Day 3 - Safari The kill

The reality of the Serengeti is that the sheer size of the plains is beyond comprehension.  As far as the eye can see it doesn't end. Somehow with his expert knowledge our guide had managed to find a cheetah which had just completed a kill. It's head was low and difficult to spot. We saw it hunched down and quickly eating before other prey discovered its kill.  Occasionally it raised its heads to survey the surrounds.  A cheetah eats until it has had its fill then leaves the rest for scavengers. After it finished a flock of vultures descended to pick the scraps.

Of course our excitement at this discovery was off the dial. A kill after all is another animals death but we wanted so much to see it. Apparently it is a rarity on safari to see it from start to finish.  It's the circle of life but we are keen to see more. The chatter on the two way radio is constant. A leopard has been spotted and like Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane, we are in hot pursuit!.  It's set high in a tree taking stock of its next kill. It comes down, an Impala is close. All the 4wd are tripping over each other to get the best view but must stay on the track.  The leopard is stalking the Impala, but its has been spooked and darts off. The leopard had missed its chance and returns  to the tree once again. There are now approx 17 4wds lined up along the road all wanting to get the best view and are blocking the path to the tree,  but our guide has the experience to make the right move and the leopard passes directly in front of our vehicle. Snap I manage a great head shot.  Who needs a 200mm zoom when you have the best guide.  That's the shot!!! I think I did a little pee of excitement (said Gina!) 

 

The thrills continue as we come to a pride of lions seeking shelter in the tall grass.  Lounging, sleeping on  their backs, unfazed by the 4wds close by.  Their paws are huge and faces covered in flies, skin twitchy and tail swatting. We count about 15 lions and a male amongst them. With a glimpse of the Rhino yesterday,  we can tick the Big 5. High fives all round.

 

You will always smell Hippos before you see them in their pools. Their stench is powerful! Any wonder, if you shit, sleep and eat in the same water. This pool is like mud, thick sludgy mud  packed with hippos and shallow so we see their backs. Anyone for a game of frogger? Nah, pass thanks.

Further on in a shallow lake, we feast on a flock of pink Flamingos.  Sorry wrong choice of words,  the safari has me hooked.

We make our way to the lodge after a full day of safari.  The thrills of the day and the constant adrenaline is tiring. The other tiring aspect is that the tracks through the Serengeti are rutted, ridged, rocky and corrugated. If you are really lucky, you get the quadrella and that makes for unpleasant touring! A word of warning to the well endowed ladies, a quality sports bra is a must!