Daily Archive for December 2nd, 2008

Too Much Choice


There were no flies on us this morning, we were up at the crackers. I had abandoned our search for the lions last night to get back in time to post the site. Knowing more or less where they were, we shot through to get some early footage. This was not to be, but we ended up following a Black-backed Jackal as it was hunting Guinea Fowl. This guy was not that comfortable with us around, but normally they are a little more skittish. It was a great watch and then we let him be.

01 Dec 2008 098

After searching 10 km South of Banyini all morning, there the lion were back at the pan! We are making a habit of running into the pride – I’m not complaining. They were hungry and looking at every opportunity to stalk any unsuspecting prey, but in the end I think there was so much choice that Manyari couldn’t decide on which animal to focus on.

01 Dec 2008 084

It probably didn’t help that Sjambok just lay in the shade while all the action was going on, I guess he figures he will always get the lions share regardless of how much work he does. That is where we left them; in their indecision and lethargy.

01 Dec 2008 036

Stakeout


After getting the herd of Buffalo at Nduna Dam yesterday, we thought a stakeout was in order. There were some very interesting lizards, a water monitor and a Goliath Heron hanging around when we arrived.

Goliath Heron

The baboons were having a tea party on the side of the dam and impala seemed to be participating. Not as fruitful as we had hoped but great to get into the little cracks in the rocks. At the end of the day the Hippo gave us a bit of a show and just to see the sunset at Nduna makes the drive worthwhile.
Rainbow Reptile

The lions had been hanging around Banyini pan for a few days now, but last night they headed south. I’ve just come in from a drive down to Hwata pan where they drank and headed further south. Manyari is more affectionate than ever; in fact, one of the field guides reported seeing Manyari and Sjambok mating - down boy! Magwaza is still missing in action so hopefully we will see these lionesses delivering some offspring in a few months. Tomorrow morning I plan to catch up with Lion to see what their plan is.
On the Edge