern Bank male lions?

Image: Estiaan Houy

The Eastern Bank lions have been spotted by many guests and have become something of celebrities in the area. Constant updates from Jock Safari Lodge and the photographic safari company, Big on Wild have allowed these formidable lions to be documented and observed. They are so famous in fact, that there is a Facebook page dedicated just to them. Follow @Easternbankmalelions for the latest updates on these kingly males as they seek control over even greater areas.

If you’d like to see the lions in action, contact us for a safari package that suits your needs.

 

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Team Member Headshot

Verified by  Megan Warrington

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Megan is an Africa Concierge Expert responsible for compiling travel programs for people in search of their dream safari in Africa.

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

These stories capture the real magic of Africa – where every journey becomes a chapter worth sharing.

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Google review

"We had the most incredible honeymoon in Africa! Working with Discover Africa was incredibly easy and seamless. Every detail was thoughtfully planned and organized, which made traveling completely stress-free. Dulini Lodge in Sabi Sands was definitely the..."

Jordan Drew, United States•12 Oct 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"Bianca, thank you for making this a wonderful trip. When we contacted Discover Africa we did not know what to expect. It was the best decision we could have made. The attention to detail made the trip go smoothly. When I asked a question, and there were man..."

Janet Orr, United States•29 Sep 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"First safari for us - 3 days in Arusha, 2 Tarangire, 2 Ngorongo, 4 Serengeti and 6 in Zanzibar. We found the choice of potential locations, accommodation, routes etc almost bewildering at first. Matthys at DA carefully sought to understand we were lookin..."

Darren C, United Kingdom•21 Aug 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"Our entire experience was magnificent. Everything was in place and perfectly reliable. We wanted for nothing and were taken care of every step of the way. To use the word "life changing" seems so cliché, but my husband and I both found the whole trip an ama..."

Julie Ferguson, United States•03 May 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"All bookings were at luxurious and convenient places. The camp tents are beautifully decorated with a rustic look and feel. Food service were amazing for most part. The bush drives are as best as it could be given the rainy season etc. Punctuality has been ..."

George Jacob, Canada•10 Mar 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"I was recommended Discover Africa by a friend who raved about them for their African Safari adventure and they didn't disappoint. From the start the communication was timely, despite the time zone difference, and the advice was thorough and precise. It seem..."

Stephen Suster, Australia•18 Jan 2026•

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.