The lions roar resounds over his kingdom.

Shayela means to “call” in IsiZulu.

The night had arrived, and with it, a brief, fiery red dusk took its last bow. In close succession, came the sounds of the wilderness, occasionally muffled by a curtain of silence where the life of the day was introduced to the creatures of the night. A large Gijima male lion had settled on a small koppie in the savannah, a soft, restless breeze blowing in his direction in short, occasional gusts. With it came the distant smells and restless stories of nature all around. His attention was drawn in one direction, and his eyes locked on something in the distance. He watched patiently, sniffing for more. The breeze stopped, and a sudden calmness settled all around. The silence seemed to move the Gijima lion to take slow, deep panting breaths, followed by a series of deeper grunts that eventually bellowed louder and louder into a roar. His sound reverberated far and wide across his kingdom. He was the king of his land, and he was telling all those in it of his presence and place.

Nature's Resounding Symphony: The Roar of the Lion

In the the African savanna, a lion's roar reigns supreme, serving as a cornerstone of their social behaviour and territorial assertion. Arguably the most iconic sound in the animal kingdom, a lion's roar can travel over several kilometers, creating a deafening and awe-inspiring experience for those lucky enough to hear it up close.

This mighty vocalisation is among the loudest in the animal kingdom, with the male lion's roar standing out for its depth and volume. Roaring is a form of communication and assertion, with lions using their roars to warn rival prides to steer clear of their territory. Additionally, these resounding calls serve to showcase the lion's strength and size, acting as a beacon to let other lions know of their presence.

The best time to witness this incredible display of nature's power is just before sunrise and sunset, when lions are most active. It's during these twilight hours that the savanna comes alive with the symphony of lion roars, echoing across the plains.

The male lion's roar is also a feat of nature, made possible by the unique shape of its vocal cords. Unlike most species, where vocal folds are triangular, in lions, they form a distinctive shape that enhances the volume and depth of their roar, making it one of the most impressive sounds produced by any animal.

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.