africa

Our second campsite in Moremi was located in the Khwai area. The area was rich with all types of game which wandered though our campsite. The camp came to life at night. The lions called loudly, hippos left their pond and paraded through camp. Each morning we examined the tracks passing right next to our tents! Our guide had an uncanny ability to track big cats. David allowed us to spend hours quietly observing them. The lions of Khwai have a fascinating social structure. The adult males were killed for hunting trophies. As a result, the pride structure fractured. Hunting has since been banned. A group of related females, all with cubs, have effectively formed a female dominated pride. Three almost fully mature males have formed a coalition. They are gaining maturity and confidence and may attempt to take over the pride. If they are successful and can merge and bond into a traditional pride this would be beneficial to the lions at Khwai. One morning at camp, the three males stopped by the waters edge for a drink. I couldn't believe my eyes. We also had the good fortune of finding several leopards. One pregnant female spent a good four hours stalking impala only to have her careful planning foiled by a noisy bird. The hunting strategy she employed was fascinating to watch. Earlier in the day we located her young adult daughter trying to employ similar hunting techniques passed on from her mother. This was a safari experience at it's best. Every moment had the potential for surprise, to learn, and to truly appreciate the privilege of interacting with these magnificent animals in their natural surroundings. There is a film crew stationed in Moremi. Footage of the lions is uploaded on a daily basis and can be viewed at : earth-touch.com