A QUIET WEEK IN PILANESBERG

[steamtrainfan]

6 October 2018.

We went off to find the central pride.

At 16:30 we found them. There were a total of 19 lion. The biggest pride we have ever seen.



We sat patiently watching and waiting for any movement. Every now and again a head would pop up, yawn and flop down again.









They then started waking up but not moving.





Then at 17:30 this female stood up, stretched and starting walking off. Is there such a thing as an "alpha" female?







Slowly the others got up and followed her, right towards us.













They the moved onto the road in front of us but the sun was going down fast.



The leader then spotted some impala and the whole group lay down in the grass.



We could hardly see the rest of the pride but this male crossed the road and went to stand in the burnt area in clear view of the impala. He the lay down with his back to the impala. The rest of the pride were still hidden in the long grass.



Were we about to see a kill as all we could see was the tops of their heads and staring at the impala. We waited. Nothing.

It was now just after 18:00 and we had to be in camp at 18:30 so we left them.

It really annoyed that all the OSV's could stay and watch while we had to go.

We would come back in the morning to see if they had made a kill.

[Richprins]

Joan and I both believe that this was the reason we saw so little game and bird life.

[Lisbeth]

The afternoon light is lovely, but a pity that you could not stay

[Mel]

A pride 19 lions - in Pilanesberg no less I have actually a concept of a rather small park on my mind when I think of P'berg
and wouldn't even have expected for them to have a total of 19 lions, let alone in one pride! How many more lions are there approximately?

But is certainly was a nice sighting and the cats looks well-fed and healthy

[steamtrainfan]

Joan and I both believe that this was the reason we saw so little game and bird life.

Now now R.P. I was being serious.

The afternoon light is lovely, but a pity that you could not stay

We were very disappointed Lisbeth. Muttered to ourselves all the way back to camp.

A pride 19 lions - in Pilanesberg no less I have actually a concept of a rather small park on my mind when I think of P'berg
and wouldn't even have expected for them to have a total of 19 lions, let alone in one pride! How many more lions are there approximately?

But is certainly was a nice sighting and the cats looks well-fed and healthy

Hi Mel. According to the map book there are +- 40 lion but I will check that figure on the Facebook page because I think there are more.

The map book also states that there are +-35 leopard but I think there are more.

I will try and get more accurate figures for you.

There are 200 kilometres of road,

When I first went I thought that a zoo would be better but what a pleasant surprise.

As you now know we love the place.

[steamtrainfan]

7 October 2018. Part 1/2.

We set off to see if we could find the lion.

No luck , they had disappeared.





Breakfast at Fish Eagle picnic spot. Check out that smart t-shirt all the way from Australia.





The Barn Owl in his nest in the roof of the lapa.



A mommy bush buck......................



..................and her baby.



To be continued.

[steamtrainfan]

7 October 2018 Part 2/2











My first ever photo of a Coqui Francolin.

[Richprins]

Very lucky to get so close to an osprey, stf!

And a nice cocqui, ellie, and good piece of tar road.

Family looks healthy, wealthy and wise.

[Flutterby]

Lovely sightings! What a huge lion pride!!

When I saw your barn owl pic I wondered what happened to the resident barn owl at Mankwe Hide...hope it got away and has found a new home!

[Lisbeth]

Isn't that the cutest little Bambi

Lovely photos and there is also the traditional Mankwe one Look at children and grandchildren and that the time is passing gets very obvious