Brendon Reports from the Serengeti on the Ndutu and Serengeti Photo Safari:
We headed out very early for our first full day safari. Before we left we decided that it would be superb to see and of the predators – especially the cats like lions or cheetahs. And any other animals would also be great to see.
Well, our wishes came true in abundance. As we headed on to the open plains for our morning drive we could see different animals. And in all we saw thirteen different cheetahs during the course of the day. We found a mother cheetah with four cubs that were a few months old, and then we spotted another mother with three tiny two month old cubs. The little ones are so very adorable and playful, and their curiosity brought them close enough to us for some excellent shots.
The mother with four cubs was actively hunting and we stuck with them for a while. However, they had no luck and as the day warmed up they found a shady spot to flop down and rest.
We spotted the mother with the three cubs in the late afternoon. They headed towards a thicket where we surmised they would spend the night. But before they disappeared we managed to get some lovely images.
So although we didn’t actually get to see any serious hunts it was a treat to watch the different cats as they walked around, climbed on termite mounds for a good look around, and explored fallen trees and branches.
We saw many lions as well. First we spotted two males together, followed by a single lioness. It wasn’t long before we found another lioness on her own, and then during the afternoon we came across a smallish pride. Most of the lions were doing what lions do best during the heat of the day. Yes, sleeping in a shady spot.
We travelled from one koppie to another, checking outcrops or any likely spot for more big cats. Those that we found were close to koppies, but there were none actually on the rocks as we had hoped. Still, it was a treat to see them, and as always our cameras worked overtime.
And after such a fantastic day with many cheetahs, everyone is delighted and thrilled with their photographs – and we look forward to an early start in the morning for another promising day …
