This one always tends to be a conversation starter.....yes it's real, yes this is normal behavior by guides and trackers on private game reserves and NO the tracker, guide, nor guests were in any danger. It happens on almost every game drive, but not typically in public parks. The Lions (and other predators/critters) see people as part of the vehicle which they are accustomed to so you don't have the fear of them jumping in your lap. However, if you jump out of the vehicle, you're toast. It's a fine, fine line.
I've been in the tracker seat when observing predators...your heart certainly feels a bit differently as it tries to crack through your rib cage.
In this shot, we pulled to the side to watch a coalition of males resting. They decided to get up and walk past us towards someplace more exciting apparently.
