OK, OK, even though we’re supposed to be as happy seeing a rare lizard as one of the big cats, leaving Kruger without seeing a lion feels like a failure.
After a few days of no cats, we became a little concerned. On one of the evening game drives, however, we spotted a lion couple relaxing by one of the watering holes. Our driver took us right up next to the kitties. It must be perfectly safe (we said to ourselves, reflecting on the indemnity forms we had signed, absolving SANParks of all responsibility in case of injury). When the lions wouldn’t wake up, even with the spotlights on, the driver revved the engine until the male opened his eyes and gave us an irritated roar. Then he promptly fell back asleep. I guess all cats are the same, big or small.
We did see more lions later, on the prowl and, memorably, munching on a hippo.
