WC2010-African Safari-Lions

When one thinks of Africa, what animal comes to mind?

More likely than not, it is the lion.

Although Londolozi is famous for their leopards, they have lions. Of course they have lions.

This pride of 3 females and their growning cubs is known as the Tsalala Pride. Londolozi's blog says that the pride is easily identifiable because one of the lionesses lost her tail in an encounter with a hyena.

We rounded a turn in the road and saw some Land Rovers from another of the Londolozi camps ahead. Foster and Like knew what was up ahead, but kept it a secret until we could see.

The pride was at a muddy watering hole getting a drink.

I've purposely cropped these photos with a bit of the Rover still remaining so you could see how close we were. Yes, really that close. AMAZING.

We followed behind the moms and their large cubs-almost as big as they were- through the brush to a shady patch,

and watched as the moms cratered for a morning nap.

The cubs, of course, weren't at ALL sleepy and playfully pounced on each other, pawing and play-biting each other, playing the kind of games that all youngsters do.

I even watched a few of them climb up into the lower branches of a sturdy tree.

Never in a million years did I ever dream I would be this close to lions. It still makes me shake my head!

WC2010-African Safari-Second Drive

In keeping with the natural surroundings at Londolozi, there are no wakeup calls--you are awakened at 5am each morning by a tap on your glass door. Quite civilized, actually.

5am? Yes. Dawn is the best time for tracking animals, before the sun rises and the heat puts everyone- man and beast- into siesta mode.

So, a cup of tea later...and we're off!

This fish eagle is barely discernible in the dawn light

but is easier to see later on

hanging out in what became my favorite tree.

A multiple dwelling bird nest.

Crocodile tracks

A beautifully colored bird...the lilac breasted roller

Impala..... nicknamed McDonalds....because it is Londolozi's fast food....

More on these guys later...

Fast Food everywhere.

Crossing the Sand River

Some youngsters have yet to learn not to play in the street...

More on these ladies later, as well.

Remember the teenage leopard? Here's mom.

The only word I can think of that comes close to describing her is "magnificent".

This time, we found a whole hippo nursery.

Someone's mom watched us VERY closely.

One of the big 5--probably the most....um...well, attractive is not the first word that comes to mind..the cape buffalo.

Oh, hello up there!

And all this before BREAKFAST!

WC2010-African Safari- Male Leopard

I promised you more on this guy!!!

He is an adolescent male leopard, 14 months old.

Londolozi is known for the leopards that live there. We came upon him about half way through the first game drive. He was snoozing in a cool area under some trees.

He still hunts with his mom, as he has not refined his hunting abilities. Forest told us he hunts his prey by running at them in a straight line- not zig-zagging with finesse like older animals. When not looking with mama for food, he likes to hang out by himself..not unlike human teens!

See how close we were?

(and yes, Foster has been told that he is a dead ringer for Eddie Murphy MANY MANY times....)

Big Feet!

His tail seemed to have a life of its own.

I could have watched him all afternoon long!!!