We’re doing our best to learn the some shangaan (local language, surprisingly not one of the country’s 11 official languages). So far, we’re looking out for ngala (lion) and yingwe (leopard).

Another 05:30 wake up call followed by morning snacks. You literally eat 5-6 times a day here. The plan for the morning was to look for the Sand River Pride in hopes of seeing the 2 little cubs. After 2 hours of scouring for tracks and listening for distant roaring, we decided there were two options. 1 – these guys actually have no idea what they are doing and it is all for show. 2 – they are actually amazing at finding these animals and if we do find them – well then we need to say thank you and never speak of option 1 again.

Turns out thank you’s were due. Between 4 guides and 4 trackers, the Sand Lion Pride was found hiding in tall grass. Two trackers, on foot, found them. Our truck had to be within feet to actually see them. 13 lions resting, camouflaged in the bush was quite the scene. Only thing missing were the 2 cubs and their mother.

On the way back to the lodge, we stopped for a coffee break along the river. Small meal number 2.

Full breakfast with omelets, fruit, yogurt and croissants rounded out meal number 3. We let our bellies rest and found the gym. Anna bested Brian 2-1 in cards despite his best efforts.

Meal number 4, afternoon snacks before the evening drive.

A lion pride is made of up the lionesses, their cubs, and a few younger males. The typical male lion you think of, Mufasa or Simba with big full manes, do not spend much time with the pride. They are busy marking territory and patrolling for any challenging lions. So it was time to find the coalition of 2 adult male lions. And find them we did. They certainly were big and impressive. By the size of their bellies, they had just stuffed themselves and were lazily lying in the shade digesting. No roars, not so much as a peep from these fellas.

Sleeping lions led to drinks and snacks at sundown. Sure enough, more food. Back at camp, we were surprised with a romantic private dinner with candles and champaign set up in our room. We made a pit stop at the fire pit before heading up. The dinner was delicious and quite special.

Not sure how many meals we finished with, but we felt like the two male lions laying in the shade with fully bellies.