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May 31, 2009

South Africa -- Safari (Part 4)

The Kings of Kruger.

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She was surveying her domain.


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Lions have no fear of people. Although we were in our vehicle here, the window was rolled down and there was nothing stopping them from taking a swipe at us. However, we heard that the smell of the petroleum covers the human scent. I don't know if that's true or not, but the lions certainly weren't fazed by our presence.


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This gives a little better perspective on the lions just walking down the road, oblivious to the humans.


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Intently watching the grass...


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This cub was very distraught. He got separated from the rest of the pride and was trying to find them quickly.


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Standing tall.


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This is NOT the perspective you want to see a lion approaching you from.


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On the prowl.


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Man, it's tough being a lion.


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Such powerful creatures.


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These guys look like food. Yum.


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More kudu on the rock.


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We always loved watching the elephants.


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Back on another night game drive, we came across one of the most universally reviled animals ... the spotted hyena. Our guide told us that someone had been killed by a group of them that week.


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The night made them seem that much more sinister. I know it's being anthropomorphic, but that is what it appeared.


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Their gait is so ungainly.


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Unlike the lions, these animals definitely knew we were there.


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Well, that is the end of our safari. It was a great experience. Many moments of excitement mixed with long stretches where we could just talk, drive slow and enjoy being together. All in all, it was wonderful and I highly recommend the experience.

Up next will be one final post on South Africa ... more images from Cape Town.

So, until then...

--Jim

Posted by jim at May 31, 2009 03:23 PM

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