Hwange National Park Part 2

August 23

Pride of Lions Resting Under Tree

Cold tourists in the Morning

Today, our all day game drive started early with folks wrapped up to stay warm - but the day heated up quickly. At the park, our two Land Cruisers separated as we scouted along the roads looking for animals. Sometime later our partner vehicle radioed that they had spotted a pride of lions. Although we hightailed to their position, a bunch of safari vehicles and private cars were already converging on the site. The lions were sensibly retreating.

Suddenly, we caught glimpse of a lion moving away and one watching us from the bush.

Lion Glimpse 

Lion Watching

Joanne with Kennedy, Our Guide

After waiting a while, we left to check out the waterhole where yesterday so many animals congregated. Nobody was home. 

Lion Warning (Teeth Showing)

Driving deep into the park to a picnic spot, our partner vehicle again radioed to say that they were parked next to a pride of lions resting under a tree in clear view. We hightailed over to the spot! They didn't mention that they had driven off the road and got stuck in the sand right beside the lions.  Note that these Toyota Land Cruisers are open vehicles! When we showed up, the lions decided to move away, so I had only a few seconds to snap photos. We backed down the road and Kennedy got out to carefully engage four wheel drive which must be done at each of the front wheels. Our partner had neglected to engage four wheel drive before he drove off the road. Bad move! No way could he get out of the vehicle with the lions present. Our solution - We gave him a few good bumps to get him going.  After freeing them, we had our picnic before the long drive back to the lodge.

Magpie in Flight

Baboon with Baby on her back

Go Away Bird

Lilac Breasted Roller

Giraffe at a Water Hole

Giraffe at a Water Hole

Tons of Elephants at Water Hole

Elephants having fun at a Water Hole

Secretary Bird