Well, it happened.  No, we did not contract COVID.  Actually, the Netherlands closed, so our return flight was canceled this morning.  KLM was very sorry, but not that sorry.  Now we’re rebooked through Paris, and will stay another night in Cape Town.  All in all, nothing to complain about.  

This trip had been funded for a while.  We saved for years.  However, Rebecca and I did manage to put away a few bucks for just such a contingency, in case we needed extra nights or additional flights.  France is technically closed except for citizens and transiting passengers.  I told Seranne, our travel planner, we could crash at her place near Joburg if things get really ugly.  I can cook and Rebecca can clean till borders reopen.  God Parents was already a stretch, but semi-permanent house guests may be one animal sighting too far.

We’re enjoying our time in Cape Town very much.  More pics and commentary of that to follow.  For now, enjoy the last of the animal pics from our game drives. 

Did you know simba is Swahili for lion?  And mufasa is also Swahili for king?  And Rafiki means friend?  Scar just means sociopath.   

These lions are waking up.  Play and grooming are all part of the “morning” routine, which starts at sundown as the air cools.

The rocks radiate heat as the air cools, which must feel nice on the backside.  Lions seem to wake up about as willingly as we do. 

This lioness came quite close to us to inspect.  She, too, was not ready to get up and sat back down in front of our vehicle. As long as you stay seated and don’t move, the lions do not perceive a “human” and will ignore you.  Trust me when I say when a lion walks adjacent to your vehicle, staying very still is not an issue. 

Yawning provides oxygen to the brain, and means they’re getting ready to get up and move.  Yes, it is contagious in lions too.

Mama Bear and Daughter Bear groom and nuzzle.  

Mom and daughters have gone off to hunt, and cub stays behind.  She is not happy about it, and watches for them anxiously.  

Male lions do watch the kids, if reluctantly.  Night has fallen and I’m at the limit of my lens.  The cubs are grumpy mom left them, and walk away to play in a nearby watering hole.  The two dads follow, but only after it becomes clear the cubs aren’t coming back.  

We stumbled upon a male leopard scent marking his territory.  He’s out of breath having chased a small animal, which he did not catch. This dude’s belly was stuffed full though, so don’t feel bad.