Kariega Field Notes: Sleeping with lions and shooting stars

We had an unbelievable four hour night drive where we observed lion family life.

First of all, it was a beautiful clear night and we had several hours before the full  moon rose to experience one of the most star-studded night skies I have ever seen. It may have been the tail end of the Perseids meteor shower too because there were dozens of shooting stars as well.

We first encountered Mandoro, Mandoro's auntie, and the mother of the three cubs with one of the little cubs. We sat quietly in the land cruiser while the mother called patiently for the other two cubs to come join them. Finally they toddled in to join the family. Mandoro and the two females roared their displeasure at their tardiness. It is a sound I will never forget! You could almost hear the mother say, "If I have to call you two again like that, you will be in big trouble."

Back together again, the family wandered off in search of dinner. We slowly followed behind them to a spot where the two females left Dad in charge of the cubs while they went "shopping". At one point Mandoro even joined them and left us to babysit!

We finally left so as not to disturb the hunt by tipping off the impalas.

mom going shopping

two naughty cubs

three in a row

Wait for it .....