Lion cubs leap into Kenyan waters for a paddle before drying off

The lion king of the swimmers: Brave cubs leap into Kenyan waters for a paddle before drying off in the sun with mother

• The plucky youngsters lined up by the waters at the Olare Motorogi Conservancy this month
• The mother drank from the river, then jumped over to the North bank, waiting anxiously for her cubs to follow 

This is the moment brave lion cubs had to leap across a swollen river in Kenya before drying off in the sun with their mother.

The plucky youngsters lined up by the waters at the Olare Motorogi Conservancy this month.

Storms meant that the Ntiakntiak river in the conservancy bordering the Masai Mara was much fuller than usual.

The mother and her young cubs were spotted at dawn after killing a warthog.

The mother drank from the river, then jumped over to the North bank, while the cubs waited several minutes, with the mum looking on anxiously.

They can be seen growling before jumping into the water and struggling to reach the other side.

Eventually they succeeded and shook off before joining their mother for some grooming in the sunshine before going to sleep shortly afterwards.

Wildlife guide and conservationist Paul Goldstein spotted the plucky youngsters lined up by the waters this month at the Masai Mara National Reserve

One of the lion cubs looks determined to get to the other side to dry off

The mother is pictured bathing proudly in the sun with her cubs after they have completed their mission

One of the cubs is pictured with the mother as she inspects the water to make sure it is safe for a crossing

The cubs all line up on the rocks with a couple of them looking less than pleased to be making the journey

One of the cubs growls at the sight of the river

The growling cub leads the way as the lions prepare to make their way across the river

One of the cubs starts the crossing with a long jump to stay out of the water for as long as possible 

A cub appears to be struggling a little to cross to the other side, but the end is in sight 

A lion cub makes one last push to get to the rocks on the other side 

The cub is half-submerged as it makes the arduous trip across the river 

One of the cubs approaches the bank at the other side of the river at the Masai Mara National Reserve

One of the cubs finally makes it across to to the other side

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