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.
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 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!
This images shows the Thanda’s dominant male Lion enjoying the morning sunlight as the Thanda guest enjoyed watching him!
What a start for a great day!
We were the center of focus for this young male Lion when we watched him and his family feeding on a Wildebeest kill. The Thanda guests on my vehicle enjoyed the attention!
Thanda guests often have fabulous Lion sightings. This morning the North Pride was resting on the savanna before continuing their walk to a near waterhole. They came close up and personal to one of our game drive vehicles. A thrilling moment for any safari guest!
At the start of today’s morning game drive we found ourselves in the middle of Thanda’s herd of Cape Buffalo …
… Then we watched a herd of Elephants drinking at a waterhole and …
… at the end tracked down the North Pride of Lions (the images shows a young male at his morning cleaning routine).
Three out of five – a good morning!
… but I had to post it 🙂
My first night back at Thanda and what do you think woke me up?
… Thanda’s dominant male Lion was roaring this morning and it sounded as if he was in front of my door. The sun had not risen yet, it was still quite dark. I got up and opened my front door to see the large male crossing the road outside the gate.
I had no camera in my room so I grabbed my iPad and took this (very marginal) image of the male disappearing into the grass. See if you can spot him.
A bad image, but what a wake-up call!
Our dominant male Lion gave me an impressive “Welcome Home” at the end of today’s evening game drive.
The Thanda guests on my vehicle were most impressed … and so was I 🙂
Being chased by a male Lion is an incredible feeling.
Even if the chase is not meant for the vehicle but for other Lions nearby. When this huge predator runs to close the distance to the vehicle your instinct is telling you to get away while your knowledge tells you to stand your ground.
While the experienced Thanda guides take the proper decisions – keeping a cool head – some of our guests have one of the most exciting moments in their life.
What a feeling!
Christian Sperka Photography | Custom Luxury Tours 