Balloons over the Serengeti - Part II

Gotta look before you tiptoe through the Serengeti grass

Today was so packed, a 2nd Part was necessary. Part I left off after the so-called 'Bat Adventure', when our driver, Wolfgang, drove the lot of us in search of game. Soon he was conversing excitedly over the communication radio with other safari drivers. With a warning to all to 'hold on' he bulleted the van to an unknown (to its passengers) destination. Off in the distance we could see several safari vans, all facing a massive, bare branched tree. There at a top of a limb Wolfgang pointed out a tree-bound leopard - Wolfgang said the leopard guarded a baboon it had snagged and the leopard hung its meal in a notch in the tree limbs. 

The leopard is low in the tree, its tail like a backward J

We were far from the tree so these few shots were lucky ones,
the baboon is the fuzzy lump beneath the leopard

What I didn't photograph (damn it!) were the dozen or so grown Baboons, that were spread out, sitting high up in the same tree as their departed companion. It was pretty obvious the baboon baubles in the tree were doomed to sit high up, until the leopard finished its mean and headed off. How long that might take? A hungry leopard might choose a tree top nap following its meal. Poor Baboons!  

The next stop was near a 2 story high kopje, on top of which slept Elsa the Lioness. OK, this wasn't really Elsa of Born Free fame, but that's whom she strongly reminded me of. So beautiful! 

Opening chords of 'Born Free' are playing in your head....

The music swells as you get your 1st view of slumbering Elsa

Elsa wakes and growls, "Who the EFF ruined my nap?" 

Oh yeah, she does not appreciate being woken so let's tip toe away and head for the next stop...

plenty of other lions around

...which includes his young lordship here....

There was a grown family grouping of Cheetahs - my fav! 

Loads of roaming elephants

That look of ease on this pachyderm's face,
is knowing that poachers may be shot on sight

Browsing buddies - elephants and Impala

Black-faced Vervet Monkey, her baby slung under her belly

Birds! Did I mention there were loads of birds I photographed on the wing? 

Secretary bird, that seems to have several pencils stuck behind its ears...

Secretary Bird, known for catching and eating snakes

Lappet-faced Vulture

When ever I had a chance to view the sky, there were sometimes HUMONGOUS scavenger type birdies flying around up there.

White-backed Vulture

Saddle-billed Storks

Blacksmith Lapwing

We were well ready for dinner and a good night's sleep. Wolfgang told us tomorrow night's stay was the fanciest hotel we would experience on this trip, and of course, for the Americans among us (speaking!), tomorrow is Thanksgiving so there's that to look forward to. Meanwhile, back at Embalakai Authentic Camps, the wonderful staff were determined to give us a dinner that would stick to our ribs, then sing and dance to sprinkle our heart with joy. Short 3 minute video on some of day's wildlife events below.