Lions!

Finally I have some time to catch up.  We're in Cape Town, sitting on our balcony with a whole day of no plans stretching ahead of us.  So...time to take this opportunity to catch up (seems like that's all I do!).

Back to the lions...

After we passed the dead buffalo, we went on the hunt for those responsible for gutting it.  Not too far away, and nestled in a thicket of acacia bushes, we found two lionesses and their five cubs.

While we didn't see the majestic male MGM lion, the two females were worth the effort.  They were clearly sates; their bellies fat with buffalo, and their eyes sleepy with a long night of eating.  They can eat about 50 kilos of food in one sitting - that will last them a couple of days before they start to look for their next meal.   Protecting their cubs, they sprawled out in front of them.  Guarded and always on alert, the ladies looked calm, happy, nurturing, and tolerant of their playful children.  Enjoy.

Amazing.  

Our guide, Alex.

Zulu dancers

The next day we were back on Zulu Nyala reserve and had a close encounter with some giraffes and elephants.  Our hearts were pounding as the elephants came so close to the truck.  I love their eyelashes.

sunrise

silly warthogs

Alex creating a new signpost...

the elusive hippolope

happy hour

nyala

cape buffalo

sooooo close!!!!!

sunset

Just knowing that we're riding along on the veldt, never knowing what's going to show up around the corner or in the middle of the road makes me all goose-bumpy.  It's a thrill ride like no other.  I have so much respect for our guides, and for the keepers of these beautiful places.