The sky has broken for a short time after the first rains. Just enough time for us to get out into the bush and catch up with Manyari and her stalking habits at Banyini Pan. This seems to be one of her favourite spots, even though there is hardly any cover.
The Lions have been tucked away in the hills since the last kill on an Impala more than 2 days ago, when we got soaking wet as the clouds burst with not enough time to take shelter! It seems these lions have been on a mission to make sure they don’t go hungry. Manyari has ditched the rest of the pride again, Sjambok keeps taking his kings share of the kill. However, Manyari’s stomach was still full from something else she had obviously devoured.
After the rains there are so many different sounds and insects that emerge and this of course includes thousands of flying ants! I missioned east towards Nduna and on the way managed to find all the pans, which were once dry, now replenished and teeming with life. The trees are beginning to bloom with many different shades of green becoming more dominant than the once dry branches. Even the acacia’s “thorn in our side” had a colourful looking flower, they are responsible for many hours spent fixing punctures.
A breeding herd of Elephant also treeted us to a family huddle after they had been bathing in the mud at Malilangwe Dam. It’s a mud bath out there! And many hours are spent digging our way out of the soaking wet roads - but better to be out in the wild than cooped up watching the time go by.
Mark
She couldnt be far off cubbing now ,… check out her swell !
Must be like running with a rug-sack on ,… it must be hard , and risky too , to hunt in that condition.
On a side note…. can anybody say why the black tassle on the end of their tails ?
Mark,
Thank you for a Great film so wonderfully put together. You have a beautiful subject to film. Manyari is a beautiful girl. Thank you for bring her to us. Also thanks for the extra info you give. It is really appreciated.
Blessings
Ron,
I see you have asked the tail question before. I am sorry I can not answer you but I do hope someone can. After you pointed out the swell I went back and looked at it again, you are right! Good eye.
Thanks Cheryl , both for the reply and the complinent!
Im only learning to be honest, but i love this site and absorb every word/image both Kim and Mark say!
I’ve 101 other questions I’d look silly asking about too !
Ronan
Are you talking about the swell in Manyari’s teats? They are slightly swollen but it’s only the front 2 that are showing this swelling and have done so for the last month or so. When she’s about to give birth her whole udder will swell substantially, and not just the teats. This was very clearly seen the day before Magwaza disappeared into the hills.