Six Kings: A celebration of the greatest African Lions of the Maasai Mara
It’s easy to assume that every lion looks the same, but each of the lions in Africa I have ever photographed has a unique personality, story, and appearance.
This individuality among every species is something I strive to capture in my wildlife photography. In this case of lions, I think that my photograph and print Six Kings is a great example.
A portrait of six lions in Africa
Six iconic lions of the Maasai Mara are featured in this print: Caesar, Morani, Notch, Lipstick, Lolparpit and Scar. At first glance, these male lions may seem similar, but a closer look reveals their striking differences.
Much like humans, these African lions have distinct features. Their faces bear the marks of their journeys—some have deep scars and each lion's eyes and expression hints at its personality. Some appear fierce and dominant, while others exude calm confidence.
But their uniqueness goes beyond appearance. A lion’s personality is shaped by its experiences—its battles, its pride, and its role in the hierarchy. Some lions are bold and aggressive rulers, while others wait for the right moment to assert their dominance.
It’s my view that through photography we get to see lions not just as symbols of power, but as individuals. The motivation behind making Six Kings is to emphasise the uniqueness and identity that each lion possesses.
Six mighty African lions
Regular visitors to Kenya’s Maasai Mara will undoubtedly recognise these lions’ faces. They are widely regarded as some of the most formidable lions to have ever lived in the region. I’d love to tell you more about them:
Notch, born into the Marsh Pride around 1998, is among them, along with his son Caesar, who is also represented here. By the time Scar and Morani—two of the renowned Musketeers—briefly took over the pride before moving east to Serena, Notch had already moved on.
In 2013, Lipstick arrived in the Maasai Mara with his brother Blackie, remaining until their departure in 2018. Lolparpit, once the Mara’s oldest known lion, held that title until his passing in 2020 at the remarkable age of 16.
Of the six lions featured in Six Kings, Scar and Morani are the only ones still with us, though they are now in their twilight years.
Notch was the first lion I ever photographed as a portrait, back in 2011. His image is the only one here with a slight crop—something I had to do to ensure he was included in this collection. The remaining five portraits remain uncropped, captured with the intent of preserving their individuality in full detail.
Morani’s portrait, taken in 2012, was the first I created with the specific goal of capturing a lion’s unique character. That image ignited my quest for more. Caesar followed in 2014, then Scar and Lolparpit in 2017, and finally, Lipstick in 2018, during my last encounter with him.
Spending time in the wild, and observing these incredible animals over the years, has taught me that no two lions in Africa behave the same way. Each one has a different story to tell.
Quick African lion facts
1. A Lion’s mane changes over time - Young male lions start with a light mane that darkens with age, but environmental factors can influence its colour and thickness.
2. Each Lion’s roar is unique - Like a fingerprint, a lion’s roar is distinct and can be heard up to five miles away.
3. Lions are the only social big cats - Unlike most big cats, lions live in prides and develop strong family bonds.
4. Male Lions defend, female Lions hunt - Males protect the pride’s territory, while lionesses lead the hunting efforts.
5. Lions rest for up to 20 hours a day - Despite their fierce reputation, lions conserve energy by resting most of the day.
6. Lions are facing decline - Sadly, African lion populations have dropped by over 40% in the last three decades due to habitat loss and poaching.
The power of wildlife photography
For me, photographing African Lions is about more than just documenting their appearance—it’s about telling their story. Every lion’s mane, facial scars, eyes and expression reveal something about its journey.
Six Kings, offers a rare glimpse into the world of lions, highlighting their differences and personalities. It’s intended as a celebration of the species in all its forms.
Related: Seven reasons to invest in fine art wildlife prints
Limited edition African Lions print – Six Kings
As a limited-edition fine art wildlife print of the greatest-ever lions in Africa’s Maasai Mara, Six Kings is printed to fine art standards and is hand-signed. It is available in sizes 40cm, 60cm, 80cm or 100cm, and is limited to an edition of 50 in all sizes.
If you’d like to bring a moment of the wild into your home or workplace, take a closer look at Six Kings or view my full collection of fine art wildlife prints in my online store. Worldwide shipping is available.
David
