Wildcast

The Nduna pride were out of action for most of the night.

On the way to the lions I saw my first baby impala of the season. They’ll now be dropping all over the place flooding market.

While resting up at Chitindigova with the lions were heard a lion calling to the north. The pride didn’t show any interest. Was it Nduna calling or one of the lionesses with small cubs?
3am saw the lions active heading west. They were on the trail of a buffalo herd. When the lions got to them they were in thick mopanie, ideal for a lion ambush. This time the lions weren’t waiting to single out a calf, they went big.
The buffalo stampeded. Again it was dusty chaos and in no time the lions had downed a buffalo cow. But the herd were quick to retaliate and saw the lions off.

In the pandemonium the lions immediately attacked again. Another cow. It took to about a minute to bring her down and then the suffering started. Her guttural bellows went on for 20minutes before she died. The young lioness left to deal the killing bite was inexperienced. She was trying to smother the cows mouth but was totally ineffective and the cow eventually died with the others feeding on her alive.
The herd responded to her death cries and came to her assistance but didn’t push the final charge. They watched from 10m for some time and left.

The lions got to feed in peace and then the rains came. I got my cover up to protect all my camera gear and to allow me to film in the rain. Darryl wasn’t so lucky. He had to sit it out and provide me with light. Although he had to suffer a little it was well worth it. The images of the lions in the rain are stunning.

The lions fed without concern for the rain. It was a warm rain anyway and probably quite refreshing, except that cats don’t like water. The rain didn’t last and we left the lions after sunrise. No doubt when we join the lions this afternoon the vultures will be there in their hordes.

I had left my tripod next to the car while putting my camera gear away when the lions decided to make off with it. This new toy kept them amused but only until they realized they couldn’t eat it.

In the cool weather I decided horseback would be a good way to search for the giraffe with her birth complications. We didn’t have any joy but the ride was great AND I didn’t pop my shoulder!