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The Week in Pictures : A Mixology of Sightings

The rains have arrived! The Lowveld’s already flourishing landscape was treated to drinks courtesy of the water-laden storm clouds. The clouds were threatening to unleash their open-bar attitude and throw liquid at all terrestrial creatures. The storm clouds eventually declared open-bar and released their rains. When the rains hit, you can smell the bushveld, feel the warmth and see the landscape lapping up the water. When there’s rain, we rejoice. There’s nothing better than observing a vigorously green terrain teeming with a wide variety of species. And this week we’re elated at the diverse array of sightings!

The Klaserie is buzzing with lion activity at the moment. We chatted to guide JC who said that the River Pride of lions have been around all week ! There was speculation that there could be cubs in within the area, but that remains to be seen. Across the board, the sightings of elephants certainly haven’t dwindled! Umkumbe Safari Lodge spotted wild dogs on Wednesday. The presence of the dogs made a nice change from the stream of leopard sightings enjoyed by the lodge. Chacma Bush Camp, Walkers Bush Villa and Ezulwini Game Lodges are revelling in the delightful sightings from the recent rains.

Today we’ll let the images do the talking!

Cupid in Camp on Valentine’s Day. We “Heart” These Pics!

This Valentine’s Day, we’d like to extend our love to all and sundry. We’ve jumped on the “we heart you” bandwagon, and have decided to share a few images from recent romance shoots at two of our camps – Ezulwini Game Lodges and Africa on Foot. Valentine’s Day is a mass-marketed day of celebration that sees sales of cheap teddy bears soaring through the roof. We agree that love for your significant other should be shared on a daily basis, but it’s also nice to have an extra reason to celebrate! When you breeze through the sea of crimson displayed on shelves, and walk past passionate red ribbons strangling the necks of plush toys; it can be somewhat claustrophobic. But there’s actually a perfectly valid reason as to why the western world celebrates love on Feb 14th, and it dates back to the year 496. So…Indulge in a bit of history, share your affection with your friends, family and other half; and put a smile on your face while you grapple that rose stem with your teeth.

There are many stories and speculation as to why we celebrate Valentine’s Day. We’re going with the story that reads like a Romeo and Juliet tragedy. A fight for love.

Aeons ago, Emperor Claudius II banned marriage. Marriage distracted his men, and turned them into terrible soldiers. And in those days, protecting and serving was paramount. The die-hard romantic, St Valentine felt this was an unfair judgement. He broke the rules and arranged for soldiers and their fair maidens to get married in secret. When the cold-hearted emperor found out about St Valentine’s “shady” activities, Valentine was cast aside and thrown into jail. During his incarceration he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. On Feb 14th Valentine was sentenced to death and he sent his love a romantic letter signed “From your Valentine”.

Ezulwini Game Lodges set-up a sundowner drinks and snack session at the Paradise viewing deck. The deck enjoys expansive views of the Balule wilderness and golden hour provides the perfect lighting for a spot of romance. The perfect place for a couple seeking a private, romantic experience. This couple also enjoyed a private drinks session on the banks of the river.

Africa on Foot was the scene for another romantic safari session. The new pool area at the camp lies adjacent to the treehouse, and is the perfect hideaway ideal for relaxing. The tranquility of the water, serenity of the lush bushveld, and lanterns for atmosphere created an idyllic setting for Valentine’s Day. Our happy guests sipped on bubbly while toasting their love in a magical atmosphere.

The Week in Pictures : Elephants Gorge on Marula Fruits

We trust that you’ll forgive us for not delivering last week’s edition of the Week in Pictures. Today we’ll make it up to you with images of sunsets smouldering on the horizon, stolen moments with voracious predators, colossal and commanding giant herbivores, and vain plains game zigzagging across the verdant emerald landscapes. We’re still in the height of summer here in the Lowveld, which means the predators have plenty of areas to hide out and ambush small prey that are feasting and flourishing in the heavy greens. Because of the rains, the already established waterholes are completely replenished, and depressions in the ground have now become pans filled with water. The aquatic animals have moved from rivers to these pans, which means there’s been a general increase in sightings of hippos and wading birds.

We chatted to our guides, media team and lodge managers for a quick update about recent sightings at our camps; and this week it seems to be varied. However, there is one recurring theme in the Lowveld at the moment – elephants feasting on the fruits of marulas. Late January/Feb the Marula trees produce their delectable fruit, which is devoured by elephants. Sightings of the herds increase, and the gentle giants migrate from tree to tree, stripping them of fruits. They actually aid the germination process by dropping seeds as they lumber along.

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp have – yet again – spotted the Nyeleti, our piercing beauty of a leopard. She’s pretty much made her mark on the Klaserie traverse, and certainly makes up the bulk of leopard sightings. Our videographer said that there have been a huge number of elephant sightings around camp, which is fantastic for the elephant loving guests!

In terms of lion sightings, there’s banter and speculation regarding the various dynamics within the area. The River Pride began making a few slivers of appearances, with initial sightings being of all 9 members, then 8 and occasionally 6. What has proved to be interesting is that one of the guides spotted lion cub tracks. Could a few of the missing females have cubs stashed in the shrubbery? Time will tell. The ABSOLUTE highlight of a sighting was courtesy of guide JC who tracked lions and found a lone lioness in the TOP OF THE TREE ! An incredible sighting. JC managed to take a quick video, which we will share either later on today or tomorrow morning.

Angele from Ezulwini Game Lodges has also reported a marked increase in elephant sightings, and the big cats are still making appearance. Buffalo have been scarce this week, but sightings of big game are filing the gaps. Angele says, “We’ve had fantastic hippo sightings, hyena on night drive, raptors galore and tons of general game. The bush is so lush and green; but it’s humid at the moment”. She mentioned that there has also been the odd rain storm, which would account for the soaking of the landscape. The hippos have moved inwards from the Olifants River, and towards the dam. The weaver nests are buzzing, the foam-nest tree frogs are calling night after night, and the terrapins have hatched. Angele says that the big cats are around, but they’re being “flat cats” in the all encompassing heat of the bushveld.

Chacma Bush Camp is frequented by elephants, and is certainly no stranger to the herds filtering down to the waterlogged area in front of camp. There have also been abundant sightings of elephants, and the lion sightings seem pretty consistent at the moment. There’s also a flurry of birdlife and summer migrants enjoying the green landscape.

Brett Horley from Walkers Bush Villa also remarked that the elephants are back in full swing, with the youngsters testing boundaries and being cheeky as ever. They’re feasting on the Marula fruits and enjoying the abundant fruit supply. An incredible sighting of the Black Dam male lion was enjoyed.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge enjoyed a few sightings of Ntsumi the leopard, with a particularly interesting one of her clambering up a tree to try discover what happened to her carcass. There was also a surprise sighting of a lion that has both Mapogo and Majingilane genetics. This is the Othawa male, a powerful lion with a thick, golden mane. Geoff said that it’s a lion to watch out for in the future. The Umkumbe team also had a sighting of a clan of hyena removing a buffalo calf from its mother. A heartbreakingly cruel moment in the wild, but one that is necessary to sustain the food chain of carnivores.

Hold on Hemingway, Take a Step Back Disney ! We Respect Hyenas.

We blame playwright and literary genius Hemingway for the bad press bestowed upon spotted hyenas. His unfounded fear and clear disregard for our unique crocuta crocuta species deserves more than a few eye rolls from our side. It’s not only that hyenas were branded shameful demonic beasts in the classics, but in African and Persian folklore they are feared. And they’re often cast as the villain in Disney movies (do you remember Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed from Lion King?). Human beings have a tendency to hate and shame what we fear. Lack of understanding can breed hatred, and hyenas are most certainly misunderstood. All that Hemingway and the others needed was to understand the role of the hyena in the wild, and to witness their adorable ways.

One look at the recent litter of hyena cubs spotted at the den site on Ezulwini Game Lodge’s traverse will change your attitude towards hyenas. If only Hemingway could have joined a game drive with Angele and the team, his famous line “Hermaphroditic, self-eating devourer of the dead, trailer of calving cows, ham-stringer, potential biter-off of your face at night while you slept, sad yowler, camp-follower, stinking, foul with jaws that crack the bones the lion leaves …“; may well have changed to a description far less loaded with contempt.

The hyena den while spotted on drive with Ezulwini showed us a more endearing and cuter side of hyenas. Hyena cubs are completely helpless when they’re born and actually look just like staffie puppies. When the cubs start growing they first develop somewhat soft, almost fluffy hair, which becomes coarse as they mature and are able to hunt/scavenge for themselves. Coarse short fur is easy to clean after huge gory feast of carrion and carcass. You’ll notice that one of the guides in the video says, “the hyena form part of the ugly five”, but not when they’re cubs! It’s always cause for celebration when you spot hyena during the best looking years of their life. I guess Hemingway never spotted a hyena cub?! Perhaps his perception would have shifted somewhat.

Spotted Hyena aren’t naturally pretty or regal, which doesn’t leave a lasting first impression. Their coarse fur, flattish bone-crushing heads and awkward gait leaves little to be desired in the looks department. Despite not bearing the hallmarks of the more poster-child-oil-painting animal; the hyena’s body is perfectly built for its role in the wild. As a result, this species is actually one of the MOST successful carnivores in the animal kingdom. Not only are they brazen and brave scavengers, but they’re also incredibly proficient hunters that possess a rather admirable level of social intelligence.

During the time that Rogan spent at the den site, he learnt that there were 2 cubs stashed in the den. The mother will raise her cubs in the seclusion of the den until they are 18 months old, after which the sub-adults will feast on meat from kills located around the den. Rogan learnt that there are a actually a few den sites within the area, and these youngsters are bound to be here for quite sometime.

So, Hemingway and Disney, here are a few reasons why we love hyenas :

They have a variety of vocalisations ranging from chortles to giggles. Each vocalisation indicates an emotion : anxiety over a kill, calling the clan members and excitement at the dinner table.

They clean-up after the messy big cat eaters, and remove debris from abandoned kill sites. This helps to prevent the spread of possible disease.

They are opportunistic and will scavenge first, but are perfectly adept at hunting. They hunt via a method called “coarsing” which is similar to that of the African wild dog. They have stamina and will chase prey until the point of exhaustion.

They will stop at nothing to feed themselves and the other clan members. This includes wading through water.

The Ezulwini traverse has abundant lion pride sightings, which means there’s an ample supply of food for the clans.

We trust we’ve dispelled the myths surrounding hyena!

Queen Elizabeth National Park: unspoilt and underrated

When one speaks about the most diverse, lush and wildlife-rich safaris in Africa, the paradisiacal Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda has to be part of the conversation.

Uganda is often overlooked as a premier safari destination. Its immediate neighbours usually draw the international tourists, and Uganda’s relatively small size as compared to that of Kenya, Tanzania, the DRC, Malawi and Zambia, mean safari goers often choose either the vast plains of the Mara, Ruaha or Kafue, or veer south towards Southern African destinations such as Botswana, Namibia and, of course, the massive Kruger National Park in South Africa. But Uganda is gaining popularity.

In fact, the Pearl of Africa, as it is affectionately and aptly known, earns close to $1.3 billion from tourism annually, and tourist visits to Uganda have increased from 540 000 in 2006, to well over a million in 2019, and for good reason. Its parks are world class and veritably teeming with a diversity and abundance of bird- and wildlife rarely seen in such vast numbers anywhere else in Africa. And none more so than the wonderful Queen Elizabeth National Park in the south-western corner of the country.

The park was founded in 1952 and dubbed Kazinga National Park, but after a visit from Queen Elizabeth II a couple of years later, it was renamed after her royal highness. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains, the 1 978km² park is not only the most species-diverse reserve in Uganda, but its topography and ecosystems also vary wildly. From sprawling savannas and fertile forests, to gleaming lakes, misty mountain slopes and teeming wetlands, visitors are enthralled by the ever-changing landscape and its broad bevy of inhabitants.

One can easily spend a few days just exploring the Ishasha plains in the southern sector of the park. The Ishasha River snaking through the reserve is alive with game and birdlife, and there are a few camps on its banks to choose from. But visitors tend to flock from all over the world to Ishasha for one specific reason: the tree-climbing lions unique to the area. The vast and verdant savanna is dotted with fig trees, and odds are you’ll eventually find one with a lion or two in it, waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting kob – an antelope species (like a more robust impala) prevalent in Uganda.

The Kazinga Channel, connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, is also a highlight. Visitors can opt for a safari cruise on the channel, which crawls with crocs, hippos, elephants and buffalo. The park is home to a whopping 10 000 Cape buffalo, 5 000 hippo and, amazingly, a huge elephant population of 3 000 – in fact, elephant numbers have increased by 600% since 1980. Leopard sightings are also relatively common; the only member missing from the big five in Queen Elizabeth NP, sadly, is the rhino. However, there are 95 species of mammals, including several smaller felines such as civets, genals and servals. The Kazinga Channel is also known for its birdwatching. Twitchers will have the time of their lives, with over 600 species of birds, including rarities such as the magnificent African skimmer, shoebill storks, Verraux’s eagle-owl, grey-headed kingfishers and up to 54 raptors.

Of course, another massive drawcard of Queen Elizabeth NP are the primates. South of the channel, lie Kyambura Gorge and the forests of Maramagambo and Kalinzu, which are all home to 10 species of primates, including colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons and, the reason many people travel here, chimpanzees. One can arrange chimpanzee treks through various companies; getting up close to these fascinating and most intelligent of primates is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and simply a must when visiting these parts.

A little more on the affordable side is lion tracking in Ishasha called ‘lion tracking research experiences’, where an experienced guide leads tracking expeditions in pursuit of radio-collared lions to learn more about the peculiar tree-climbing lions that call the park home (book well in advance). For those less enthusiastic about stalking the biggest and most dangerous of Africa’s cats, there are mongoose tracking on the Mweya Peninsula. Visitors are taken to the Mongoose Research Area, where they observe and learn about the habits and relationships of the banded mongoose.

The park’s proximity to the equator means it’s warm year-round. However, the extreme rainfall in the area is what gives the park its lush greenery, and the best times of the year to visit are probably when the rain abates a little in January and February, and again in June and July. These drier months are also the recommended months for chimpanzee trekking parties, when the reserve’s trails are a little more solid underfoot. On the other hand, birders might want to consider the wetter months, as this is when migratory birds pass through.

It’s not just the animals and scenery that attracts tourists to Queen Elizabeth NP, there are many fascinating cultural experiences to be had here too, including opportunities to meet local communities and take part in traditional dance, music and storytelling experiences. The craters in the hills of the Rwenzori range are also a must, and the salt works at Katwe gives insight to the plight of local salt miners. Tourism also provides a little extra income to the miners, who have seen the value of their once rare commodity drop significantly over the decades.

There is simply too much to do and see in Queen Elizabeth NP to cram it all into one trip. It is the shiniest pearl in Uganda’s crown, and needs to be on every adventurer’s bucket list. The main camp and park headquarters at Mweya is a convenient base for exploring the northern reaches of the park including the Kazinga Channel, while the road network running from Ishasha Camp in the south makes it the perfect base from which to access the Ishasha plains. If, like many visitors to Uganda, your final destination is the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this park should at least be a pitstop as it is such a short drive, and so very worth it.

The Strapping Machaton Lions of Ezulwini Game Lodges

A couple of years ago the dominant Mohlabetsi coalition ruled their land with aggressive power. Various male coalitions refused to challenge the 6 broad-shouldered beasts, and retreated quickly when confronted. The Machatons proved to be serious contenders for the kingdom, and certainly fought for the territory they so desperately wanted. After a time of helter-skelter, scuffles and brewing tensions, the Machatons successfully overthrew the Mohlabetsi.

Their infiltration started slowly, until eventually the Machatons dominated most of Ezulwini game lodges male lion sightings. The beefy individuals ensured that they would remain the Kings by very quickly mating with available females, advertising their presence, patrolling, and scent marking

The Machatons have now have a shared dynasty with the Kudyela lionesses. They sired cubs with the burly boys, ensuring the Machaton bloodline remains strong and prominent within the Balule. The cubs and Kudyelas are spotted on a regular basis, and on occasion the Machatons are seen. The kings are normally out patrolling their territory and protecting their brethren. When Rogan Kerr spent time with the dynamic team from Ezulwini, he was rewarded with ample lion sightings. Upon arrival there were – quite literally – piles of lions! Did he see the bumbling cubs? Yes he did. Did he see their mothers, the Kudyelas? Yes he did. But the most exciting news of all is that he was able to photograph the Machatons.

This latest batch of images includes the Kudyelas, cubs and Machatons in the same sighting. Male lions are quite nomadic and often don’t hang around their pride. They tend to focus on safeguarding their kingdom and warding off potential threats from younger lions pushing boundaries.

The lion cubs are roughly between 9 – 11 months old and belong to the 4 Kudyela lionesses (2 cubs, 2 cubs, 3 cubs, 3 cubs). There are 10 lion cubs in total sired by a combination of the Machaton boys. Click on this link to find out more about these lion cubs at Ezulwini Game Lodges.

#GuestSafariReview : An Honour to Stay at Walkers Bush Villa

Walkers Bush Villa received incredible feedback from a recent guest, who was grateful for her stay at this exclusive villa in the Timbavati. This guest considered it a privilege to stay at Walkers, and thinks it exudes all the hallmarks of a 5 star safari property. We always enjoy receiving feedback like this from our guests.

Welcome / Service:

What a lovely welcome we received from Brett and the rest of the staff. With the lodge not having a star grading as such, really enhances the experience as to what the guests would expect – I was blown away!

The Location:

I love the fact that this lodge is literally right at the Timbavati Gate. Guests don’t have to travel for a long distance within the reserve.

Food: The food that Gizelle created for us was outstanding. So delicious! I love that the kitchen is open plan and that you can go in there and chat to her whilst she is preparing the food. It really creates that homely feel. She is also a real asset to the Villa. What a friendly lady!

Accommodation: The rooms were so spacious, beautifully decorated, and the bed was so comfy. Only the best linen was used.

Decor : WOW!! It just screams Classy!! You can see the The Walker family’s influence in the décor and furniture they have in there. It really feels like a homely home, but still with a fancy feel to it. The garden and pool are also really lovely, with the plains game coming in the garden to eat the green grass – amazing!

Activities: We went on two game drives with Brett – I loved this – Was really informative. Brett is a really good guide. Had a lovely setup for sundowners overlooking a dam, with a hippo – Spectacular. We had a awesome leopard siting, which I really enjoyed. Pity we couldn’t spend more time with the leopard.

Extra notes: From start to end – An amazing experience! I really felt spoilt!! What a lovely place for a family to spend a few days!!”

The Week in Pictures : Avian Delights, Big Cat Carnivals, and Lush Landscapes

The safari industry refers to the summer season in Kruger as “emerald season”, and for good reason. When the rains pelt down and smother the dry landscape with water, the bushveld awakens from its drab slumber. Those bland branches give birth to plush greenery, and migrant birds flock to the region for its ample supply of herbivorous delights.. So many shades of teal and green cloak the terrain during the summer, making it one of the most scenic times of year to visit the Kruger. Every aspect of the bush is buzzing and alive; and the energy is rather contagious! Although not considered “peak” game viewing season, we’ve certainly haven’t experienced a lull in predator sightings. The past few weeks have produced generous sightings of big game, carnivores, birds and other small creatures.

I know it seems like a “copy and paste” of last week, but Ezulwini Game Lodges seem to enjoy consistent lion sightings. If it’s not the lion cubs, then it’s the abundant sightings of the Kudyela lionesses or the Machaton males that constantly wow our guests. Umkumbe Safari Lodge has branched out somewhat and delivered a wealth of lion sightings ! That’s right – our Sabi Sand lodge has balanced the leopard sightings with other big cat sightings.

Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp have climbed aboard the leopard sightings train, and now enjoy sightings of local lass, Nyeleti. The lion sightings are also on the increase; but a highlight this week has been the endless sightings of the elephant herds splashing about in bodies of water that are the result of the recent rains.

Walkers Bush Villa have really put themselves on the map this week with their big five sightings. Two of the Ross Pride lionesses were attempting to flush out a warthog from its burrow. Quite a remarkable sighting, but one that is not uncommon in the game-rich Timbavati Private Nature Reserve! Expert guide, Brett Horley, managed to track and find breeding herds of elephant, bulky herds of buffalo and other wildlife.

The team at Chacma Bush Camp have provided us with plenty of entertaining lion cub moments together with sightings of the coalition that sired the cubs, and the cubs’ natal pride.

Our Top 14 Most Instagrammable Lion Cub Images from Chacma

Em Gatland has flooded our folders with images of the recent lion cub sightings at Chacma Bush Camp. Of the hundreds of images of cubs, there are a handful that we’ve deemed Instagram-worthy. Let’s face it thought, most of em’s images are “Instagrammable“, but these cub images are bound to take social media by storm.

Lion cubs face many challenges in the wild, which means the mortality rate of cubs is staggeringly high – 80% of cubs die before the age of two. Cubs are often at the mercy of revengeful scavengers, and don’t have the strength to ward off experienced, bone-crushing carnivores. Cubs often find themselves in precarious situations which can include anything from being in the way of stampeding buffalo herds, to not getting enough food. Another challenge that cubs face in the wild is that of infanticide from testosterone filled male lions seeking to kill-off another’s bloodline.

Fact is, cubs are born utterly helpless. A giraffe calf can stand within 20 minutes of being born, zebra foals can walk within an hour of entering the world, but our precious lion cubs require ample nurturing before being able to handles themselves in the wild. We know how rare these sightings are, so when Em delivers an ample supply of lion cub images from her time at Chacma, we celebrate!

There are 12 cubs found in the area around camp, often found in tow with 3 sub-adults and 3 adult females. The cubs are from the older females, which we speculate are the Lamai lionesses.

We trust you’ll enjoy Em’s portfolio of adorable cub images. We certainly did !

18 Lions and Cubs on a Waterbuck Kill at Chacma

Before we plunge head first into the tremendous story of how 18 lions killed a waterbuck right outside Chacma Bush Camp – and how it subsequently led to abundant lion cub sightings in camp – we’re going to give you a brief synopsis about this local pride. In total there are 18 lions spotted on the traverse, as well as the Maseke males that cruise onto the scene to patrol turf and mate with females. Of the 18 lions, there are 3 sub-adult lionesses, 3 adult lionesses and 12 cubs. At this stage their ID is more speculation than confirmation. We believe that the lionesses are the Lamai sisters or related females. The 12 cubs are the “products” of the Lamai sisters, more than likely sired by the Maseke males. It appears that the prides all joined forces for a huge family dinner of waterbuck on Sunday night which ultimately led to an incredible series of lion pride and lion cub sightings at Chacma.

We’ve noticed that various individuals and mini-prides have begun to move closer and closer towards the confines of camp, seemingly huddling around the outskirts and cocooning us with their presence. The waterhole in front of camp is a major drawcard for a variety of plains game, which means there’s an ample supply of carnivorous delights for predators and a reliable water source. Clearly the prides have caught wind of this, and have realised that our waterhole and immediate surrounds is the best take-out joint in town!

What is quite curious is the choice of meal that the pride took down (large waterbuck) on Sunday night. We’re not analysing their diet by any means, but the meat on a waterbuck is as tasty as a poorly made KFC burger. Let me explain. A long-held theory suggests that waterbuck secrete an oily substance (waterproofing) that makes their meat unpalatable to predators. Why have this when you are surrounded by gourmet meat?

The answer is probably threefold. Waterbuck bulls are territorial, which means this local antelope was probably guaranteed to be hovering around the same area, a presence that could easily be predicted. Secondly, the Chacma waterbuck was a massive, handsome dominant bull fit to provide an ample supply of meat for a large pride of lions. And lastly, lions can be opportunistic! With so many lions, the take down of large prey would prove to be relatively easy.

The lions formulated an attack in the dead of night, and our team heard the savage sounds that accompany a kill while they were at camp. Em managed to get a few photos of the lions, but the carcass was shrouded in vegetation, so visual of the kill site wasn’t great. Lions tend to hang around the area of their kill for a few days. They spend plenty of time gorging themselves on their meal until they can’t move, which means it’s relatively easy for guides to locate the lazy lions flopping around.

The morning after the kill one of the lions was spotted at the waterhole in front of camp. That night the lions were seen again, together with the cubs and an unidentified male lion. Tuesday delivered an absolute highlight of sightings! The cubs meandered down to the waterhole to drink, and guests were able to watch them from the comfort of camp, chilling on the pool deck with a coffee and snack. The cubs were somewhat skittish and neurotic as they gingerly approached the waterhole.

This has definitely been a bucket list highlight for us. Lion cubs face a high mortality rate in the wild, so to see them healthy is one thing, but right at camp? Come on – that’s the stuff for campfire stories ! We’re sharing the images that were taken the morning after the kill. Visual just wasn’t 100% to photograph the waterbuck carcass.