We had been waiting for the lions for several days-
– and finally, they unveiled themselves. The wheat coloured high grass offered a perfect place to hide.
They were resting together in a group of five, and we were allowed to see them close-up. Beautiful, majestic animals. They did not seem to notice us at all, only the male in the header – who leaned his head backwards to look at our jeep. A rare meeting for me.
There were two females and three males. They looked young all of them.
Lions don’t have many enemies, but they too are afflicted by ticks, and we were warned before we did the savanna walk. In Sweden many of us are vaccinated, as the TBE is a widely spread tick-borne disease and can severely afflict your brain. You can even die from it.
Lions are such beautiful big cats, our respect for them is great. They looked so calm and relaxed lying there together in the grass,
…but only some days before, this zebra must have had a narrow escape, maybe from a lion. I guess he had defended his heard. Successfully…I hope.
Living on the savanna is not easy. For us, short visitors, it is an adventure. Thank you for coming along today, meeting the big cats – and their prey. I find zebras mezmerisingly beautiful, like pieces of art, and I think scientists still don’t exactly know why they have their stripes or how they use them.The leading theory seems to be Biting Fly Repellent. Flies cannot easily land on striped things as the pattern disturbes their ability to navigate properly.
Next week I will tell you about the two cheetah brothers. We met them twice.
Leya 
Beautiful photos, that would be quite the experience to get that close. I love cats, of all sizes. Its very cool to see them in their natural habitat, its also sad how the circle of life works haha
Thanks, Pam – I am so grateful we finally got there!
What intimate portraits. Wonderful.
Thank you, yes, it was amazing seeing them so close without them reacting at all!
Gorgeous photos – what a wonderful opportunity to see these beautiful animals
Thank you, Nora – amazing creatures. Unforgettable moments that I am so grateful for.
Much as I like the lions, your zebra photos are my favourite shots. They are stunning in the grass.
Thank you, Jude – I agree, seeing them in that long grass was a moment of true beauty.
Both the lions and the zebras are beautiful but I confess to a special love of the big cats – yet I’m glad that particular zebra got away!
Thank you, Sarah – yes, I am glad too for him and his heard.
The first image of the lion camouflaged in the long grass Is brilliant as your other images of those Lions- majestic creatures. Images of the Zebras are Rather good too. Very pleased you went on that trip!
So am I, thank you, Sue!
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Ann-Christine, it must have been thrilling to see these magnificent lions in the wild. Your images are stunning. I like the zebras, too.
I enjoyed every minute!
So gracious animal, so good shots. The leo in me roars appreciation. I find zebras mezmerisingly beautiful, like pieces of art, I agree with you. I loved all the photos, you are so lucky to have seen them in nature.
I am so grateful too – who would have thought I would go to Africa? I went much because I had listened to others who were completely overwhelmed!
Mmh . . . intelligent animals, those lions – have learnt by experience >>> ‘why bother with those little people > if they come any closer, we’ll simply have an early dinner . . . back to sleep’ . . . ?? ! ________________________________
Haha, yes – they knew there was no danger either – as we knew they would only see the cars, not the people.
That first photo is especially amazing. Love spying on your spying!!!
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Gorgeous photos and adventures.
Thank you, Brad – I can’t say how truly happy I am that I made this journey. I do hope you get there too!
Thanks Ann-Christine. Me too!
What an adventure! Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos. It’s the closest I’ll ever get to see them in the wild.
Never say never – you sound like I did for many years…