Saving the Best for (almost) Last

Friday, September 18

One of the reasons we booked a stay at Phinda Reserve is because Martha had done her homework. She knew that here we had a good chance of seeing lions in the wild. Lions require lots of space to roam and Phinda complies.

Walter and SK went out of their way for Gina on Thursday evening. The elephants had been hiding and she was hoping to see one, or even a couple, before she and Stuart had to head back to the UK. Eighty elephants were delivered. The group teased our guides that we now expected no less than 80 lions.

There was a report that some lions roamed in the southern end of the park so we headed that direction first thing in the morning. It was cold and gray. A few zebras, another elephant and a few fun birds kept us motivated and hopeful.

The hippos were hiding in the water, warmer there than lounging beside the water.



We had covered a lot of ground and it seemed like a long ride already. Walter stopped and SK broke out the hot chocolate while we stretched our legs.

Walter got a call that some lions were about an hour away. He put us on the list for clearance to this restricted area. An hour away.... hmmmm...we had a tough decision to make. We agreed to head back to the lodge and try for lions in the afternoon. My heart sank a bit. We had only one more drive left before we had to leave and the pickin's were slim as the winds started to blow on this cold and misty day.

Just a few minutes into our drive back to the lodge, Walter rounded a corner and we all just about screamed--fortunately we chose a collective gasp instead. At the edge of the road sat two lionesses.

Walter zipped backward to give SK some space to climb into the car and out of danger. We drove forward. The lionesses were not at all worried about our sudden invasion of their space.












Eventually they noticed us and walked slowly by each side of the car as they headed off to into the bush.

 
Guess we made the right decision after all.