THE UNEXPECTED UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

In a mad dash to attend to guests in Moremi Private Game Reserve staying in the Expeditions camp, I was reminded that any time spent in the bush is usually rewarded with some or other amazing sighting.

I found myself travelling before light to Khwai River Lodge in Moremi. The way was led by Ezikiel, one of the Expeditions guides and seeing that there are a few sticky water crossings, we were waiting for each other. At one crossing I saw him stop just outside the water and wait for me. I pulled up behind him and waited for him to move on. He then turned his hazard indicators on and my heart sank as I thought that the vehicle had given up and broken down. He then continued to put the cruiser into reverse and I decided to pull up next to him to enquire what the problem is. As I stop, Ezikiel asked me in the most calm and collected voice if I have seen the lions. I looked a bit sheepish as I have not noticed anything  throughout my drive. He then pointed over to my passenger side and there right next to me were 3 female lionesses eating a Buffalo they took down during the night.

So never think even a quick check on guests will be uneventful. On the same visit, which covered about 500km in 12hrs, I also saw a breading herd of Elephant blocking my way to camp and then on my return to Maun I came across a male Leopard hunting Impala. The lions also gave a Spotted Hyena a scuff for coming to close to their Buffalo meal.

Botswana.... never a dull moment!

Posted: Botswana Expedition by Carl Visser, Date: 21 August 2011

 
Additional images: