lion country

While at Mabuasehube, we got more than lucky and saw a total of 12 really big Kalahari lions.
We had heard that a bunch of lions was occupying a campsite not too far from where we were staying and so we drove there to have a look. Indeed, they were there, dozing in the shade and apparently well fed.

I would have probably freaked out completely, but the people staying at that particular campsite were surprisingly relaxed about being held hostage by the lions for a full day...

On our game drive on the next morning, we also came across a lioness. She was walking on the tracks and definitely not in a hunting mood, as the steenboks didn't run away. She was also very hesitant to leave the soft underground, but eventually we managed to pass her.
It definitely feels strange to sleep in a tiny little tent on the ground, knowing that this is lion country. On the other hand, it is so beautiful out there - I really wouldn't want to miss it!

Rain Escape

It was pouring down here in Gaborone during the Easter weekend but we managed to escape the rain for a while by going to beautiful Madikwe with my parents.

Just across the border, we were lucky that the rain had stopped by the time we got there and we got some sunshine during our evening game drive, coating everything in warm light.

The next morning was cloudy and moist, and it took a while for the sun to come out. But the colours of the sky and the landscape after the rain were stunning.

Due to all the rain it was impossible to drive on most of the dirt roads and it was difficult to trace the animals, but we saw quite a few anyways.

And we found a lion couple!

After what looks like a lion kiss we could hear them roar across the land - a majestic sound unlike anything else in the bush!

And look at that gaze - looking straight through you....

Tau Encounters

This past weekend we spent some more time in the bush. After a short drive over the border we arrived at the Buffalo Ridge Lodge, a lovely place set on top of a hill overlooking the Madikwe Game Reserve with private chalets nestled in the bush.
When we walked to our chalet, the ranger showed us the footprint of a lion on the path and when they tried to get to the next chalet, they found the lioness just a few meters away from us on the path, and I could hear her growling at the sight of the humans.....
I did not really feel comfortable out there and wasn't sure if I would be able to sleep but after a fantastic gamedrive with a pack of wild dogs and a delicious three-course dinner we got a good night's rest.
The next morning we started early and met a lion couple who had chosen a spot next to the road for their honeymoon.
Their lazy movements and big yellow eyes were incredibly to watch but I was very happy to be in the safety of the 4x4 vehicle and not on the ground with them!

the lion sleeps tonight

We just got back from an amazing trip to Madikwe, just across the border in South Africa, where we stayed in the beautiful Thakadu Lodge for a night in a luxurious safari tent.

And on the game drive last night, I finally got to see a lion. All you could see at first was a bit of black and yellow mane of a very sleepy lion in the high grass.

When he woke up, he yawned a couple of times, licked himself and stretched extensively before he started walking along the road like the majesty himself.


Lion love.

FYI: Apart from the lion, there was lots of other wildlife, including some supercute baby hyenas, jumping rhinos and a very horny elephant :)