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PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK, AFRICAN BUSH CAMPS
Shortly before sunset we saw a beaming Lewis hurriedly approaching. As predicted, the lion had been spotted en route to Somalisa Camp. Hastily grabbing our cameras, we followed him to the deck next to the waterhole to try get some game viewing from camp.
As we were settling in, a dusty herd of elephant came stomping towards us, jostling each other for a position at the water trough. We were suddenly enveloped by thirsty giants.
Then, as if on cue, two lionesses came padding softly out of the dusk, approaching the far side of the waterhole for their sundowner drink.
We waited, barely breathing, to see what would happen next.
Soon after, the herd started drifting away, and my heart sank a little. We had front-row seats to the action – or, more correctly, front-row loungers – and I’d been hoping for some excitement … It wasn’t over yet, however: an elephant bull had caught the scent of the lionesses, and turned to investigate.
It’s a well known fact that elephant don’t like lion, so, on the edge of my lounger now, I rapidly shifted my gaze between the two species.
The elephant bull approached slowly, stopping to smell the air every couple of metres until he was close enough to confirm his suspicions. A short mock charge and kicking up some dust did nothing to unsettle the cats, so the bull took a few steps backwards, preparing himself to rush at them. He raced forward, trumpeting wildly, and the objects of his animosity bolted.
Emboldened now, the titan decided to drive his point home, charging the nearest lioness with another blast. She picked up speed, disappearing into the bush. Satisfied with his efforts, the bull relaxed, returning to his herd.
I grinned in the fading light. Our best decision of the day was to hang around camp!