As we met for the first game drive at our new venue our guide, Mark, asked what we were most interested in seeing and we replied, lions and leopards as we had seen plenty of other wildlife. Within an hour we had seen both. A lioness could be seen strolling across a dry wash behind our lodge as we had a morning coffee so we all jumped in the Range Rover and started off after it. Now a brief aside on this drive. They go out in vehicles that have seats for six in the back and there is no roof. The ranger drives and a tracker sits at the very front of the vehicle in a jump seat. Holy Marlin Perkins.
As for the lioness, we quickly spotted her lying in the wash stalking an unseen prey. She wasn’t able to make a kill as whatever she was eying may have spotted her, so she moved off. So we followed her as she strolled along. Mark told us that she had been pregnant, but clearly wasn’t anymore, and he surmised that she was headed back to her cubs. Sure enough, after following her for about 10 minutes she ultimately snuck into a thicket of brush where Mark was certain the cubs were hidden. He was very excited about the find and what is really cool is that he will report the location to other camps in the area and they will avoid it for the next 10 weeks or so to give the lion the best chance possible of protecting her young. Too much activity could draw the attention of hyenas, or even male lions, either of which would kill the cubs.
After the lioness disappeared Mark said a leopard had killed a warthog the day before so we set off to see if we could find the kill and the cat. Normally a leopard will drag their kill up into a tree to keep it away from scavengers like hyenas, but a warthog is a bit too big so it was likely to be hidden on the ground. After some driving, we found the leopard snoozing next to warthog carcass. Mark explained that the leopard had positioned the dead animal up against a downed tree in such a way as to prevent the prevailing wind from carrying the scent and attracting unwanted guests. At one point the cat became aware of hyenas in the area; he heard them before our guides identified their call. We watched the leopard spend several minutes scratching and kicking dirt and brush on the remains of the warthog in what our guide said was likely an attempt to mask the scent. Very interesting morning. Now we want to spot a male lion. There are also a number of really cool birds around, but for now it is time to finish a very British gin cocktail and chill before heading out for another drive. Some pics follow: we also have some video for when we have a stronger wi fi link.
It's What We Do 
these animals are so beautiful – cannot imagine anyone harming them. you got some great shots. also, humans should be as smart as animals-they really know how to survive. I'd love to have this bird in my backyard.mom
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