If the days at Duba Plains continue like this, the ODP Safari starting there tomorrow is all set for a bumper time.

Setting out early this morning, the pride of lions from yesterday was found having a jolly time, playing, grooming each other, jumping, posing for photographs.

Suddenly the play stopped as all together the lions stood still sniffed the air, listened, and then headed off purposefully. They had scented the herd of buffalo about a kilometre away.

Closing in on the buffalo, they stopped. Stared! Ears forward, alert, watching.

Immediately behind the buffalo was a smallish river - and on the banks of that river stood the pride of lions from the adjacent territory, pacing back and forth, back and forth.

Oh goodness - a five meter crocodile in the river could be seen wrestling and attempting to drown a recently caught buffalo calf!

The lions on the bank watched, paced, stared, and then lunged into the water to retrieve the kill.
Another try! And again!

Realising that this would be futile, the lions started to cross the water, splashing through the beautiful crystal blue water, with the golden light surrounding them. They walked straight up to and then past the safari vehicle, shaking their fur and manes, spraying sparkling droplets in all directions.

They headed toward a conical termite mound where they proceeded to play 'king of the castle', knocking each other off the top as they playfully sought the supreme position.

Looking up and sighting the buffalo again, who had not moved much, this pride decided to start some serious hunting.

Two or three hours of lions chasing buffalo, buffalo chasing lions, and then vice versa again and again with intermittent standoffs ensued.

Finally, the buffalo decided to move away.

Off they wandered, followed by one pride of lions in single file behind them, and the other pride gazing on from the other side as the action proceeded along the border of their territory.

The scene is set again for some wonderful animal interactions as the ODP Safari group arrive tomorrow ...