Our daily downpours had advantages and disadvantages for all life in some sort of way.

The cooling waters soothed the hot ground and therefore the air up there. Trees and bushes had a showering clean as fine and dusty sand particles were washed off onto the track ahead and turned into slushy mush.

The overflowing potholes created countless mirrors to already existing reflections.

The mirroring sun rays were particularly inviting at the golden hours.

Drink water was available anywhere as water filling stations appeared like a golf course. Thirsty animals didn’t need to track the long way down to the river and spent more time chewing on new shoots.

This behavior was particularly obvious within the elephant community.

The very large merging herd we saw on the very first day was the very last time to be seen at the very same elephant pool I visited every day.

A few lone bulls enjoyed the peaceful tranquility. The creature comforts felt refreshed and dispersed to where the grass is greener on the other side.

One didn’t need to look for shady shelter and found rest to unwind on the soft green carpet like a queen.

If you are on top of the food chain.

This lioness looked incredibly relaxed and content.

Dark skies, glistening wood, and a bright shining carpet.

And she fills the photographic frame perfectly. Just wow.

Timing and luck, are a photographer’s dream.

Her man looks over her from a safe distance.

He chose to stay undercover in this miniature jungle. The king of the jungle?!

Whoever came out with this expression has no idea about animals.

Lions wouldn’t survive in the jungle.

That’s why you don’t find any in a jungle.

This lion king is in the prime of his young life.

I came across this pair a few times as it appears that they are generating their own pride and joy.

It is the queen that calls the shots within her grace.

She can be prejudiced just as well, which no man, yes ma’am, wham bam, likes.

He needs to keep his testosterone in check and save it for contests with outsiders.

He already appointed this stretch of land as the rightful owner, leaving clear markings and warnings.

A group of young males crossed the plains within the cover of storms. Nightly decibel duels sure kept us entertained.

There were at least three roaring parties not far from camp.

This is the most adrenaline-raising sound to be heard in Africa, all tucked up in bed. It is what gives Africa the edge.

These three ladies had taken a waterbuck down this morning and dragged him out of sight and out of the heat.

These lionesses mean businesses.

Strong and ready to pounce.

Just not yet.

They will have to wait for nightfall which brings the element of surprise.

Surprisingly, no one I spoke to spotted a leopard. They are the masters of camouflage and blend superbly into any environment. I hoped to be as lucky as the last time I was here. It appeared that the lions moved in from surrounding bone-dry areas and chased the leopards off or even killed some.

Africa shows no mercy. Only the strong and quick-witted survive. The Khwai River area used to be ‘one of the places’ to spot leopards in Africa. I hope it is just a seasonal change and that a decent wet season brings these most elegant of big cats back onto the Khwai.