After my awesome morning drive I went back to the lodge, ate some lunch, took a nap and got ready for my second game drive of the day. I noticed on the path there was some interesting poop. You should always be paying attention to the poop, it can tell you who passed by and when. I saw giraffe (hoofprint included for scale):
And some teeny-tiny pooplets from the dik-dik, the smallest of the African antelopes. We’ll see some later so prepare yourself for the smallness.
As The Moomins and I were walking to the vehicle we walked past reception and I saw something dart out of the corner of my eye. Turns out banded mongoose live under the floorboards and they come out and forage.
I noticed that the doors on our vehicle, you could open them from the inside but not from the outside. That’s the exact opposite of child locks. I couldn’t decide if that was prevent robberies or to keep baboons from getting in. Honestly I would be more afraid of the baboons.
As we were driving out we saw the local eland and her baby. She tends to hang out near the front of the lodge so she’s kind of their resident eland. It’s easy to know it’s her because her horns are misaligned.
We passed some Maasai with their herd of sheep and goats. It still astounds me that these people share the space with wild animals, and not regular wild animals. Advanced-level wild animals, if you will.
Saw some thompson’s gazelle and a Random Other Antelope, the one laying down. I’m going to guess it’s an impala.
Ever-present topi.
Okay, grab a drink and get comfy ‘cuz here we go.
We saw two lionesses sleeping. They were so close to the vehicle, it was a great sighting.
Now remember, this is a conservancy which means the guide can drive anywhere they want. We didn’t have to remain on the roads.
While we were watching the lions take a snooze there was an ostrich who turned to look at me, was like “whatevs” and continued on his way.
There was a warthog. You don’t realize how oddly put-together they look until they turn sideways. Their proportions are all off.
Baboon.
The ever-present cast of characters.
The lionesses rolled over so our attention went back to them.
We were now able to see those pronounced nip-nops on that one lioness. *foreshadowing*
Jacob told us that females tend to stay together for their entire life, so chances are the big one with the teats is the mother and the other one is either her sister or her eldest daughter.
Look. Look at the proximity. Acknowledge it.
This shot is bangin’. The iPhone 12 Plus Max Pro Ultra was doing a damn fine job.
Sister woke up, took a couple big sniffs:
And then had a big yawn.
Which apparently was inadequate because it was followed by another equally big yawn.
Now it was time for drinkies so the two ladies headed off to the watering hole and we booked it in the car to get there before them and get a good viewing spot.
The two ladies sauntered up to a pre-existing lioness to say hello.
The pre-existing lioness said “No thank you.”
Then there was drinking.
Followed by some rolling.
The two original lionesses crossed in front of us making a “hrrhhgg” noise like they were calling for someone. *foreshadowing intensifies*
And out of the shrubbery tumbled a pile of lion cubs, squeaking and being absurdly cute. The cubs went over to the mother lioness, she resignedly laid down and the babies started nursing from her and/or walking all over her face with complete and total disregard for her comfort or personal space.
Are you seeing this???
Are
You
Seeing
This???
This is unheard of. I am surprised I didn’t bust a blood vessel in my eye, I did so much very quiet screaming.
My two favorite shots. I call them “Parenthood.”
Eventually the lion family until wandered off in search of food and I got one last shot as the sun was setting.
So good. Such a good day. I couldn’t wait to tell my new BFF, Gecko That Lives Behind The Mask.
