Another early start 6:15AM – up and out in the Mara. Set out to explore the savannah, no expectations, no hopes, just an easy drive – wondering if the lions would still be nearby as we heard calling throughout the night and they were close to camp.
Sure enough, we are maybe 300meters from camp and we spot Handsome in the tall grass.
His family who enjoyed the warthog last night were no where to be found.
Handsome began to meander down the hill toward the river 
Looking around curiously, as if he couldn’t find something or someone….
Unsatisfied with what he found (or didn’t), Handsome then headed down to the river and began to mark his territory and call (LOUDLY) for his family.
the roars were less of a typical “ROOOOAAAAAR” and almost more of a hwaaaah, which last about a second, then another hwaaaah, then another…in an almost panting type rhythm. It’s interesting how he sounds more like a dog than a cat. The video will be posted when i return….it’s a sight and experience to behold. The steam streaming from his lungs in the cool morning air is beautiful. We very quickly understand why Handsome is the king.
And adult lion’s roar can be heard up to 5 MILES away!
His might was apparent!
Within a minute, his brother (we believe) started calling back to him from across the river. After a couple more minutes of communication, Handsome moseyed off into the bush near the river, either to cross and meet up or to lay low as the sun was beginning to shine brightly. During the day, lions tend to stay in the bush or shade, conserving energy, digesting and waiting until sundown to begin hunting.
What a way to start the day! Hearing the roar of a lion searching for his family.
As we turned around to head up the river, we ran into a BIG hippo! it’s very rare to see hippos outside the water, but this one was munching away and not too bothered by our presence. The oily substance keeps them from getting sunburnt.
a few fun hippo facts:
- A male hippo can weigh up to 3,200 kg – 3 tons!
- Hippos spend most of their time in water – and can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes should they want to.
- A hippos nostrils, eyes and ears are all in a line – so that when they pop up to the surface they can see, hear and smell all at once.
We then head toward leopard country to see if Fig and her baby are out and about…sure enough – a few cars are still watching something. It seems Fig has killed an antelope and has enjoyed a big breakfast with her cub. When we pull up we find them playing and having some fun. Hyenas aren’t too far off, but rarely will they attack out in the open as the leopard can be quite fierce and fight for her baby. Fig and Plump as we have now named him, seem to be very carefree and enjoying a full belly.
We take about 45 minutes to observe until we had back to camp as the sun is now blazing and most animals are sleeping, digesting and resting in the shade.
This afternoon we head back out to find Fig and her cub resting peacefully in the tree we left them. The carcass was gone, seems the hyenas cleaned it all up nicely and Fig and Plump were fast asleep in the tree.
It’s amazing how these cats hug a branch and completely relax the body….leopards are unique in this way as lions and cheetahs do not climb and sleep in trees.
isn’t she gorgeous!
That night we drove to the top of a hill and enjoyed a breathtaking african sunset. These acacia trees, though only a few exist here in the Mara today, are a staple to the ecosystem providing sustenance and a powerful barrier to erosion…maybe someday we will see thousands of these again across the Mara. For tonight, we enjoy the moment, say thank you for the day of witness, experience and sharing we’ve enjoyed and bid the night predators well on the hunt after dark.
