Lions for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (October 2019)

[Mel]

And then with a display of some serious TLC

The younger one was always licking as well, even those she had nothing to lick

The older one made sure she got all the ticks removed...

...checking her work...

...and carrying on with the next area.

[Mel]

At some point the lions got lazy again and we bored, so we headed back to the camp. Opposite Kamqua waterhole we found a young pale chanting goshawk sitting on the ground and not flying away when we stopped. So it was probably after some food. Soon enough we found the creature of the raptors interest

A heron had taken note of the ongoings too and though it might try to get a share as well and started stalking the snake from the other side.

Both birds left empty handed as the snake got away unscathed

[Mel]

Only a few kays further, shortly before the rise to the camp we found a Verraux trying to cool off.

[Mel]

The weather had turned rather ominous with a thunderstorm threatening, creating an eerie atmosphere that I tried to capture on photo, but it never turns out as vivid as it is for real.

[Mel]

The day was rounded off with a visit from Ithumeleng at 7.40 and again at 9.40 pm. When she was there the first time round, she had a friend with her waiting for her next to the camp attendant's unit. But unfortunately he was too obscured to get a pic for identification, but I am awaiting news of new cubs for our next trip I think, she lost her last set because she was only seen with them a couple of times six months earlier and should have brought them drinking this time around if they had still been alive. But whatever was waiting for Ithu seemed to be too big to be one of her cubs, so our guess was that she was mating again, hence the hope for little ones on our March / April trip.

@ 7.40 pm

@ 9.40 pm

[Flutterby]

Beautiful pics of the lionessess!!

And then a leopard at the waterhole!

[Richprins]

What a variety again, Mello!

Ja, the storm photos sometimes don't reflect, but these are fine!

Leopards coming to you...that's the way!

I can spot the flies in the air next to the lions!

[Alf]

Amazing sightings and wonderful pictures

[Klipspringer]

I like the owl and the landscape photos

[ExFmem]

Impressive lion pics
What kind of snake was that, if you know?? Doesn't look like a Mole Snake -
The scenery shots are lovely -
I'm certainly wishing you some leopard cub(s) on your upcoming trip - and don't make us wait too long to see them when you return.