The routine of our days began with a 05h30 wake-up call in the dark with warm smoky water poured into our wash stands under the tent awning. Quick morning ablutions soon had us following the beam of our head torches to the dining tent for a welcome coffee and rusks while discussing what we had heard in the night (if loud enough to have broken through the heavy canvas cover of sleep).
A generous spread of oats porridge, cereals, muesli and yoghurt, along with left over dessert from the night before soon had us well provisioned for a sunrise departure in the only relatively cool part of the day. The morning was spent exploring, tracking and searching for game, intel shared between passing game cars when encountered.
We were on a mission for big cats so it was a little frustrating to pass some opportunities for birds in good morning light despite managing a reasonable image of a spur fowl on a termite heap and a image in memory of a Meyer’s parrot in flight (fortunately replaced by a photographic image later in the trip).
Suddenly we were upon them. A pride of resting lions littered at the edge of the track, tinged pink by both the morning sun and the remnants of the blood of last night’s feast on their faces. Well fed, they were entirely disinterested in us so patience was needed to try and isolate some scenes of interest.
A cluster of cubs added the cute factor to opportunities.
Heading on we encountered a Goliath heron who launched co-operatively into the low light.
In terms of cats, I had expected to see lions, hoped to see leopard and expected not to see cheetah so it was a surprise to find a large male resting under a tree. Apparently the first in 5 years for the area. He was obviously beginning the feel the heat as much as we were and provided plenty of opportunity.
As the sun climbed higher and higher the heat ramped in the safari car. The open sides and room gave some welcome airflow and viewing options but provided little shelter from the heat. Elephants wading knee deep in cool water had me envious.
By late morning we were tired and hot and the light had long passed ideal for photography so a return to camp for lunch was in order.
This gave an opportunity to download images and recharge batteries despite, at times the heat preventing laptops and phones from charging due to overheating. Tents were hot but at least in shade so a cold shower in your clothes or resting up under a damp towel could get some evaporative cooling. The open ended dining tent under the shade of a tree was the best location with a through breeze at times.
There were always opportunities around camp for birds with hornbills and starlings regular visitors.
A late afternoon tea or coffee and biscuits had us fuelled for a sunset drive. The first day delivered some rare clouds which made so opportunities for landscape images with a baobab tree.
Photos with Nikon Z9 and Nikkor Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3, Nikon Z8 with Nikkor Z 28-400mm f4-8 or Nikkor Z 14-30mm f4
