After a tasty lunch we started our game drive with Kenny. LG had apprenticed with Kenny when she was just starting out so we already had a connection. It is a Belmond policy that the guides occasionally move from park to park to expand their knowledge. Kenny told us that four other guests were due sometime in the afternoon and they would be joining us on the drive. The theme of this drive was big and small. We saw lots of really large animals, elephants, kudu, red lechwe and lion. We also saw lots of smaller animals, scores of new birds, baboons and lion cubs. The lion cubs were a real treat. There were three of them, about four months old, sitting right outside a big bush. Inside the bush was a female from the pride with four infant cubs. This pride had two females, two immature males around 2 yrs old and the other cubs already mentioned. As we watched we could hear baboons making alarm calls. They either saw the lions or smelled them, either way the baboons were not happy about the situation. All too soon the cubs went back into the bush. At this point in the drive it was getting late and the other guests had caught up to us in a different vehicle. We left the lions and added the four folks to our car and then we continued. As it got darker we came to the river bank for a sun-downer drink and photo session. We were able to get to know our Swiss companions, Mike, Jasmine, Sven and Andrea (Andy), a bit better. Once we wrapped up the drinks we were taken to a large semi circle enclosure where our dinner was set up. It was a traditional braai or BBQ. What a great way to finish up the day.
The Squacco Heron is brown with his wings folded
But it is white when it is flying
Long legs on this Blacksmith Lapwing
A sooty Headed Bulbul
Sabota Larks
Red Lechwe Antelope
These guys will escape by running through the water.
Pied kingfisher hovering over the water
Western Egret
Spur Winged Goose and a white faced duck
The slender mongoose. If he is hungry enough, he will bury himself in leaves and use his penis as a lure for birds to try to eat. When the bird goes for it he catches the bird before the bird catches his worm
Southern Giraffe
Kenny is the best!
A Tawny eagle
One big bull
These elephants would pull out the grass and then knock off the dirt from the roots. If needed they would dunk the roots in the water to rinse them off before eating them
A coppery tailed coucal. It is a fairly large bird and very stocky
A cute lion cub out of the "nest" area
One of their uncles
Leslie and the Lion
The three cubs were alert but relaxed
Close up time
Perfect camouflage for these grassy areas
Mischief in his eyes
Sleepy time for Uncle Lion
The moon is getting very full
Hooded Vultures
the sun is setting on our day, or so we thought
A fun sun-downer
The gang is all here
Our dinner in the bush
So much great food
A big semi circle made up to resemble a traditional meeting place
A great day!
