African Wanderings III -- Aug 2016 -- “The Predators Playground" -- Enter at your own risk

January 22, 2017 • 4 Comments

After leaving the Tanzania’s Serengeti we headed to the Masai Mara National Reserve in southern Kenya known for it’s large number of Big Cats and predators. The next 5 days will provide us with a first row seat to witness the awesomeness of Mother Nature and the Circle of Life.

(A photo blog of our recent African Photo Safari by Bill & Linda Klipp)

She seemed to causally wander across the open savannah past our Land Rover headed towards the forest, but it would be a mistake to think this adult female Leopard wasn’t highly aware of her surroundings. Wandering thru the heart of the Marsh Lion Pride’s territory brought risk of a Lion attack, but the dense forest will provide her with both safety and the best coverage for a stealth attack on an unwary prey. Then out of nowhere the casual walk turned into a full out hunt, she apparently saw what we didn’t. This time it was a majestic looking male Impala standing alone inside the forest’s edge hidden from our view but not hidden from the very alert and stealthy Leopard. Little by little the Leopard crept within striking distance, then with an explosion of energy and speed she ran full tilt towards the Impala leaping several times to quickly cover more ground.

Leopards tend to favor rocky landscapes with dense bush and riverine forests where their stealth and camouflage make them virtually invisible.

Male Impala, wrong place at the wrong time.

Within a fraction of a second and with virtually no struggle it was over as the Leopard’s powerful jaws clamped down around the Impala’s throat. I wonder if he even knew what was happening. With a prize weighing as much as her, the Leopard did not delay in dragging the lifeless Impala to the safety of the upper branches of a large tree where she and her cub can feast at their leisure without the risk of a Lion or Hyena attack. This was our welcome to the Masai Mara National Reserve and the “Predator’s Playground”.

Click above photo for our Leopard hunting short video:

The Masai Mara region of southern Kenya was only 40 miles north of our last camp in the Serengeti ( see our "Wildebeest Buffet" blog), but it took take pretty much all day to get there as we needed to drive to the airstrip take a 30 minute flight, get in a van for 30 minutes, cross the border on foot get in another van, drive 30 minutes to another airstrip, fly 30 minutes to Masai Mara, then a short game drive, followed by a river crossing by boat to Little Governor's Camp where we entered the "Predators' Playground".

Governor’s Camp has their own private air fleet

Busy border town between Tanzania & Kenya

Contemplating the next adventure

Welcome to Governors' Camp, Masai Mara Kenya

While in Camp we often had to wait for the Elephants to move on

Cape Buffalo wading thru swamp in Camp are some of the most dangerous animals in Africa

A group of Giraffes is called a “Tower”

The Waterbuck has a long-haired, often shaggy brown-gray coat that emits a smelly, greasy secretion thought to help in water proofing but the unpleasant odor also sometimes prompts predators to choose other prey.

Click above photo for our Little Governors' Camp Video:

The ever wary Banded Mongoose, sometimes we came across dozens of these guys traveling together

Spotted Hyenas are often thought of as scavengers but their powerful jaws make them fierce predators

Clumsy in appearance, Hartebeests with their hump-shouldered, a steeply sloping back, slim legs and a long, narrow face are one of the fastest antelopes and most enduring runners. Often found on elevated mounds surveying the grasslands for approaching predators

Though Warthogs appear ferocious, they are basically grazers, eating grasses and plants. Notice the Lion hiding in the grass

Warthogs are surprisingly fast for short distances able to sprint up to 30mph. Enabling this one to narrowly escape the attacking Lion.

Got my selfie stick

This morning we took to the air for a balloon safari over the Masai Mara

I had a unique opportunity to take some shots from inside the balloon as it was being filled, very cool, I mean Hot!

Up, Up and Away!

A balloon safari provided us with a unique perspective of the Masai Mara and it's wildlife

The landing is less than elegant as the basket was laid down on it's side while the balloon dragged and bounced us across the grasslands as we hoped we didn't flip. In the end we were all smiles.

Safely back on Terra Firma

Of course a Balloon Safari ends with a very civilized champagne breakfast.

Click above photo for Balloon Safari time lapse video

Built for speed, the Cheetah is the fastest land animal, found mostly in open and partially open savannahs relying on tall grasses (and sometimes vehicles) for camouflage when hunting

Cheetahs eat mainly gazelles, wildebeest calves, impalas and smaller hoofed animals.

A classic pod of Hippos

Often seen mostly submerged in rivers and ponds Hippos take to the land each night to graze

And sometimes they are not so friendly with each other

Click above photo for our Hippo action video:

Resting from an unsuccessful hunt

The Hunt...

The Catch...

A wary Cape Buffalo checks us out

Dinner calling

Although there is a specific pecking order, the Pride will often share in the catch.

Unlike other big cats, Leopards are skilled climbers, this one was sneaking away from some nearby Lions

Mom and some young ones

Click above photo for Marsh Lion Pride video:

Female Impala

It was a week of non stop action

The Marsh Pride of Lions have been frequent stars of the BBC documentary called “Big Cat Diaries”

A young male challenging the Pride's dominant male

It was a ferocious encounter that went and off for over an hour.

The big male ultimately won

Several other young males decided to participate in the scuffle

Sunrise in the Masai Mara

PS: In case you missed our previous African Wanderings Blogs:

African Wanderings I -- "The Elephants' Ball" -- This ain't no Circus: http://www.billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/10/african-wanderings-i----aug-2016----the-elephants-ball

African Wanderings II --- “The Wildebeest Buffet" – All you can eat: http://billklipp.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/10/African-Wanderings-II-aug-2016--Wildebeest-Buffet

Stay tuned for the next installment of African Wanderings IV --- “The Land of the Giants” – The Tree of Souls

For more photos visit Bill & Linda's photography website: http://www.WildlifePhotos.me

Check out my online Photo Website at: http://www.wkimages.net

Comments

Barbara Frantz(non-registered)

I am so glad you are there to share this with us. You are such an amazing photographer! Thank you.

Mrs Klipp(non-registered)

Great job on this post..brought me right back there and makes me want to go back...Never tire of these amazing creatures. (even you)..

Peggy Piedade(non-registered)

Love the African safari pics Amazing ! Thank you for posting.

Julie Ortiz(non-registered)

What an experience to be able to capture and share such awesome photos and videos. Thanks for sharing!

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