Duba Plains : the Tsaro pride, elephants and some others

[Bush dog]

@@Marks

 

Thank you for your comments!

 

In my opinion, lions will only try to kill a prey like a hippo when there is nothing else. In Duba, there are buffaloes - even if I did not see them, they are around - and kudus, tsessebes and hundreds of red lechwes. Killing a hippo is hard and can be dangerous. Their teeth are as sharp as a razor blade and it's extremely difficult to get them down, their weight is equivalent to the weight of two buffaloes. And yes, because of that, perhaps they feel safer. Perhaps, they also feel safer because it's easier for them, on those wide open plains, to spot lions during the day?

[SafariChick]

@@Bush dog Enjoying this superb report as it continues! I too noticed the eyelashes on that hornbill, amazing! I love the cubs stalking the elephant - reminds me of what we saw on our visit to the Mara last year when a leopard cub was stalking an elephant @@Kitsafari. And those hippo photos are amazing!!

 

On Facebook, Great Plains just posted some new photos of the new Duba Expedition Camp - looks beautiful

 

https://www.facebook.com/GreatPlainsConservation/posts/1206086129416466

[Atravelynn]

The yawn was spectacular!

[Bush dog]

Red Lechwes

 

There are hundreds of red lechwes on the plains. They now constitute the main prey of lions.

[Tom Kellie]

~ @@Bush dog

 

The image with the red lechwe and the elephants is an outstanding composition.

I'm impressed that the lechwe was unfazed by the nearby elephants.

The running lechwe has tucked its tail all the way beneath.

That's a detail I'd never have noticed in the field, but your image brought it out.

Thank you.

Tom K.

[madaboutcheetah]

Mike, despite there being a huge population of lechwe - I was not able to get the classic jumping in water shots of the lechwe ...........

[Bush dog]

@@Tom Kellie

 

The lechwe is not that nearby. It's an impression due to the telephoto lens.

[Tom Kellie]

@@Tom Kellie

 

The lechwe is not that nearby. It's an impression due to the telephoto lens.

 

 

~ @@Bush dog

 

Thank you for point out my misunderstanding.

That it's not adjacent takes nothing away from the image.

I like it nonetheless.

Your images tend to be instructive, as to composition and lighting.

Tom K.

[Geoff]

I like the low point of view you were able to achieve in some of the lion images in post #61.

[offshorebirder]

I am late to this excellent trip report - good stuff @@Bush dog! I especially like the Denham's Bustard and the Black-bellied Bustard photos are also choice.

 

But some of my favorite photos thus far were of the clouds of flies around the Buffalo. Impressive captures!

[Bush dog]

@@offshorebirder

 

Better late than never, welcome and thank you!

[Bush dog]

The Tsaro pride

 

Sixth sighting (eighth game drive)

 

We spotted them, in the early morning, on the plains. The blonde mane had joined them. This time they decided, at least the cubs, that it was showtime. The termit mounds are not only a good observation point but also a fantastic playground for the cubs and sometimes also for the lionesses.

[AndyH1000]

Simply stunning

[AKR1]

Simply stunning

+1!

[Hads]

+2 great stuff Bush dog.

[madaboutcheetah]

Mike, who did he fight with to have that wound? any idea? I hope it's not those two shy males ............ They looked massive for the few seconds Vundi found them!

[Bush dog]

@@madaboutcheetah

 

I do not really know, Hari.

[Bush dog]

The Tsaro pride

 

Sixth sighting (eighth game drive continuation)

 

The show went on.

[Neeners815]

These last two sets of photos have taken my breath away.

[michael-ibk]

Beautiful lion series, wow!

[Bush dog]

The Tsaro pride

 

Sixth sighting (eighth game drive continuation)

 

The temperature rising, they began to move towards the more dense vegetation to find a shady place to spend the day there.

[AKR1]

Gorgeous lion photography. The light, compositions and the lions almost posing for you are unforgettable

[Atravelynn]

The lions just kept coming on stronger and stronger as your trip went on. Who needs the buffalo when you have cubs in such gorgeous light? A bit of a wound on the male's face. But these tough guys heal up. Lovely lions!

[madaboutcheetah]

Mike, what did you think of the camp itself? To be honest, I was mighty impressed with every small aspect - their flexibility; the food menus; the super staff ...... down to the small details!!!! Last - but, not least (one of the guides who shall not be named) - is also a fitness fanatic and works out to Shaun T's insanity dvds - can it get better!!!! I was in heaven!!!! .........

[AKR1]

Agree from a hospitality and flexibility perspective GPC is difficult to beat. Go out all day- no need for cold packed lunch. Hot lunch is delivered in the field. Anything you want. We got back way past dinner time after witnessing a successful lion hunt and the kitchen reopened, full service just for 3 of us. Boat trip or game drive - if you change your mind midway on the boat they will come and meet the boat. Of course this all was with a private vehicle but the attitude of camp management at Duba ( and at Mara Toto) was its all about the guest.

Edited April 13, 2016 by AKR1