LUNCHTIME FOR A LEOPARD

What's on the menu today? For this mother leopard in the Serengeti, it's one unlucky warthog.

The leopard, who has to feed herself and two recently-born cubs, skillfully chased down the adolescent warthog before carrying it up a tree only a few feet from where our guide Yosef had parked. 

Smiling proudly, Yosef told us we were lucky to be in the right spot to see such a rare occurrence so close to our vehicle. We couldn't have agreed more. 

But then, there sure were a lot of other fortunate folks that day who got lucky, too. Such is life on safari in the Serengeti.

 

By the way, in case you noticed, we're a little behind time-wise and still reporting on our travels through Africa, though we actually just passed through DC. After a few more safari pics, and a visit through Rwanda, Uganda, and Egypt, we'll be almost up to date...and our next destination...

PHOTO FRIDAY: CHAMELEON ROAD CROSSING

Why did the Flap Necked Chameleon cross the road? 

We have no idea, but it sure made for a cool photo, especially when he looked right at us with one of his beady little eyes. 

To learn more about these color-changing animals, check out this site. 

BABY TIME IN THE SERENGETI

Following his mother up an acacia tree, a one-yr-old leopard stares at a Land Rover of photo-happy tourists.

Our priorities may have changed when it came to hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro. But nothing was keeping us from a multi-day safari in the world famous Serengeti. 

Budgets be damned, we would be riding in the back of a well-aged Land Rover, camera in hand, tacky tourist hat on head, gawking for hours at lions and leopards and sunsets that could fry a memory card.

While we came for the wildebeest migration (photos later), we got an unexpected surprise by seeing so many babies. It seems spring had sprung, the rainy season was on the way and lots of brand new little animals were taking their first steps. The squeals (from us) and cuteness (from the animals) was pretty overwhelming.

Enjoy the photos!

Awwww! A baby zebra peers over her mom's shoulder.

The vigilant parents of a baby water buffalo stand guard. Buffalo are the third most deadly animal in Africa when it comes to killing humans. 

A mud-covered baby elephant calls for his mother. This little guy put on a show wallowing in a water hole.

Baby giraffe with mom.