We Want To See LIONS!

The last time we were in Africa when we were met at tiny Skukuza Airport the ride back to our camp felt like we were at Disneyworld. It just didn’t seem real. This time when Richard, our guide at Kirkman’s Kamp, drove us down the dirt road and into the bush I had the same feeling. But I love Disneyworld!

This is a little video of our drive from the airport. Martin, our tracker, usually sits in the front seat on the left.

I remembered how to climb up into that Land Cruiser, and it was still fun! When we got to Kirkman’s Kamp they came out to welcome us with hand sanitizer and warm wash cloths to wash the dust and Covid germs away.

This is Martin, our Tracker, getting ready to climb up onto his seat. He and Richard, our Guide, asked what we wanted to see and we told them LIONS! We want to see Lions!!!

Zebras. The first animals we saw were zebras and, although they are so beautiful, we want to see LIONS!!

Look at who’s smiling now! Yes! We found lions!!

These two lion brothers killed a zebra and were both trying make sure that they had the most meat. Lions don’t like to share.

Of course they always have a Sundowner halfway through the game drive with a nice selection of coffee, tea, and alcohol. This time Martin made tacos to add to the fun!

Hyenas are always around looking for something to eat and they stay close to wild dogs, who are better hunters. The wild dogs’ tails are white at the tip.

Warthogs

Leopards are so beautiful! I took many, many pictures of leopards and these are some of my favorites.

Isn’t he just beautiful!

Richard told us that this fig tree is 600 years old! It’s beautiful!

When on safari we were always reminded to never stand in the vehicle, never get out of the vehicle, and to keep our voices quiet. I was really surprised when Richard and Martin got out to look for lion tracks. Yes, Richard took his rifle, and they found lion tracks. He quickly called “lion” to Martin and rushed to get him back in the vehicle!

I almost forgot to post pictures of Kirkmans Kamp, which we loved. They have 12 air conditioned cottages with a beautiful view of the savanna just out the back door. Here is Bob walking to our room, near the back door which leads to the savanna and the third picture includes Martin and Richard (our tracker and guide), me, Bob, Doris, Vivian (a new friend from Great Britain) and Jess.

Here I am with Sam, our waiter. Sam was very shy at first, but warmed up by the end of our visit and told us that his dad had five wives (not at the same time, max three at the same time) and was 72 when Sam was born. Hopefully his mom was a lot younger!!!!

One more beautiful sunset.

I took many, many pictures of beautiful animals and it’s so hard to choose which pictures I should share. I don’t want this to go too long and bore you, so I’ll finish with this sunset picture.

If you’re still interested, we left Kirkman’s Kamp which is in South Africa and took a tiny plane to Zambia. Our next stop is Old Drift Lodge in Zambabwe.