Steppes In Africa; A Disney-inspired Safari-Q is for: Quite a Few New Animals; Some Quick, Some Quiet (8/30)

[luvpoohandcompany]

Oh my goodness I have to say everything about your last update was spectacular! From herds of elephants and birthday celebrations with a snapshot of lions in nature thrown in there too- I have loved every bit of it and watched your YouTube videos more than once.
You are definitely living your best life!
This African trip delivers so much more than I thought possible

 

[missjackiemcg]

Incredible!!!!

It was a COMMANDING display of dominance and a spectacle of raw power and animal behavior that I will never in my life forget.

WOW. The videos in this chapter were all amazing, but just WOW. Words can't describe. I'm sure you weren't in any immediate danger, but I'm curious if your guides seemed concerned in any way about being so close to the situation as it unfolded. Are the animals just generally unbothered by the presence of the vehicles on safari?

Poor babies. I'm glad another lion came back to check up on them!

GORGEOUS!

 

[Steppesister]

Haha absolutely nothing wrong with a bit of potty humour.

Never!

I know it's all part of the experience, but I'm not sure if I could bear to watch! Your photos are amazing, but knowing the story behind them, just about had me in tears.

It was hard, but fascinating to watch for sure. I'm glad it had a good ending and I'm sure their mother found them in the end.

I know it's nature and no doubt some cubs really do get left behind, but this made me feel better!

It was definitely a happy-ending story!

Golden light + grasslands is always a great combo!

For real! It was just so pretty there!

 

[Steppesister]

I've never seen so many elephants in one place. I guess that lions don't want to share the water with elephants.

The elephants didn't linger at the water at all. They just hollered at the lions and made them move away from the passing herd before moving on themselves towards our camp.

The lion cubs are adorable. I'm glad that the story had a happy ending. It would have been hard to watch if something bad had happened to those cubs while you were there.

Very much. I mean, obviously the elephants aren't hunters but they really didn't want the lions nearby at all. I wonder if the momma leader felt they were just too close with that many baby elephants in the herd. Like they felt threatened? gave them a warning to move on and to let them know they were aware.

Was this the first time during your trip that you this many people in the dining room?

Most definitely. And while there must've been 14?18 folks there I had to wonder what "High season" was like. When it's really busy do they put more tables in? No idea, but this was plenty busy enough for my liking.

It looks like everyone was enjoying your celebration.

I remember one lady to my left saying, "Thank you for having a birthday!!"

The last tent in the group seems scary to me.

I think the guards knew what areas needed a bit more attention, so I never felt afraid at all.

 

[Steppesister]

You know you're looking at something amazing when you don't notice.... A FREAKING HERD OF ELEPHANTS!!!!

Awww... I wanna pet it!


<promptly gets stomped by its momma>

Yeah, that's not an encounter I'd be eager to have.

Swimming or wading?

I think wading? Although I can't be 100% sure either.

SAVE THE CUBS?!?!?!

....no.

Okay, phew.
Otherwise I was flying over there to adopt some lions for our zoo!

Huh.. I do wonder if those go to rehab places?

Oh, geez. Cuteness overload.
Think I will go over there and adopt them!

Um... they don't get bigger than that, do they?

Nah, bring one home; I'm sure you'll be fine.

oooohhhh... scary-boo

<rawr!>

"Look I'm not your momma so STOP. ASKING. FOR. MILK!!"

But Grandma, what large teeth you have!"

Probably disappointed that the cubs found an adult.

That's too bad. Hazard of new/strange foods, perhaps?

Probably so was my guess. Or a little virus that hopefully passed soon.

Which totally flies in the face of what I thought that experience would be like.

It was definitely swank.

Nah. Like a birthday girl enjoying her day.

Um... as long as the lions don't get close.

Stay tuned...

 

[Steppesister]

Oh my goodness I have to say everything about your last update was spectacular! From herds of elephants and birthday celebrations with a snapshot of lions in nature thrown in there too- I have loved every bit of it and watched your YouTube videos more than once.
You are definitely living your best life!
This African trip delivers so much more than I thought possible

I'm thrilled you're enjoying it all so much. Still so much more to come! Next up is more game driving with loads more animals!

I'd go back again for sure. But I think next up is Eastern Europe.

 

[Steppesister]

WOW. The videos in this chapter were all amazing, but just WOW. Words can't describe. I'm sure you weren't in any immediate danger, but I'm curious if your guides seemed concerned in any way about being so close to the situation as it unfolded. Are the animals just generally unbothered by the presence of the vehicles on safari?

Well, Hassan did drive away when the lions ran away. I don't think he was nervous about the elephant trampling us, but I think he drove towards the lions because he was curious at what they'd do? Maybe?

Poor babies. I'm glad another lion came back to check up on them!

We all were too. I wish all things in nature have such happy endings, but sadly, that's not the case.

GORGEOUS!

Such a pretty sunset!!

 

[pkondz]

Yeah, that's not an encounter I'd be eager to have.

No, probably not. Just the baby?

....no.

Meanie.

Huh.. I do wonder if those go to rehab places?

Good question. No idea.

Nah, bring one home; I'm sure you'll be fine.

Yay!

But Grandma, what large teeth you have!"

Stay tuned...

 

[Steppesister]

No, probably not. Just the baby?

Oh sure! Give it a try!

Meanie.

Sowwies

 

[pkondz]

Oh sure! Give it a try!

Yuss

 

[Steppesister]

Q is for: Quite a Few New Animals; Some Quick, Some Quiet​

The night passed, and although I didn’t hear any rustlings at all, it was far from quiet. I'm sure our guards had a full night.

​

Coffee arrived promptly at 5:45 with the sun just kissing the horizon in a golden blush. As I sat sipping the hot elixir ,savoring those wonderful moments, several small birds were greeting the morning with songs and chirps, and one proved to border on the annoying. I named him Bob because it seemed appropriate at the time. His call was an incessant squawk and, as noisy as he was, I failed to get a photo unfortunately.

My morning reverie on the “patio” was shorter than I’d have liked as game drives start very, very early for those who want the delicious early morning golden light. Breakfast was at 6:00, and was just as lovely as the many other breakfasts I’d already had on this amazing trip- lots of fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, more coffee, juices, cheeses, etc…

Hassan pulled the truck up at 6:30, but we left a bit late because Dave and Victoria were running behind with “getting ready”. The heckling added some levity to get the morning started off in such a fun way! The beer and soda were cold, the blankets were warm, and the fly swatters were ready, although up until now they were very rarely needed. This may have been different had the Great Migration been in full swing. I was in some ways sad to have missed what must be an incredible spectacle, but off-season had some great advantages: Lower prices, fewer people leading to more personal attention, and a greener landscape.

​

It never takes too very long to find any number of the unique-to-Africa birds; here are a few of the species we stopped to grab quick snaps of before moving on:

(Brown Snake Eagle)



(White breasted Bustard)


(White-backed Vulture)​

Not too much further on, before we came to the kopjes, Hassan excitedly pointed out a pair of massive male lions sauntering along the road. He explained that they were this area’s Alpha and Beta males and that this was the first time he has ever seen this duo together. He was so amazed, in fact, that he asked for a couple of photos from my phone’s camera roll to show the other guides. We watched these magnificent brothers nonchalantly walk across the road and past the truck with as much concern as me on a Saturday morning sitting in the fresh air on my back deck.

A quick sit-down before changing their minds:

​

They were headed for the nearby kopje, the tall rock outcrops, perfect for lions and other top-tier predators to scout out their territory and dominate their space.

​

They settled down for a catnap atop their perch and we moved on coming across a yet more new species of birds, all completely different from one another.

(Secretary Birds... WITH THEIR HEAD FEATHERS UP!!!)


(Pin-tailed Whydah)

(Rufous-naped Lark)​

Hoping to see more variety of animals as the morning went on, we weren’t disappointed when we came across this family of Spotted Hyena up close- so close we could observe one of the most freakish bits of anatomy and physiology in the animal world. You might think this is a male. Think again; should you care to take a deep dive, this is a really good article explaining what that “thing” is you see underneath her:

https://www.africa-safaris.com/Hyena-Birth




(External female genitalia)



​

Again, Hassan turned off the truck so we could get the photos and viewing we wanted before moving on. I should note that the managers rounded up some beanbags for camera mounts that hadn’t been in the truck the day before. I was very grateful, because for the subjects further away getting sharp photos was pretty tough. Even with the added benefit of them, it was becoming more and more clear that it’s time for an equipment upgrade. Sigh… replacing the wood on my deck or new camera/lens. Adulting can be so hard…

Continued in next post...

 

[Steppesister]

…but watching a mother and baby cheetah feasting on an antelope kill is not. The circle of life is a fascinating spectacle- the good and the hard. A forlorn mother antelope mourned her loss from a distance and the cheetahs took in the nourishment they need for life and their next hunt. It was tough to get a good view with the grass a bit tall around them but we could see enough to know that they’d made good progress on their meal.

​

At this point, my photo roll is not precise with the timestamps very incorrect and piecing together the order of animal sightings is proving to be difficult. While the order may be not precisely the way it was, the stories and photos should serve to portray the absolute magic of an African safari.

​

I’ll leave off with 2 new, not before seen yet on my trip, mammals: the Banded Mongoose and the Hyrax.

This cute little mob of mongoose popped in and out of their den while the appointed guard stood erect and alert just as the meerkats do on the Gorilla Falls Trail at Animal Kingdom. I have no doubt that they make tasty meals for birds of prey, hyena, jackal, and any other predator who might be looking for an unwary mongoose. Mongoose, however, are not always the prey. They are solid omnivores and will just about anything it can successfully hunt or gather, including snakes. #rikitikitavi

(Banded Mongoose)​

At the next kopje we came across, I spotted a large group of Hyrax sunning themselves in the late morning sun. They looked toward the truck dumbly and a few scrambled away, while others continued their sunbath with no cares to give. This was really a fun find for me as I’d never seen one before, in or out of a zoo.

​

With oodles of game drive to go, I’ll leave off with a few more bird sightings and pick it up again with even more animal sightings and the unforgettable lunch experience. Until then, may the peace of the African savannah rest on you, Friends.

(Yellow-throated Sandgrouse)


(Kittlitz's Plover)


(Kopje (…granite hillocks known locally as kopjes. Belts of schist in the basement complex contain the veins and lodes of most of the country’s gold, silver, and other commercial minerals)from a distance)​

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

How lucky you were to see so many animals up closer. Your lion photos are incredible
I found the info on hyenas a very interesting read.

 

[pkondz]

Elephant, I'm guessing? Was this in your camp?

Hyena? Lion?
Where was this from?

several small birds were greeting the morning with songs and chirps, and one proved to border on the annoying. I named him Bob

lots of fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, more coffee, juices, cheeses, etc…

You're really roughing it out there on the savanna!

The heckling added some levity to get the morning started off in such a fun way!

off-season had some great advantages: Lower prices, fewer people leading to more personal attention, and a greener landscape.

Hmmm... while the great migration would've been cool, you certainly don't seem to be suffering from a lack of wildlife!
And... all the bonuses aren't insignificant by a long shot.

(Brown Snake Eagle)

Presume snake is a common meal for it?

(White breasted Bustard)

I've been called worse!

this was the first time he has ever seen this duo together. He was so amazed, in fact, that he asked for a couple of photos from my phone’s camera roll to show the other guides.

Really! Wow!

These shots are amazing!

Really like this one the grass too.

<meow>

(Secretary Birds... WITH THEIR HEAD FEATHERS UP!!!)

Finally!

(Pin-tailed Whydah)

Why da long tail, bird?

You might think this is a male. Think again; should you care to take a deep dive, this is a really good article explaining what that “thing” is you see underneath her:
[]https://www.africa-safaris.com/Hyena-Birth[/]

Interesting (and a bit horrifying) article. Had no idea!

I should note that the managers rounded up some beanbags for camera mounts

Good move. And I note he turned the truck off too, to minimize vibration.

Sigh… replacing the wood on my deck or new camera/lens. Adulting can be so hard…

hmmm...
Depends. When's your next safari?

but watching a mother and baby cheetah feasting on an antelope kill is not.

Circle of life.
Would've been something to see the kill happen... unless of course the antelope had died on its own.

A forlorn mother antelope mourned her loss from a distance

Awww... poor momma.

we could see enough to know that they’d made good progress on their meal.

That video was pretty cool. I don't think I've even seen TV video of a cheetah eating a kill.

Another great shot.

"Where is that kid? I turn my back for one second!..."

the absolute magic of an African safari.

Vast!

the Hyrax

The what?!
I've never heard of them!

This cute little mob of mongoose popped in and out of their den while the appointed guard stood erect and alert just as the meerkats do on the Gorilla Falls Trail at Animal Kingdom.

Now that's fun.

I have no doubt that they make tasty meals for birds of prey, hyena, jackal, and any other predator who might be looking for an unwary mongoose.

I wonder... they're so fast... would be tough for them to be prey.

Then again, I'm no expert!

#rikitikitavi

Terrific shot! Like how they're all lined up.

I spotted a large group of Hyrax

They look like a cross between a groundhog and a rabbit.
Did you take one home as a pet?

others continued their sunbath with no cares to give.

Sounds like some people I know.

This was really a fun find for me as I’d never seen one before, in or out of a zoo.

Me neither!

 

[buzzrelly]

Wow! Absolutely stunning photos, especially the lions. Truly incredible!

That hyena article is both fascinating and cringe-worthy...like OUCH! Those poor mamas!

So hard making these grown up decisions! Do a little OT and get both!

 

[Steppesister]

How lucky you were to see so many animals up closer. Your lion photos are incredible
I found the info on hyenas a very interesting read.

This was probably the best game drive of the trip. I got some unique animals that were new to the trip and some really close up encounters! Super fun! Best photographing opps too.

Wasn't that interesting?

 

[Steppesister]

Elephant, I'm guessing? Was this in your camp?

Yep, elephants, and yes, right in front of my tent flap, maybe 10 yards away?

Hyena? Lion?
Where was this from?

I think it was hyena given the smaller prints mixed in. Unless it was a youngin' in there?

Ummmm, about 10 yards from my tent flap on the trail that led to the Main Tent. Yes they were THAT close.

You're really roughing it out there on the savanna!

I was so pampered it was unbelievable.

Hmmm... while the great migration would've been cool, you certainly don't seem to be suffering from a lack of wildlife!
And... all the bonuses aren't insignificant by a long shot.

Definitely not! Maybe someday I'll do a trip timed for the Migration, but I sure loved the quieter experience I got in May.

Presume snake is a common meal for it?

That's my understanding from the Bird App I'm using to help me ID.

I've been called worse!

Then you need a tanning bed.

These shots are amazing!

Thanks! It was surreal!

Really like this one the grass too.

Different. I don't normally picture lions in the grass.

Why da long tail, bird?

Hardee-har-har....

Interesting (and a bit horrifying) article. Had no idea!

Exactly! Yikes!

Good move. And I note he turned the truck off too, to minimize vibration.

Yes, these guides aren't just your average drivers. They know exactly how to maneuver the trucks for best light, turn off the motors, keep voices low, find animals you'd NEVER in a million years see, etc....

hmmm...
Depends. When's your next safari?

Not for a while, but I do believe I may be headed to Eastern Europe in the not too distant future.

Circle of life.
Would've been something to see the kill happen... unless of course the antelope had died on its own.

It would've been for sure!! Spoiler alert: I did come close one day.

That video was pretty cool. I don't think I've even seen TV video of a cheetah eating a kill.

Come to think of it, nor have I!

"Where is that kid? I turn my back for one second!..."

The what?!
I've never heard of them!

Much like the S. American marmot. LOL! I think Hassan called them "furry potatoes"

I wonder... they're so fast... would be tough for them to be prey.

They are super fast. Hard to photograph too. Quick little buggers.

Terrific shot! Like how they're all lined up.

Lucky shot!

They look like a cross between a groundhog and a rabbit.
Did you take one home as a pet?

I wanted to. That, and a dik-dik. So darned cute!

Funny... that's EXACTLY what it reminded me of. I'm SURE it was this species in the short.

 

[Steppesister]

Wow! Absolutely stunning photos, especially the lions. Truly incredible!

That hyena article is both fascinating and cringe-worthy...like OUCH! Those poor mamas!

So hard making these grown up decisions! Do a little OT and get both!

It was beyond amazing. I'd never thought I'd be that close to an apex predator in my life. Crazy!

Wasn't that fascinating? And weird too!

Sadly, I'm salaried now. I'd wanted to be hourly as I knew going in, I'd be putting in more than 40hrs/week. I have thought about a per diem gig for a once or twice a month shift as an RN, but am so SO selfish and protective of my days off now. My job is stressful and I need those days to decompress and do errands/appointments.

 

[pkondz]

Yep, elephants, and yes, right in front of my tent flap, maybe 10 yards away?

Whoa!

I think it was hyena given the smaller prints mixed in. Unless it was a youngin' in there?

Ummmm, about 10 yards from my tent flap on the trail that led to the Main Tent. Yes they were THAT close.

Can’t believe how close they got!

I was so pampered it was unbelievable.

Totally not what I thought a Safari experience would be.

Then you need a tanning bed.

Different. I don't normally picture lions in the grass.

Come to think of it, neither do I. That must be why I found it so interesting.

Yes, these guides aren't just your average drivers. They know exactly how to maneuver the trucks for best light, turn off the motors, keep voices low, find animals you'd NEVER in a million years see, etc....

Impressive!

Not for a while, but I do believe I may be headed to Eastern Europe in the not too distant future.

Not as many lions in eastern Europe, though.

It would've been for sure!! Spoiler alert: I did come close one day.

Really!

Much like the S. American marmot. LOL! I think Hassan called them "furry potatoes"

wanted to. That, and a dik-dik. So darned cute!

A what-what?!?