Thanda guests and Thanda Lions are enjoying the morning sun together!
Seeing these magnificent creatures makes a great start for the day.
Angry under the sun!
When this young Lioness saw Thanda’s dominant male approaching she got very upset. She started growling in his direction and her four cubs ran for cover. She then prevented the male from following the cubs by blocking his way.
All of this happened under a beautiful morning sky with a colorful rainbow. What a sighting!
Sit still, watch and learn!
These young Lions were sitting still and watching their mother, aunts and older sister going off hunting.
The guest on my vehicle were very exited when the complete Thanda North Pride moved around the car towards their prey. The Lions just came from a meal – judging from their reddish fur – but they were looking for a second course. As long as we watched them they were not successful. Better luck the next time!
She loves birds!
The face of Lions change completely if they are looking up at the sky and follow birds.
One of the Thanda guests on my vehicle suggested that this Lioness must really love birds – I am sure she does 🙂
Experience and Youth!
When this Lion mum was watching a few approaching Zebras she was “frozen” whenever the Zebras looked in her direction. Her daughter imitated mum and was very still as well. Her brother on the other hand was moving around behind them and alarmed the Zebras. Boys will be boys – No dinner this time!
The Thanda guests on my vehicle enjoyed this display of experience and youth!
I am a big Lion now!
“Well, you probably have seen many pictures of me since last year.
Since this funny German photographer arrived here at Thanda we have had to pose constantly for pictures. But this way all of you Thanda fans got to see me, my brother and my two sisters growing up. Don’t I look like a big Lion now?
Christian – that’s the photo guys name – took his shot this week when I and my family were relaxing after a really big meal. Mom and grandma could hardly move and my cousin did not stir for hours. What a day!”
A blog message from a lion’s point of view 🙂
Near miss!
Today the Thanda north pride of Lions only missed some Zebras by a few meters.
They demonstrated perfect Lion hunting tactics to the Thanda guests when two adult females all the sudden disappeared into the thick bush. A few minutes later they drove the Zebras into the road where another Lioness was ready for the fatal attack.
But, this time the Zebras got away and the Lions had to keep hunting!
Relaxed
Thanda’s new male Lion is settling well into his temporary home on the reserve. He is now quite relaxed about his new surroundings.
This beautiful and very large cat came to Thanda from Addo Elephant National Park. His father originated from Marakele Game Reserve in South Africa and his mother from Etosha National Park in Namibia.
Lions and Wine!
With two guest from Germany – staying for 12 nights at Thanda – we planned some game drives in rather remote areas of the reserve. When we drove in a very hilly area we spotted a Black Rhino moving fast across the opposite site of a valley.
When we went off road down a slope to follow up we spotted one of Thanda’s pride of Lions lounging on the other side. We decided to lounge as well and my guests had some wine and snacks while watching the Lions. The Black Rhino had disappeared by this time into a very thick area – as they usually do. A very special game drive. Lions at sunset with a glass of red in your hands!
A New Male Lion for Thanda!
A new male Lion has arrived at Thanda. Today this magnificent animal was released into a large enclosure (called “boma”) where he will spend some time until he will “take over” a new section of Thanda as dominant male.
When the transport container was opened he jumped out, did a short speed run, gave a few deep growls and then slowly inspected his new temporary home!
Christian Sperka Photography | Custom Luxury Tours 