'Git along, little doggies'

Our guide Ryan took us out one evening in search of a Water Buffalo herd with hopes we'd  spot some lions or leopards following them. We had quite a bit of area to cover to get to these guys. On the way, we saw two ostriches, some giraffes with a baby, jackals, impalas, leopards and lions. We went off-road through ditches and dips, ducking sideways to avoid branches to get close to the herd and came upon a leopard stalking them. We followed the leopard and parked nearby to keep an eye out.

The herd was restless, and clouds of dust rose as they moved on bellowing...It made me think of the theme song from Rawhide.....'Rollin' rollin', rollin', keep them doggies rollin' - rawhide!' We were in the center of their movement watching them doggies go by. 

 

Ryan explained the leopard was no match for a water buffalo, but might try for a calf. We drove around a bit more until we heard a commotion nearby.

The leopard had gotten an Impala, and in the short time it took us to head in the direction, we found two lionesses had taken the Impala from the leopard and were feasting on it. One was laying on top of the Impala with her body covering the torso, while the other was tearing into the meat trying to pull it out from under her. This gal was not giving an inch and was stubbornly pressing her face into the impala's neck as if to say 'MINE!'

It was fascinating to see she was refusing to eat the impala because she was stubbornly trying to prevent the other one from getting any of the kill.

After this experience, we knew we had to get back for our own dinner and we were a long way out, so we hightailed it back to the lodge. It was a wild ride home! The sun had faded away and it was bone-chilling. We doubled up on the blankets and watched the stars (and the road)! Reply was in his normal spot on the fender seat - shining his flashlight from side to side to spot, and avoid colliding with any wildlife potentially crossing the road. Shivering, we made it back to the lodge in one piece with lots of stories to tell!

Our dinner was Boma - outdoors and magical with candles and lanterns glowing. Though we arrived a little late, we soon tucked into delicious food prepared under the stars. 

Boma dinner (photo courtesy of Joan McGinnis) including a birthday serenade for two of us birthday girls!

-Random Tintswalo photos-

Mama lioness and her eight-week old cubs.

Lilac Breasted Roller

Happy Hour-make me a tall one!

Ellies

Yes!

Saddle-billed Stork

Father's day breakfast in the bush 👌 

Reply, Ryan, John and I...