A BLOODY SHINGWEDZI SUNSET

WHEN HUNGRY LIONS PREY IN DARKNESS THE REST OF THE SAVANNA PRAYS FOR DAYLIGHT!

While photographing this sunset off the high level bridge over the Shingwedzi River in Kruger National Park we were surprised to see a pair of lionesses come out of the bush and cross the river right below where we were standing, before disappearing into the gathering gloom of the opposite bank. 

It was one of those unexpected and surprising African sightings that you experience from time to time.

Then, just as we were packing up to head back into camp we heard the agonising and haunting cries of an animal in pain amongst the snarls and growls off the lions coming from the bush next to the river. It only took a few minutes for the lions to finish their butchery then everything went quiet again.

Quickly hustling the gear into the car we rushed off to drive a nearby side track along the riverbank hoping the lions had made the kill on or next to the track. But it was not to be and the quickly descending  darkness forced us back to camp.

Later, sitting round the fire with a cold beer we discussed the adrenalin kick of what we had heard. It was hard not to sympathise with whatever poor animal the lions had killed.

But then, that’s Africa!