Our day was almost over on our safari in the Serengeti and we came upon our grand finale! Near the road was a pride of female lions, 12 in all, enjoying their freshly killed zebra. It was a thrilling and somewhat chilling to see them tearing into the still warm flesh, devouring the meat and grinding the bones. There would be nothing left when they were finished feasting. They didnβt pay us any mind as we hovered over them taking photos only a mere 10 feet away.
The lady in the middle is smiling and the man on the right looks hungry watching his kids eating their dinner.

There were two sets of 3 cubs of different ages in the group. They seemed to be chowing down in perfect harmony, until the food got in a shorter supply. Soon there were lots of snarls and gnashing of teeth. The young cubs were kicked away at one point and ran to their Mom, as kids do, for comfort and protection.

As we near our lodge we had a chance to take a better look at some Warthogs. These strange animals are members of the pig family. They are fast runners and are strange comical looking animals. They have two sets of sharp tusks however and can be aggressive. It has been reported that warthogs have given lions deep, serious, deadly wounds, which sometimes end with the lion bleeding to death.

This is our last evening on the Serengeti. As I watch the sunset, I try to take it into my minds eye. I see the vast plains that seem to stretch to the sky and the golden short grass on this September day, with large patches of black burn, that will give to new green in the weeks to come. Here and there groups of animals break the pattern. Animals living each day as nature intended in balanced harmony. Killing to live. I know I wonβt return, as my quest to see new places will keep me away but I will draw upon my memories of the Serengeti for many years to come. It fills me with a sense of hope and a belief in the world and the continuation of life as we know it.

What an amazing moment to come upon! The whole family, with the ability to hover close by and watch them interact.
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Yes ..definitely an adventure to see these lions in Africa..hoping to return soon. Anita
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Beautiful photos and thank you for sharing your memories of this beautiful National Park. Lions certainly do not like sharing their food. I am glad you had an incredible time.
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Thanks Sam.it was an amazing site to visit. I think Mom and Dad allowed thier kids to share with each .LOL
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Lovely, intimate photos Anita !! How far were you, because this looks close even for a telephoto lens.
Thanks for this wilderness.
Nara x
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Yes we were fairly close but we realize to keep your arms inside the jeep…I do use my telephoto lens. Thanks for stopping by Anita
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What a wonderful memory and terrific images, Anita. I share your hope in your closing thoughts.
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Thanks Patti .travelling is my joy of life. I am hoping to get back to our norm soon.
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Me, too. I’m thinking it’s going to be a while longer….but hopefully not too long!
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Amazing stories
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What a great way to end things, looks like an incredible experience! Definitely one for the bucketlist!
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An amazing adventure. Thanks.
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What an incredible experience. Nice shots!
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Thanks
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those Warthogs are something else! Such a unique animal
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First time have seen them. They a unique animal
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Wonderful to see the lions that close! I know some people are squeamish about seeing them kill, or eat a kill, but that’s a part of the natural cycle of life.
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You are right..most humans eat meat as animals do..
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amazing scenes amazing place. hope i get there one day
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It is a great place to explore.
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What an amazing experience. Thanks for sharing!
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It is a place you should add to your list. πThanks.
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It’s on there.
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Oh my! not much left of the poor Zebra but yes it’s part of the system either you kill or be killed. Beautiful photos and a great adventure!
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Thanks..yes going on safari is my favorite. Like us ..animals must have food.
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Great shots, I’m sure you enjoyed your safari. Curious about your next adventures. Enjoy your sunday.
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Thanks. Safaris are incredible. Happy Sunday π
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Such amazing photo’s! Yes, it’s so true … one almost like to take a permanent picture with your mind – surroundings and smell – anything, just to remember this moment for a lifetime.
That last photo of the sunset, is really stunning – it almost make me feel as if I’m in the Serengeti π.
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Thanks for your comment….photos do record memories. Looking forward to getting back to traveling soon π
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I’m curious about the effect a constant human presence makes on lions in parks like this. They generally seem oblivious to us.
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Yes ..I think that too. I learned to keep your arms inside the vehicle ..in 2015 a photographer was leaning out of the jeep and was attacked and killed by a lion. So tragic.
.
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I’ve always been told that as long as people stay in the vehicles the lions and other animals don’t register them as living species so they have minimal impact. But yes – put an arm outside or any other part of the body, and that will change …
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That’s how we learned that ..keep your arms inside
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Great photos. Nice to see lions in their natural habitat and not zoos. Thanks for sharing
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It is a great place to see animals while on Safari.
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Yes, you go warthogs, fighting against the the repression of the mighty lions, who have no table manners.
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They are pretty aggressive π³
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You are right. Poor little buggers. They are not as cute as lions.
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Nice article. Killing to live, isn’t it something that our civilisation tends to avoid, without yet totally succeeding in doing so.
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Yes ..that’s right. Our world.
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Such amazing, beautiful cats! Your title reminds me of the song by The Tokens, where the lion sleeps tonight. π
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In the Jungle ..the mighty jungle ..the Lions sleep tonight.LOL
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