The impala males are still chasing the females around, grunting. The rut should be nearly finished. I spent half an hour watching a couple of males chasing females around a pan. They were springing in all directions and with the sun on their glossy fur,they were a pleasure to watch. This picture is of one of the males glaring at an unreasonable woman! How could she not be impressed!
After that I headed for the Chiredzi river. Always beautiful, the game viewing was great. I even saw some fish from the high banks. I love driving through the stands of huge trees and seeing the river snaking through the sand.
On my way back I came across this ele bull. He was wandering along the road towards me so I stopped and waited for him to pass. He gave me a half hearted ear flap when he got to about 5 metres from the car but turned and sauntered into the mopane. It was only when he turned that I saw he was in musth.
Kim is still trying to sort out his microlight papers and so has been delayed in South Africa. I will keep you posted till he gets back.
By Darryl Nolan-Evans
Hi Darryl,
They all look well fed. The lioness that you were focusing on for the most part, is it Manyari? Big belly!
Yes, it is Manyari. Their bellies are full of meat, They squeeze an enormous amount into them in just one feed. Their bellies swell up like balloons.
Darryl, I can’t tell which lioness is Manyari!, Looked for scars on the one that laid down with front paws crossed as she drank, or is she the one with the male drinking. She has healed up so well I can’t tell anymore unless she is still with the male.
Oh yes, great job Darryl, Kim you better get back soon, ha.
it’s amazing how well her scars have healed. I really battle to see them. Manyari was the one that came to drink in front of me and the other female, Magwaza, was drinking next to the male.
Oh! And by the way, I’m back!