![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr85L8DqJHqzS1qq6IvvYYhbnzurkfMupwutfp4LMX6r_Lq6EFAuhg6qfol5M78Ns_G4jHj1aZRKLgjgL5pi3pXcVnb7_OVV4TxGbA7gZ2wMYtoic62AZgZrNPgK7b2uuBoMYNlukgBWVr/s1600/IMG_0213.JPG) |
The focus of Selous is the Rufiji River |
The decision
to visit Selous with the rains in December was made on the way back from the
Serengeti as we had only 3 days after Christmas to decide where to go for the
New Year's Eve long weekend. Selous is expensive and very difficult in the wet
and the game would be off the river this time of the year. But...
Selous is a
beautiful driving park with great river front scenery and home to Africa’s
largest African wild dog population. Having not caught up with the dogs on two previous
trips it was decided Selous it shall be, provided the weather forecast wasn’t
too bad. Checks on the forecast were good enough to take a chance.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGId4XOrY1RRM03Llx4tbMqA1carnowe8UCxbyjkF0CpW8JRzDfuRSfwjAONLpC8AKT_AbAtAIdetrQGOlPDRXFTovrLnExSA1kQBzX98zwUM0kqWVHP8FYaXmzD3vTOscLX_mmfDyujZT/s1600/IMG_9805.JPG) |
Riverside drives are a Selous special |
While the
rest of the world was partying the New Year in, we were packing the car,
roasting chickens and getting ready for an early morning start on the first. We
reached Kibiti where the tarmac ends mid morning and turned right towards
Selous Game Reserve. The road for a start was graded but deteriorated badly; luckily the mud and water was not a factor. Inquiries at the gate revealed a lion mating pair
along the main road and dogs spotted at Lake Nzerakera.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46tcPIAfQGAxNLZNM1oDLh2IKznH_v2baf1dn57AecbnYAG0i6dhDrme5J13jNEaiKXa3e6c12GRpqc7QGiWR3hgCGwRZlX2hr_XCg583in2qqt6MVw4TgUdoCi8Fqgz1VDGa5TlKJv3I/s1600/IMG_9761.JPG) |
Lioness with small cubs on the first day - perfect start |
The first
kilometers confirmed the roads were passable provided it didn’t rain for the
few days we were there. There was a lot of water around, but the tracks were
drying out. The river front as expected was quiet, but we found a male and
female lion chilling under a tree at the end of Lake Nzerakera.
Soon another
lioness with cubs was spotted under a bush nearby. The cubs were really small
which meant this pride wouldn’t move too far. What’s more they were in our
favorite location and best game viewing area of the park. A great set up for
the rest of the trip!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkt35hXvifUcxOjy4ofJWgJ2N0GZdyRFmk6nAxbAh2K9CLk6M01qxEprJn-jo8baF6NqycetPyyVvejYFwhf4_qhFHUbYuWXlC9GjdLmqdv4wKNKiMG8uIR7udtROh7b9s6LBkKYD6naVu/s1600/IMG_9767.JPG) |
Mother and cubs heading to meet the rest of the pride |
After a
while the mother with the cubs under a bush joined the male and female in the
open. This was absolutely perfect in terms of a viewing and shooting. The cubs
were full of life tugging at tails and jumping on the adults. It was interesting to
see the interaction between the cubs and male who only showed mild interest in
the cubs, before ignoring the pride and walking away to lie under a scrubby bush.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_j59tC2uOk2IPnf910NEvriiG-fImbLdxjZwwPDbBLRXIZAfsRNNTvgBzyXlV_Ujbu3Vv9vcrodVrPEQ3pnLxq3kGrEow0Z1AlDx-lqRTdvpZx-wEKsQJOfcJbz2p0-m6laYDGCUoon8/s1600/IMG_9821.JPG) |
Grumpy Dad |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_s72kBlnoSkWfKKs_KmFFC0d1SVefrD6IFCIIdiZUw2XoL5Mq-iKHu5Hk84ooG_LE2u4ta_sHhC-FBKepekpqJhhyphenhyphen_bNb0vJ0uuD6148cCR_m71_WivqEVyHB72yGCDMj6ENKjKv9CRf/s1600/IMG_9886.JPG) |
Safety with mum |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTA1qzzb9VUrMkAI9CNNN-2MCXuce5kvACH4Sd72uU8mPDuHdznPj39lKrM1nDf8n0pnzzlxqqiPOwDgCluOpMuIko2CTLJetSKOIW6uYfZuC4CL8-15dsO-jzC6JNOtWv0slcFp2uicW/s1600/IMG_9984.JPG) |
Play time with Mum |
We hung
around with the pride for a while, then headed back along the river and found a
small herd of female Greater kudus. While this is a very common sight in Southern
Africa but in East Africa it's pretty uncommon. The river drive always has a few
birds and hippos to spend time with before we headed to our campsite at SelousRiver Camp outside the park.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RXUrDi1kO-1MXN2y4kEZMSICAsa97YXuBpS6CpnHQbfXODl7EKVLOGTXPN8vGVOTmRETlASYBC73BsZfGMOSbyEEoLj5TXJpOhNz5cW3NMRe0DCUz-O3UxLOKs8ac8WU_Vn2RpnJExa5/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG) |
Greater kudu |
Selous River
Camp is a cool little place closest to the Mtemere gate and set in a thick riverside
forest on the banks of the Rufiji River. The campsite is the only place in the area
that can cater for rooftent campers, but even that is very tight due to the
lodge owned tents in the camp site.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQjkKI5GQlrynjg2qRfgvxj1Jq2a46wMeaEpH-ckILUBCfmeV1sg1p2mXiFuA2SX2gaHbAApOJJGwwps4o7b182Qh4G7xOB2OF1awB4GOU-eZOusYhyphenhyphenwM9Z84NWsoApM579rdEsbydaCm/s1600/IMG_9810.JPG) |
Selous River Camp Camp site
|
There are bush babies and monkeys including
black and white colobus, in the trees above the campsite. Friends of ours have
seen elephant in the campsite thus despite being outside the gate, the camp
site is somewhat wild but offers clean modern toilets.
The next
morning we decided to do some exploring at the top end of the park which we
normally don’t do. The section immediately after the gate is too thick to see
anything but there is a lot of driving trails one the road gets past the thick
riverside forest.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRixgRhYaw0dqC_Ow6ZRBPczC2IC3JChXwfQu3Vpmxn4aMHm0wfuJt322LJQ-u0gw22wjj5E5tTC3LkV77pctRVYwtgxpVFvGOS-hwMXbu2G8nDphtoOwalv1Vs9ONu2D9hGvqBUHl2Br5/s1600/IMG_9803.JPG) |
River side driving |
Two hours later we were reminded why we normally don’t explore
this area as there appears to be nothing there! Upon hitting the main road we
did find the two mating lions. For once a Selous male had a decent mane. Most
Selous males have scraggy looking manes and it was nice to see one with a full
mane. While we witnessed them mating
they were intent on being behind bushes.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP42nCPtO585vxeFk2zELr2ylgxN8OErDh7UorQRKLyjZZ7C703-01f5zdT4gOvhunU4h0GASD8FqOOgx5O_7EYRFugCI1qhqczyjhqqPI6DTGrlT-841AmVrK6ViQG375JBZwJlhCe35v/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG) |
She looks bored! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Vwf4HnkblOamr1zODW2VTsv30L1F9avaZD2Uj3iglE3hix71At-G10OwWhvB5L3PO5hdLG1WUjw4qfDoFPSBEnFlYSJ3MG1mMFezuAyYmo3vTBM9kHIlwKQD5Vx5bq9Bx5067pY7xWUC/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG) |
Decent mane on this Selous male |
We made a check
on the pride which was still around before we left them and headed to the Lake
Manze area. We couldn’t get across the short cut as the mud was yet to dry so
settled for the long way round. The lack of vehicle tracks told us we were
missing something as there was traffic between Manze and the gate but it wasn’t
using either roads we were aware of.
Manze was surprising dry and devoid of any
game, which was also a surprise. A car coming along the short cut confirmed that
it usable and we were back on the Lake Nzerakera side of the park.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6HmpYA2MURTTbA1kE1ZVtZN_9_tk1XUx1-nnGhBtwQZ-wskdjBhLGb6p0fH3ps9q6cUKiLarmrJKcDg5J-GxWskQ4a5ZFN5xoNkOJ-Dh0w0bLjnsW7f0IG1AZhoPhyphenhyphenA0YkLaXRPc3OZi/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG) |
An Openbill conference |
We wanted to
spend some time birding and shooting some of shore birds and follow up on a
flock of Northern carmine bee-eaters we saw earlier in the day. The usual shore birds
were around but the Carmines were a spectacle. They were gathered in a large flock
sand bathing and taking dips in the river.
We picked out a spot and parked close
to what looked like a favorite sand bathing spot for the Carmines and waited
quietly for them to get used to the car. After a while of watching us from the
trees, they started to come down in numbers to bath in the sand. These are truly spectacular birds and when
they forms large flocks they are absolutely amazing.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcFEh_DmG1wVafJ9ovS1ypmLPPlOE-Msi73JXEK_nXKHGr8u93rvqM54689fNYSFk-0ZYgt57cJEvrrDAOid0lxJ7TGHMiIAle6O47pKHuQKLIQIPxH1NXToAFHcqAnhkXrgm6p3Wfy0d/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG) |
Northern Carmine Bee-eater |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1B-brNXpxT_5WB3qQ910zFde8-HGUiZMCERXD8GD8YqbuLy7iqNgmEIBNTpYDLfw10mvRaSWfsTDwcKPZl85WIqltB_LeUc5JPhikqWNsa0vC7rgtNw43vs4ddTxsb48KvS7lKpGEHqlr/s1600/IMG_0228.JPG) |
Spectacular flock of Carmines |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaURITawSyYkZHJuLhEszRLNdLiF2u-GTlHqF_5G4qjY0D7s_93Pfg-5MU0rXV27lzgCXqaHPqZC1XSoKyG1gtyyGcVfDmV6C0UiDfH84wtriSW9yuBf0LqQqmspp1TadNCZAwvoYYmD35/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG) |
Sand bathing |
Further down
the river we found a pod of hippos in a nice bend in the river and spent the
rest of the evening with them trying to get yawning shots. Hippos are generally
uninteresting unless they actually do something other than sit submerged up to
their eyes in water. Yawning is by far the most interesting a hippo can get
except for a fighting male. We hung around enough to get a few opportunities to
shoot a yawn before making our way out after another day.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-GSiYXw9NwP1kwEPjCIEjAGsF22GXVjX0eWey3_aslEu6UuMuEO2KN-_VZfc1F1Hen9ApWSj6KXtg8puG6GaL0jchAnkhQMumcbcaQQkx3I9jx3ZyguUvGOVLTI9eLNyN51QbCc_wKt3/s1600/IMG_0281.JPG) |
This is as exciting a Hippo sighting gets |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIesn16Uk_2JjVC4veZNWh_Dt8kL4unGGamgznAizy9mbQ3zknWlgEW0pNbtSm7bLRtlYU3mvkeHMYAZg3VAZrAtqjKgLEDZwoYIa8M5RfSsPtq9-2aoRJe6Q5wYomfQk_rHqWIpykQnhD/s1600/IMG_0299.JPG) |
Another Hippo another yawn |
Next morning
it was decided we would stick to Lake Nzerakera and of course find the pride
and generally chill around without bothering with Lake Manze, which looked dead
from the previous day. We found tracks of the male Lion heading out of the area
but found the two females with the cubs
asleep under the same bush as the previous day.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKqvBppVQPcw0GdWVgCTViSFyWxkFuhy4CZfPze6YCsHFAY1cw63XJoE9kvCHzbNvCiKrlf-wA9-LPDXR_gThMXgE8MCn3GkSNvzQbxPz2bPNt1R-ICdEjIxGpR-YWqR0S6znj0MaZ1M0/s1600/IMG_0741.JPG) |
Annoying Mum |
Despite it being early in the morning everyone
was asleep and we waited patiently. Another vehicle arrived with the news that
a wild dog pack had been spotted at Lake Manze! We shot off immediately following a second vehicle headed for the dogs and given you can drive off road it was
important to stick with someone who knew exactly where the dogs were as they
would be hard to find if they were off the road.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6aog0HoirWF_bHIVHJ5o2v-cDcIv9uMQxijTiEXjV1LDeDJ53YMzhe8uyoITAzibPgsxLzPsfcr5-zRdd_QPjSQPB9Z_zhQNGVzxSI8uHOuDErG1Hvf8TaoEU2C6LfmevPT1DK_4DR9H/s1600/IMG_0903.JPG) |
Male Kudu |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjUAkhNzIf7yE4se0_B1HhT_aYgphyphenhyphenRFS9Z0PK6HO6tondzdQJOwsQHuo0O0QsQa_-fEuBmPBF2imqyy7ar2wasy9NEFEj6KUERtLl8uf40-AfJrb1Hi9K-vhigPDnPXhuK9Gkpvv6hli/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG) |
Male common Water buck |
On route we
came across a porcupine walking around in the open. This was a major sighting
and this would be only our second sighting ever, and the first in daylight. With two cars upon
it the porcupine decided to take shelter at the base of a tree which was nice
as we could get a decent view and a few shots.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmWYLBRYmfNnLHe2oeogjEmoxLNUUYs66r9JJ1Dp5HpsgbLkHxRjDGUnuLTWY_8gbP55aAcZfy-sUIVL62nyJvtW6y059j71KS2NK6KbyGmU1Vh9z83MO2urcQkTJjyiC3EArRt0rhRjf/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG) |
Porcupine - rare sighting |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIU0zXYq4RmPelqaUsgoiuu3j2XDLwWr3j_L52bKn5DWWeTQn6gr4El85eWPSHNq0NKMrBmWlkkZLDenCUyxAikYTxdWyADXzjLgYxG4bCRAIqp0Lj9ujQ7NdeMKTTD7HS-qof6Q1mjBbA/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG) |
Caught in broad daylight |
By the time we left, the car we
were following had already left and we lost its tracks and now only had vague
directions. Strangely the car were following hadn’t taken the short cut but as
far as we were concerned the dogs were sighted at Lake Manze and the only way
in was on the short cut we were on. At Lake Manze we had absolutely no idea
which way we to go and decided to go left but soon turned back as they was no
signs of vehicle tracks. Soon we found a car that had seen the dogs and found
the pack in a small stream under a bush.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmL_nxu2q2tSTHuHRGwJJSmJoUNYKzXiFFRO_96lJDzBO3CS6zHMlCEpDRNCazNkssDr70_xkWgBF_-JSblxokby_8sGMgDJ6M63ws0bV5ue2_sUHw6VemhpSJ8CMrQ0rHXeTeYLtMrfy/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG) |
The Dogs of Selous at long last |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIErGNDG12sV9uHyAuWcDTkbpkemMQaSMw1OqkrhyfDcSc4rO55ZoagBS9E2mTrw_YUtI4rycbOUcTa6bi1NRvfBT08m9u2Sf6JSU4SrHwnkDB1emDG7L58-5N9GzsZxXvTXYHUYsMx9es/s1600/IMG_0419.JPG) |
Comfortable pillow |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPeqcotExuwXtenKaEwzZM-EbZCPlyMNBhSYnAxhHXY4muB1xN-EkJTqO_F7WOizr5Db-Whzpx0xf3vWDanC4dltWYTO8osAnJm_TQxFvAMMT3KX45sd0ED2XUoKbfl2fO6cuE_irH9La/s1600/IMG_0583.JPG) |
Resting Dogs |
This was
perfect! We were right next to a pack of 16 dogs resting with stomachs full
after a meal. There was little chance of them leaving and we had coffee with
them for the morning and ended up having lunch with them as well. The dogs didn’t
do much which was good as if they started moving, would be a mad dash trying to
keep up.
Resting dogs are a lot more interesting to watch than resting lions
who just sleep. Dogs on the other had kept going to a small pool of water in
the stream to cool off and appeared a lot more restless than cats which meant
better opportunities to shoot.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ygVmmIq4wzd4OoWPijKkRMYhV8tinjh-1h4aiCre_6iPZmKdvSfbZ-GU9KJ0XE3eZvTBzfMHegNblKFamZ9YaPSApfYDtRahcbNASYyUcqpFlybtmhfnSMKOr7fFW0kxVEliloI4VZit/s1600/IMG_0610.JPG) |
Dogs will be dogs |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gPaVHSmbDGSO1xEW93NYDB_6yHq4ce7E46ZtdGVUrXGAlRjBysWlrlLtgOsqxCLtISpohcYkxu6vR6OEtVNlFh1aMK33RCvdFzuhyMjQ_DUZmNF1mPkYBUiQ7E4SoofZ_iu4qKwvMC0g/s1600/IMG_0506.JPG) |
They all liked the small pool of water |
We spent a
better part of 6 hours with the Dogs and only left for a toilet break. A few
birds added to the package and despite getting a close shot of Starling we were
unable to make a call between the Lesser and Greater blue-eared starling.
Other vehicles and birds came and went and we waited positioning ourselves at
different angles in relation to the sun in attempt to get different shots. The
water hole was the main focus as the dogs kept getting up and getting in to the
pool to cool off. At one stage two dogs got in at the same time and proceeded
to bite the one dog's tail!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVW1zGfSIqHYMD80NlPn6DxcFbkDKF045v5xMECfBNRaQke7GL9gJhYd1e8I_Oy_fU56-i9SFXL0RLK40eFXuvSti1EBJtCLclRXd420VIq-UfMU4mIYcI4_orbLes6wCAzY2dd-ADST6F/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG) |
Two fools! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRySxtwlfuhfOHbX-jLoR-YOnFF3GXE3BFpeLH_gwV-2fwNkwcVWf4eYRp3nSimbHjR-toPuy2MiCj-Qhyfiw_1FrPcUTh5vxRMgKIOwArkreCvyldTW4QYzgzvWt-KSuc_dzuRmyFSOC/s1600/IMG_0531.JPG) |
Dogs always chilled around cars |
We finally left,
leaving us time to make the gate before dark but got lost and ended up on an
even closer short cut which explained why we couldn’t follow the tracks of the
vehicle looking for dogs. We ended up with the lion pride who hadn’t moved the whole
day and were awake and playful.
There was a troop of baboons mucking about on
the date palm trees next to where the lions were resting and they were unnerving one
of the cubs. Suddenly the cub lost its nerve and headed straight towards our vehicle,
running away from the baboons who were dropping wild dates from tree tops.
The little
cub moved past our car and crossed the road before the mother got up and called
her back and gave us an accusing look. She seemed to be blaming us for the cub
running off but they all settled down under the bush before long.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJ_LxkTQjyBW5CbqKbWUUUf_GFOn3moL7RsFABg9ZrBJx583dhI6uLuAj_rS28YOlC4stoZbxQfO0q9saO1tWEO4QeocJlz2GeZ27qnM9H8OIE252IzStRyulNXa3_pI6mewbpDPOZDyE/s1600/IMG_0536.JPG) |
Even with a clear shot cannot make a call on this Starling |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8Nkbabk6vNTGZ-Epv6hypFFblPfzWednRmKSfHSQoLUskURM-C7yUX7-DN73xuwikzlzfsHIjJHDtNORM1oWr7dccLT_HDeff_-zoVZ4C741I2XwUDDmBHPadFQF7fy-ucSQ40iwP6be/s1600/IMG_0171.JPG) |
Speckled-throated woodpecker |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPq_u4AhrHaC_Rcnx8KjtVC0bdQ8LQ4ru5FajFHlQa9n6hbfk2mjP3rUem8mD7Y9zjjp7KsDDYXsfN0xa5hlKKO4wjuIH3GrruGV-vxBBvfCyk1SW4frDXyq4cqAgzR0mqGIYKZthNU89/s1600/IMG_0515.JPG) |
Red-billed Firefinch |
As it was
out last evening, we left the pride and opted to cruise along river checking
out whatever was on offer. One of the
challenges with the Rufiji river in Selous is the sun sets on the opposite bank
which means you are shooting in to the sun if the subject is at the waters
edge.
The trick to catch something on the bend of the river in the late evening
when the light is soft. We found a few birds in such a position offering some
great shooting to bring our last evening to an end.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTG1lhVz5UuXHAzCvnWtzlUdsljV-kdviz6Hi1ZL1ta6_AodI1VA6SOhJ_DzEdgzEovaomm5fgzL1dLeAfOYe5ergkXgZHx7DhFHi_gEMuJwsLucfrL6jdBJksVbnwRgKEMqgUWFGlNxn/s1600/IMG_0840.JPG) |
African fish eagles |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzDniWHvvsvRodt8Beakja8jbPWno2tLUFzaCmrRCISEQZm9_qJ117gIdg016I4q3UCzzjavX2K0a1BqpdJQNF0zazrvPD-MK14T-I3xTfwHMh2GmgFFIKbgsiz2Ur-tED2eyJpXo-zFw/s1600/IMG_0772.JPG) |
African spoonbill
|
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJrguLqc9EN-d5fufUwpGSMQ7HRYmDUzqzUyqAHM5iEqelCA0m0yFsUZk-2yZc0ZfVGeDKci7_nLU1FbtJTYmbyfuud0uIPbZ-9SwtSAqZ54-1gTjsIndmNr6yAg0e3QO_fvTipeGtMTF/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG) |
African openbill
|
The last day
we only wanted to check in with the pride and have morning coffee with them and
take an easy drive out of the gate by lunch time. We came across an umbrella
bird in the morning busy fishing. This is an amazing way to catch fish but he has to keep going at it; we didn't see him catch anything...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1ii7rVgqaIZuwoMekaJhfo-TRO7UWgsbevn4UQctPTQiaKAjUadHGCl7FZkfxqEgSWox2EZ-dJehAL_oddTesMKPFvPvKhUARRZxuTjt1UhD0uV0QPHJZE72gL0crXGMZFESnwp1NuQy/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG) |
Black Egret (Umbrella bird) |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rtidFhPPy2Blh-KTnrHVZ_ofC-iirtk9mmyXLB-zVut7Rah-KtI8azniYrSZdZ0pkvSW1Ri1FIR5XL97iNee6X6QCTaS_BYNEYBoeTkkHn0reenrq44rVdnLvCv6epho7_U4iDFgkTSI/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG) |
African Jacana |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO_1heCNCkOEo39rKpfY9jq5dPcZ7mQRx16mPGZCuXBMwjH60S1GENmz0ygPPElM-jrhqjPt_pvgbAkfu6DsgFyoOzjiUshVfH0c_iQWWzou94YTEH5ObGEamefLsRDhFTAMkPOO4UaoL/s1600/IMG_0878.JPG) |
Water Thick-knee |
After giving up on the pride and having coffee at an empty
waterhole in the hope something would rock up, we stumbled across the pride on
the way out of Lake Nzerakera. The pride was in the open and cubs were
playful as ever and finally managed to convince the mother for a drink before
everyone calmed down and a couple of the cubs headed into the bush. Finally we said goodbye to them and left for the gate.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHoljUCXol-g_AUlZscU-cPLsE69ju7cTzFLGIiG4JYJEeKBqRdj9ovjEDFOp6Xzjktj3sNwm42C5bFkFVUTROBhA5TLVPorXaOPCZ3qxh4zpnE7kdja8Px6kdfhzPo07fT1dCIHKigDq/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG) |
Gotcha! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGd0R7VGGECVP56YCjh5xPygW_7hqDEVFQuL8Ibv-dGs0OOXO6AjGkCrWUGsc_pxmyzbD3l5QzIs1GktEe3teh_KDWA_sXqqlU0LfeESV1guR3GekqmteTIXPbQ3jM1_tEVgMit_La-2pn/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG) |
Mum's tail is in trouble |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAO_7WEuGdyUu8FXLnblOnHrvlewVN7ybH8ArW-4gMk3EJ533iGJ3RnCu22cjw9FxtTXs06E7PBdy9WX3pnzZ0dkOFvdzJdDoDKXKQE4-ElWhP425KSpPcjV4lt4gkX0m0J0rRzH-pwVNz/s1600/IMG_9961.JPG) |
We do see a few Lionesses with no tail tuft, now we know why |
We did end up in a ditch after
not concentrating on the drive back and had to get a passing vehicle to pull us
out. The rains
stayed away and the all important dogs showed up which was the main reasons we
opted for Selous.
The lions offered us great sightings throughout the few days
we were there and the close up sightings of the cubs was really special. We
racked up 60+ birds including a few lifers and without the crazy crowds of the
Northern parks and dust of the dry season, it was another great trip.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBxbW4YQHNDUisYxiJ9CsHJlTjZKycnzpCyOO4a-3fgzhdfVGMH5u9w4Bwk_CxBnQfyv6Ld3Qc2-gd1X5vzNuJHSfMlTROLq4OWpMsxwcNWolqz36nGDupALt3i1vk4Fnlcls0lCGGW8t/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG) |
Giraffe |
No comments:
Post a Comment