Evening Stroll - Welgevonden Game Reserve, South Africa

Every time I look at my photos from my trip to South Africa last December, it reminds me of the talent and skills that the Rangers at Nedile Lodge possess. During our week-long stay at this top-rated Lodge, we were not only blessed with comfortable rooms and gourmet food, but also world class wildlife experiences. The evening that I captured this photo was just an example of our Ranger’s skills. As we were looking for signs of wildlife, we heard that the lioness had been spotted by some other Rangers. Being a distance away, we raced to get there and only one of our vehicles was able to participate. The Reserve allows only four vehicles to actively get close to any wildlife when sighted. Any other vehicles are put on a waiting list and can only join in when one leaves.

Fortunately, both of our vehicles were able to get shots of the lioness and her cubs. As we all were thrilled with the experience, our Rangers thought that we weren’t done, and they used their experiences to anticipate where the lioness was going next. Sure enough, she emerged from the brush and started strolling down the middle of the dirt road walking right toward us. A evening I won’t forget anytime soon.