With her little cub firmly grasped by the back of the neck, a brave lioness fearlessly makes her way through a dangerous river crossing. Despite the difficult situation, the courageous mother carefully leads her nine-week-old cub across the rough waters, jumping from one makeshift stepping stone to the next.

In these stunning photos, we can see the thrilling moment when the lioness crosses the river to join her pride on the other side. She holds onto her precious cub tightly, never letting go, as they make their way toward their family. It’s a heartwarming sight that will leave you amazed!

Even though the Ntiakitiak River in Kenya’s Masai Mara game reserve had swift waters, a brave lion cub came out of it safe and sound, only a bit wet, as its mother skillfully guided them through the dangerous currents. Greek photographer Kyriakos Kaziras was fortunate enough to capture this amazing moment during a December trip while staying at Paul Goldstein’s Kicheche Bush Camp.

Paul explained that Kaziras and his guide were watching the Enkoyanai pride in the morning after heavy rain. The rain had caused the usually small Ntiakitiak River to become a wild and powerful stream.

“There had been plenty of rain and the Ntiakitiak River, normally a trickle, was a swollen torrent,” Paul said.” The mother had to make a big decision to carry her nine-week-old cub and join the rest of the pride. It was a dangerous journey with many risks involved.

“I have photographed lions carrying cubs and seen them crossing rivers, but the combination is unique and has never been seen, let alone recorded,” Paul said.