Lions were out in full force in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater during our 4 day safari. We came across 4 different prides and a number of solitary lions. Although they are relatively abundant compared to the other big cats you never get tired of seeing them. However, they tend to sleep a great deal which doesn’t make for the best photos but every now and then something catches their attention and they perk up.
If you are the king of the pride you need to live up to that reputation. This male is waiting for his lioness to wake up because he has something on his mind.
She seems to be waking up. Ahhh, things are beginning to look promising for him.
She is now awake and seems receptive so I guess it’s time to get down to business.
The deed has been done (it lasted about 30 seconds) and she seems happy with his performance. Shortly after this photo was taken they both lay down and fell back asleep.
Just like a domestic cat it seems that sleep is a big part of a lion’s life. You can sleep on the ground or you can find a comfortable fallen tree. The wildebeest are migrating at this time of year so you sleep, get up for a few seconds to watch the wildebeest go by and then you get some more sleep.
We came across another pride laying in the long grass near a river. The male was there with his lionesses. Although the noise from our vehicle didn’t bother the lions as they kept sleeping, it did cause two small cubs to come running out from the long vegetation to find mama. Although it is fun to explore, there is nothing like being next to your mother when potential danger arises.
OUT THE DOOR TO EXPLORE 