Duba Plains: Lions and more Lions
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From Ben at Duba Plains:
The early morning on the Plains really paid off again today. There was no mist this morning, and the crisp morning light gave a totally different dimension to our photography.
The ODP vehicles split up, and as we left camp, we soon found the lioness and the two subadult cubs that we had seen yesterday. They were hunting, interspersed with the cubs creeping up and stalking each other and their mother. The interactions were wonderful to watch, with the lioness trying patiently to continue the hunt, and the youngsters not taking it at all seriously. We really captured some special images.
The other ODP vehicles came across seven of the large pride - also very close to the Lodge. They were also hunting, and some excellent shots resulted as the lions waded through water and across the Plains, intent on finding their prey.
After lunch, the groups split up again, and each returned to the lions they watched in the morning. We again captured beautiful photographs of the lioness and her cubs playing, stalking each other some more, leaping and pouncing and generally having a great time. We followed them until light started to fade, when we headed back to the Lodge.
On the way back we saw the giant Eagle Owls against a backdrop of a spectacular purple and blazing red and orange sky. What photographs we got there!
The other ODP group followed the seven lions who were also hunting again this afternoon.
Then they saw a spectacular sight of care and cooperation between the members of the pride. The light at this stage was ideal for the best possible photographs.
The lions needed to cross a deep water channel infested with crocodiles. They gathered tightly together on the bank as the vehicles quickly crossed to the opposite bank to watch the crossing.
Looking left then right then left, and carefully checking every ripple of water, the lions approached the water. They jumped in together and swam quickly across the water, keeping close together and watching carefully all around.
As they reached the bank, sprays of water flew in every direction as they shook themselves, and then walked calmly between the two vehicles as cameras clicked uninterruptedly.
They then strolled to a bridge, crossed that together, and disappeared into the gathering gloom.
This evening we are again around the fire, sharing our experiences - and wishing that this idyllic interlude in our lives could continue ...
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