I left earlier this morning, the rising sun warmed me up nicely whilst sipping on coffee and munching on musli.

I wear my Brisbane Lions jersey as a good omen to see those big cats. It’s a bit smelly but hey, no one else here. I choose one of my favorite bands ‘Powerfinger’ for today’s entertainment. I usually drive without music in animal parks, but felt like some ‘up and down and back again.’

I didn’t expect much wildlife action today, it’s a lazy Sunday after all.

If (my) music scares animals off, according to old mate at the campground, my singing in Zimba might have attracted them as I passed a group of lions right next to Pende Road.

By the time I saw the two brothers, I had already passed 10 lions looking into the rearview mirror. Ooops.

A pride of about 12 big cats lion around in the bushes.

All were staring at me ‘What on earth?’ I stared back thinking ‘It is good music though.’

The big cats weren’t hungry or generally bothered as I usually get this look from the communities that I pass. Well, this community was tired, and were lion around. Their bellies were full and it was time to snooze.

I believe that two of the females were the ones I saw yesterday at the dry riverbed nearby.

I was able to take a few good close-up photos even too close for my zoom lens.

It shows how well lions camouflage in high grass.

There wasn’t much movement and wouldn’t dare to distract the king for much longer.

They won’t be going far today, just chasing cover from the sun. There’s a good chance that I will see them again on my way back, as I pressed play on my iPod. ‘My happiness, slowly creeping back….’

I turned east towards the third waterhole I didn’t visit yesterday. I noticed three moving ‘poles’ near bushes and trees on the grass plain ahead.

A small group of giraffes stood still as I stopped my car.

The younger one just couldn’t let go of Zimba. It was quite amusing.

He was perplexed by this zebra.

Mum couldn’t care less and kept on munching on leaves up high left on the track ahead.

She was on the road a good opportunity for a clear shot. Next up was this tortoise, busy crossing the tracks.

I will wait for you. They camouflage well in the thicket mixed with dry leaves and grass.

It’s all happening today as Powederfinger kept playing their tunes.

I saw three male lions scattering into cover when I reached the third hole.

Good thing I wasn’t playing golf today, I wouldn’t get anywhere with this handicap.

Their bellies were full, it was a successful night for these vagabonds too. There won’t be any grazers around with this pride on the roll. I found it unusual that they ran off on my arrival. Maybe they wernt running away from me?

A rarely-seen antelope crossed my lens. Do you know this antelope, ay Captain?

There was a fourth waterhole near the edge of the south-eastern fence, perfectly located for photography. Tall palm trees lined the dried riverbed, any animal would have looked perfect in these surroundings. Not today.

I placed Zimba in the shade and enjoyed some serenity. It was quiet and peaceful. What better place to watch and listen to. Birds only, no four-legged show ponies showed. I didn’t mind. I didn’t mind at all. Away from daily noises, a stop under the palm trees was needed. Late afternoon, I decided to move on again. I try to calculate extra time for driving, one just never knows.

A larger group of zebras crossed my path towards the waterhole. They weren’t so sure about this zebra either.

And to my pleasant surprise, a large herd of elephants gathered by the pond. This will be noted in my next story called ‘The Waiting Game’.

I was wondering if I would see the large pride of lions again in the same area as I did this morning. It was a hot day and they would have moved from shade to shade all day. I had my eyes peeled on bushes and scrubs as I hit the brakes.

What on earth? Right in front of me, right across the road. Two lionesses showed their teeth.

Yawning and relaxing. A pride this size doesn’t have much to fear.

6 other lions lay in the shade on the road a further 30 meters up. A king-sized roadblock at Majete. How lucky am I.

The rest of the big cats joined the group as they decided to move on along the 4WD track. I gave them a head start so that I won’t chase them off. I just turned the engine key as I saw some movement beside me in the high grass.

One of the male lions emerged passing us. He was limping. His right hind paw was missing and he was hobbling heavily. The wound itself looked well healed and was hygienically cleaned. He was well-fed and appeared content with his life as he continued on his limping way.

Bloody poachers. That’s exactly what the penalty for poaching should be. Put their limps in a snare and leave them there.

‘We haven’t seen him for a while, it’s good to know that he is still with us. It was either a trap or a crocodile that caused the wound’ the friendly ranger at the main gate said as I noted my finding.

‘If a croc gets hold of him with this force, he would have drowned. He looks content and healthy’ I explained. I was happy to know that this wasn’t a recent occurrence. Bloody Poachers.

What a lion day. Powderfinger and the Brisbane Lions bring the cats on the walk. Fabulous.