Every now and then, the bush throws you a curveball. You set out with one plan in mind, and by the end of the morning, you’re sitting in a bird hide talking about lions that just turned it into their personal lounge.
This week’s Virtual Safari started out with one mission: find the Gijima Males. But, as so often happens, the bush had other plans. Instead of finding this dominant duo, we stumbled upon the entire Msuthlu Pride and all fourteen lions were on a mission of their own.
They marched down the road, past a few old buffalo bulls (who should count their blessings), and straight toward Makhotini Dam. Being fairly easy to predict where they would go, I looped ahead, set down my Insta360 camera, and held my breath. To my relief, and the camera’s, the lions walked past without turning it into a chew toy.
After a half-hearted stalk on a wildebeest went south, the pride decided a drink and a bit of playtime at the waterhole were better ideas. That’s when things took an unexpected turn.
Because instead of resting in the shade like normal lions, a few decided to explore something far more… civilised: the bird hide.
Curiosity got the better of them, and one by one they began climbing in and out of it, until a handful realised it was cooler inside and made themselves at home.
Let’s just say it’s cool, breezy, got a lovely view, and apparently, the lion seal of approval.
And because nothing ever goes completely according to plan, when I went down to shoot the narrative… I got a flat tyre. So, as you’ll see, we wrap up this episode with a few behind-the-scenes moments that prove even the best-laid safaris have their surprises.
Enjoy this week’s Virtual Safari…
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Sean Zeederberg
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