1-on-1 with a Future King

Through all these years of my journey in the wild, where every day I feel thankful for the time I have spent in the wilderness, there are some moments that are etched in your memory for a lifetime.This one I am about to narrate is on such moment during one of my drives in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa. It was almost like the almighty was rewarding me for my relentless visits to this gem of a wilderness. I still remember the first time I visited this gem of a wilderness in Jan 2017 and was instantly fascinated by this specific area of the park called the Mankwe Way plains. The rocky outcrop, probably tailor made for Leopards as one diverges out from the main tar road coming from Bakubung Gate are the perfect enticement for you to turn on to this gravel road. Followed by these rocks as one drives on are the Mankwe Plains. A vast expanse of a typical African Bushveld but with great visibility of game viewing. I have been lucky to have seen quite a few animals here. On one instance it was an Alpha Male Baboon who had managed to drive off a rival while on the other there were various herds of Kudus, Wildebeests and Impalas grazing along with the odd Giraffe amidst them adding to this perfect scene. Elephants have also had their fair share of appearances on these plains. But I had always desired to get a dream sequence of watching a Lion here. Although I had seen Lions in Pilanesberg, having one here would have been picture perfect. It finally happened on one lucky May morning, and what a day for it to have the dream come true. It happened to be my birthday, and one to remember for me sure, as I watched this handsome young male walking head on only to cross the vehicle track in front of my car to join the rest of the pride on the other side of these plains. Blessed, obliged and thankful!!!

That feeling when a lion looks straight into your lens could hardly be described in words!!