Safari Number Three - High Adventure

Tonight's safari was the most exciting so far. Within two minutes of the camp gate, we ran into a pride of lions (one male and ten female). They were lazing on the road in front of us. The male got up for a moment to indulge in some foreplay, but finding no real interest, he lay back down. There were vultures circling nearby and all lion bellies were distended. A kill must have happened recently. It was clear that these animals were not going to move so we had to backtrack and take another route.

Within a couple more minutes, we pause to allow a couple of rhinos to cross the road.

In short order I was able to get photos of warthogs, zebras, impalas and giraffes.

We stopped for a coffee break and discovered that the coffee included a selection of wines, beers, and liquors. Very civilized.

As it got quite dark, we ran into a dazzle of zebras and a journey of giraffes. Our guide (FW) asked us not to use any lights or flashes because these animals were more nervous at night. Just before getting back to camp, two rhinoceros appeared at the side of the road. This time FW stopped dead and explained that they had very poor eyesight at night and were therefore very anxious. In fact they walked into the middle of the road to block our passage. Eventually they stepped off the road but turned and stopped. FW said that they would bump us if we tried to pass. Instead he went off of the trail and took a wide loop around them.

From the bush we could see another vehicle from our camp attempting to rush and scare the rhinos away. The rhinos stood their ground and that driver decided also to give them a wide berth. Everyone got home safely. Whew! (Actually, none of us were actually frightened. We just put our faith in our drivers.