Good game drives at Makanyi. I posted but I guess my post did not go through. We saw a leopard with a kill in a tree but she was in the grass. Also three hyenas were present. Little growling but we were anticipating more interaction unfortunately it got too dark.
Lions everywhere. Big males, cubs from 4 to 12 months, both sleeping and active. We also saw stompee (the lioness without a tail). That many of who have been here will remember.
The Birmingham pride has all split into small groups but today some them joined up again. There was a nice group of lions walking through the bush towards the lodge. A big male, year old cubs and females. They stopped in an area very close to the lodge lake. I think they are waiting there to make a kill from the animals coming to drink. Would be great if this happened so near to the lodge. After the lions eat, then come hyenas and vultures. Always great to watch the progression.
We saw three Buffalo in their prime, a warthog in his hole with just his head out. Of course other game just good game drives so far.
Final safari post - Last day at Makanyi Today a new lion pride came on the scene. The Evoka pride. One male, females and year old cubs. They have not been here for several years. Wonder if they knew the lion craziness that is going on. The Birmingham pride was close by, there could have been a real issue if they came together.
We sat with them for a while and then they went mobile. Crashing through the bush keeping the lions in sight is one of the things I love to do. We followed for quite a while always getting ahead of them so they walked towards us rather than following behind.
The scene was set. Kudu quietly grazing. Lions spotted the kudu and froze focused on their pray. We were parked right in the middle of the lions and kudu just far enough away not to interfere but close enough to really see the action. Anticipation of being in the right place at the right time. I was so excited. But as is often the case the kudu kept moving, lions did not attack. Slowly following then just laid down.
There was a leopard in a tree with a kill but he ran as soon as a vehicle approached. Of course general game, lots of giraffe. We ended the day with a joint sundowners where we hand fed the terrapins that come out of the water when the vehicles come as they are used to being fed.
Everyone got their Covid tests done for the return flight and were negative, all handled very well by the lodges. Paramedics or nurses come to the lodge so super convenient and results that night or the next morning. Overall a great safari for both groups and today we head home.
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