Whilst on a game drive in the Kruger National Park, we were able to witness two lionesses stalking and ambushing a group of warthog. The day was coming to an end, the last rays of sunlight set the bush aglow and our game ranger, Jan, continued to move the vehicle to move alongside the action as it unfolded…
Spotted two lionesses relaxing beside the road.
The back lioness wakes up and stares in the same direction as her friend/family member.
She scratches her chin.
Swishes her tail in contentment.
And licks her paws.
We cannot see what they see, but she licks her lips at the thought.
We seem to have been spotted, but they pay no notice to us.
There’s a yawn,
a stretch
and a bit of a team talk
before they set off.
They pass sneakily behind bushes.
Together at first
And then we lay eyes on their prize.
The warthogs cross the road quickly.
And run for some kind of cover, probably aware they are being watched.
Whilst one lioness crosses the road behind our vehicle, this lioness waits patiently on this side of the road.
Together they prepare to ambush the warthogs from both sides.
But she waits patiently for the first sight of her partner in the hunt.
Keen on a meal she looks eagerly ahead in their direction.
Eyes on the prize, she crosses the road, sees the warthog, but decides to wait to go back and wait for her partner.
We’re all wondering what could be taking the other lionness so long.
She returns to wait it out.
Meanwhile the warthog probably have no idea what’s in store.
She keeps a look out.
Finally she’s on the move again.
She keeps her eye on them and decides the wait is over.
It’s time.
Game Ranger Jan radios the action to other drivers.
Over she goes.
She watches…
And slowly stalks behind the bushes.
The warthogs have not noticed her approaching
Now they have and they’re off…
A third new lioness approaches from the other side, knowing dinner is perhaps on the way.
and she too crosses the road amidst all the onlookers.
And with that they disappear on the chase.
All that’s left in sight is a hornbill on a branch, but I’m guessing the lionesses ate well that night.
This game drive experience was sponsored by Jock Safari lodge, but all views expressed are my own.
