A Travellerspoint blog

Serengeti Day 5 Part 3 - baby eles, lion cubs, Lobo Lodge

A lion's share of animals


View Tanzania for Lyn and Chris' 40th Anniversary 2018 on Grete Howard's travel map.

Olive Baboons

Clusters of strongly scented white flowers of the Umbrella Thorn Acacia tree, as well as the associated seed pods, provide food for the baboons.

large_684d6990-2bcb-11e9-a500-819c93abb60a.jpg

large_79002980-2bcb-11e9-a500-819c93abb60a.jpg

large_86a35f80-2bcb-11e9-a500-819c93abb60a.jpg

The blooms also attract a number of insects, as we can see here.

large_95639e40-2bcb-11e9-a500-819c93abb60a.jpg

Elephants

large_c5989af0-2bd2-11e9-a222-ab06eec68412.jpg

large_ddae6070-2bd2-11e9-a222-ab06eec68412.jpg

large_f40a19e0-2bd2-11e9-a222-ab06eec68412.jpg

large_afe24ea0-2be5-11e9-b98d-9fca2993ae82.jpg

Migration

The intention today was to look for cats rather than the migration, and although we did see a lone lion first thing and later a cheetah, we have also come across the migration – first the zebra leading the way just after breakfast, and now the wildebeest.

large_d87fe8f0-2be4-11e9-b98d-9fca2993ae82.jpg

large_e72ffb10-2be4-11e9-b98d-9fca2993ae82.jpg

large_f357dbb0-2be4-11e9-b98d-9fca2993ae82.jpg

Reedbucks

large_549a6320-2be5-11e9-b98d-9fca2993ae82.jpg

Tawny Eagle

large_17e3d370-2be6-11e9-b98d-9fca2993ae82.jpg

We are treated to a spectacular areal display by this impressive raptor.

large_284cce40-2be8-11e9-b7ec-2d06078dfa40.jpg

large_35f29c50-2be8-11e9-b7ec-2d06078dfa40.jpg

large_403716f0-2be8-11e9-b7ec-2d06078dfa40.jpg

Hooded Vulture

large_64eecf10-2be8-11e9-a98e-7fea4eb25d83.jpg

Elephants in Bologonja River

It is pure entertainment watching this little elephant (less than two months old) drinking, as the babies don't start using their trunks until they are around five months old.

large_8c8cf3f0-2c59-11e9-b2ca-5dfadec7caec.jpg

large_9db754e0-2c59-11e9-b2ca-5dfadec7caec.jpg

large_a9617a00-2c59-11e9-b2ca-5dfadec7caec.jpg

With a bit more practice it won't be long before he's got the hang of it.

large_c8522950-2c59-11e9-b2ca-5dfadec7caec.jpg

large_d33750c0-2c59-11e9-b2ca-5dfadec7caec.jpg

The eroded dry riverbank makes for a good scratching post.

large_99734d20-2c5a-11e9-8c97-f54de3e04123.jpg

Reedbucks

Also on the Bologonja riverbank, are three reedbucks. Normally solitary animals, it is unusual to see one male mating with two females.

large_c036eff0-2c5c-11e9-8b76-275a9b6a9d7d.jpg

large_cc832170-2c5c-11e9-8b76-275a9b6a9d7d.jpg

Lions

Under a tree, we see a male lion, with a female on heat.

large_e18e3b20-2d71-11e9-b4dc-f134d73582da.jpg

large_527bab30-2e3d-11e9-9c8f-81aa3f3948f9.jpg

Nearby we see another female with couple of two-week old cubs, suckling.

large_13de05b0-2d72-11e9-b4dc-f134d73582da.jpg

We drive nearer to get a better view, and they retreat into the bush partially hidden from us.

large_3a4d0ac0-2d72-11e9-8fee-a70518d0f5b4.jpg

large_4933e450-2d72-11e9-8fee-a70518d0f5b4.jpg

They finally settle down at the edge of a thicket.

large_88e966b0-2d72-11e9-8fee-a70518d0f5b4.jpg

The cubs attempt to come out occasionally before being called back into safety by their mum, where they spend their time suckling, cuddling and sleeping.

large_9b975a60-2d72-11e9-8fee-a70518d0f5b4.jpg

large_aaf62310-2d72-11e9-8fee-a70518d0f5b4.jpg

large_d13c4360-2d72-11e9-8fee-a70518d0f5b4.jpg

large_c1dfebb0-2d72-11e9-8fee-a70518d0f5b4.jpg

large_dc816520-2d72-11e9-8fee-a70518d0f5b4.jpg

Meanwhile, the male is completely crashed out after all the hard work of keeping his females happy.

large_e752dd80-2d72-11e9-8fee-a70518d0f5b4.jpg

large_097cfb00-2d75-11e9-b4dc-f134d73582da.jpg

Even though Malisa thinks the cubs will eventually brave it out into the open, we decide to move on to pastures new.

large_2bc22c80-2d75-11e9-b4dc-f134d73582da.jpg
Grey Backed Fiscal Shrike

large_fad12a70-2d7b-11e9-95db-e705cba21405.jpg
Bare Faced Go Away Bird

Eland

large_02215960-2d7e-11e9-95db-e705cba21405.jpg

large_0de8a370-2d7e-11e9-95db-e705cba21405.jpg

Hyena

large_85f07b90-2d7e-11e9-95db-e705cba21405.jpg

Giraffe

We follow this gorgeous animal as he meanders along the ridge, beautifully backlit by the setting sun.

large_eb275d50-2def-11e9-b0de-ab02ac83d4ed.jpg

large_ff26b030-2def-11e9-b0de-ab02ac83d4ed.jpg

large_122f6e10-2df0-11e9-b0de-ab02ac83d4ed.jpg

large_25a01580-2df0-11e9-b0de-ab02ac83d4ed.jpg

large_8c757660-2df0-11e9-b0de-ab02ac83d4ed.jpg

large_349fa730-2df0-11e9-b0de-ab02ac83d4ed.jpg

I experiment with creating some silhouetted images too.

large_494dfec0-2df0-11e9-b0de-ab02ac83d4ed.jpg

large_6a8a72d0-2df0-11e9-b0de-ab02ac83d4ed.jpg

large_78800e90-2df0-11e9-b0de-ab02ac83d4ed.jpg

Lobo Wildlife Lodge

It must be so difficult for the safari guides to get the timing right on the daily game drives: yesterday we arrived late because we saw a leopard fairly close to the lodge; and today we see nothing as Malisa makes his way back to camp. The result is that for the first time on this trip, we arrive at the lodge in daylight.

large_914bf4f0-2e01-11e9-a725-e9f9f5ddb338.jpg

large_5dc0cec0-2e02-11e9-a725-e9f9f5ddb338.jpg

large_686da820-2e02-11e9-a725-e9f9f5ddb338.jpg
Cute door handle to our room

Finding ourselves with some unexpected spare time, we go walkabout to check out the lodge and its surroundings. Whilst the accommodation itself is rather basic and in desperate need of refurbishment, its stunning position on the edge of a cliff with unrivalled views over the savannah below is breathtaking.

large_e91281e0-2e01-11e9-a725-e9f9f5ddb338.jpg

large_40f5cb80-2e37-11e9-89f0-57cbbb876c28.jpg

large_605dcdb0-2e37-11e9-89f0-57cbbb876c28.jpg

Set among the rocks of a kopje, surrounded by trees, the lodge features lots of different levels and angles, with wooden walkways and stone steps connecting them all.

large_cc12a610-2e01-11e9-a725-e9f9f5ddb338.jpg

large_f7387c70-2e01-11e9-a725-e9f9f5ddb338.jpg

large_2bb2a110-2e02-11e9-a725-e9f9f5ddb338.jpg

large_3e331c20-2e02-11e9-a725-e9f9f5ddb338.jpg

large_b45e03d0-2e37-11e9-89f0-57cbbb876c28.jpg

As always, we wish we had more time in the lodge when we see the inviting swimming pool

large_8b86b150-2e37-11e9-89f0-57cbbb876c28.jpg

large_9bf53c50-2e37-11e9-89f0-57cbbb876c28.jpg

large_c8dd3510-2e37-11e9-89f0-57cbbb876c28.jpg
Look at that view!

large_de724320-2e37-11e9-89f0-57cbbb876c28.jpg

The bar looks inviting too

large_f7b3de70-2e37-11e9-89f0-57cbbb876c28.jpg

large_02809be0-2e38-11e9-89f0-57cbbb876c28.jpg

The place is swarming with rock hyraxes – one even manages to slip in to the restaurant as soon as the door is opened.

large_81d764e0-2e02-11e9-a725-e9f9f5ddb338.jpg

large_8c5e8dd0-2e02-11e9-a725-e9f9f5ddb338.jpg

large_97b5ff10-2e02-11e9-a725-e9f9f5ddb338.jpg

After a quick shower we enjoy a pre-dinner drink, then wander up for dinner.

large_21237950-2e38-11e9-89f0-57cbbb876c28.jpg

This evening we are the only guests staying, and Malisa is allowed to eat with us. Going by the table service and quality of food tonight, we'd be forgiven to think we are staying in a different hotel this evening.

That brings us to the end of yet another amazing day as arranged by Calabash Adventures - the best safari company by far.

large_3eb33910-2e38-11e9-89f0-57cbbb876c28.jpg

Posted by Grete Howard 14:42 Archived in Tanzania Tagged animals sunset elephants africa safari tanzania eagle lions giraffe baboons lion_cubs serengeti hyena vulture lobo wildebeest hyrax suckling game_drives eland calabash_adventures olive_baboons wildebeest_migration rock_hyrax tawny_eagle go_away_bird reedbuck lobo_wildlife_lodge hooded_vulture acacia_tree great_migration annual_migration bologonja_river

Email this entryFacebookStumbleUpon

Table of contents

Comments

So lovely to see you are enjoying the bush with Malisa! We haven't seen him for 2 years, since going to Masai Mara is much cheaper for us... just arrived back yesterday from India... saw NO tigers... lol. Not Africa! My son and wife saw 11 tigers in the week before I joined them. Thanks so much for sharing your happy times with all of us. God bless!

by Friedrich von Hörsten

Thanks Friedrich. I understand about the price of the Mara, Tanzania *is* very expensive. I am well and truly hooked though, and already planning our trip for next year.

That is too bad that you saw no tigers in India - where did you go?

by Grete Howard

Hi Grete,

My son and wife went to Kana national Park and they saw 11 tigers!
I joined them later at Bandhavgarh national park, and we saw no tigers.
Then up towards Bangladesh at Kaziranga national park where we saw lots of water buffalo and rhinos, but no tigers.

You must know all those places well.

God bless,

Friedrich

by Friedrich von Hörsten

I only have experience of Kanha, where we saw three tigers. Tigers are notoriously difficult to see. Both the other parks are on my wish list. One day, maybe I shall have to give Tanzania a miss one year to be able to do it.

by Grete Howard

Adorable lion cubs, and you did so well to capture that Tawny Eagle in flight! That swimming pool would be calling me too after a long dusty day, but maybe the bar even more so ;)

by ToonSarah

Thank you Sarah. We are always torn on safari whether to get back to the camp to enjoy the facilities or spend more time in the bush with the animals. The wildlife usually wins.

by Grete Howard

Comments on this blog entry are now closed to non-Travellerspoint members. You can still leave a comment if you are a member of Travellerspoint.

Login