NGALA - ANOTHER SAFARI

The afternoon/evening game drive today was amazing - one never knows what animals will be sighted from one drive to the next.  We came across a group of 3 rhinos feeding and followed them off-road through the scrub.  The mother was very, very, large!

The ranger and spotter then followed footprints in the sand in an attempt to locate a pride of lions known to be in the area (an impala had been killed the night before, and another this morning).  The spotter located the pride not far off the track, and we drove off-road quite close to where seven were lazing in the grass (all females except for a young male which was just beginning to grow a mane).  We were able to observe them at very close range (closest lion no more than 1.5 metres from the jeep) for quite some time, until the male suddenly became "spooked" and released a roar which seriously alarmed humans and lions alike.  Animals and humans then all beat a hasty retreat!

Roads through the park are very sandy, and much of them very rough with frequent crossings of dry creek beds.

We have learnt that African men still need to save for a dowry to pay for a wife, so they do not marry until quite old by Western standards.  Nowadays the payment is in cash, but is still called "cows" as per the previous custom of payment with cattle.

Lunch under the trees in the garden with a  relatively tame "Bush Buck" in the background.

Zebra swinging her tail while her offspring has a drink.

Rhino giving us the " what are you looking at" glare.  Large horn intact.

Female lion keeping watch for the 7- strong pride which we were lucky enough to observe at close range. 

This one was about 2 metres from the vehicle and appears ready to pounce.  We backed off quickly.