My efforts to photograph oxpeckers on host animals became a recurring theme and possible frustration for our guides who were more focussed on large game during our safari. This morning began with giraffe just out of camp before sunrise with one individual hosting oxpeckers. Next up was a group of kudu also hosting oxpeckers in search of breakfast.

The plan for the day was a longish drive out to Black Pools and as usual the heat climbed with the sun. We had good opportunities on Senegal Coucal and watched it for a while.

As we tracked it’s flight from one bush to the next, the ears of a Bat-eared fox in the long grass resolved into an unusual diurnal sighting of this usually nocturnal animal. I have seen many in the past but all at night while driving in Namibia so it was lovely to be able to photograph this individual.

Turning back from the far point of our drive, a well fed pride of lions resting up in shade kept us occupied for a while.

The pride comprised an adult male with a number of strong looking lionesses and a cluster of cubs. Fortunately the mood was calm as the intent stare of the adults seemed to just bore into you, leaving no doubt that, separate from the safari car, you would simply be a menu item.

Their episodic excursions through grassland in the glaring heat to drink offered high key options to show the incandescent heat which was building by the minute.

Photos with Nikon Z9 and Nikkor Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR