The elusive leopard

Africa just continues to amaze us. After all the talk about how elusive the leopard is, one walks right across our vehicle as we drove through Maasai Mara. Of course by then several vehicles were already crowding around this young cat. But he was oblivious to all and continued walking around the vehicles and off on his way. As we drove off, we saw two more leopards in the bushes. What an afternoon it’s been!

Malaika

Our first game drive into Maasai Mara and this is what we came across almost as soon as we entered the National Park. Five cheetahs devouring their kill. This is Malaika, her mate and the three cubs. They must have only just chased down and killed this big wildebeest. Watching them tear through the animal brought on mixed emotions. Mia felt very sad for the wildebeestand couldn't bear to look at the start but became less upset once we explained to her that this is part of the circle of life in the wild. Animals die in order for others to survive.

Mum and Dad always on the lookout for possible danger.

This kill will last them three days before the next hunt begins. 

The scavengers waiting for their turn.

Slowly creeping closer with each minute. 

A show of who’s in charge. Not until we’re done!

The second the last cub walked away, the vultures rushed in.

A dome soon formed over the carcass but...

Hierarchy in the vulture world. As soon as these .....bald.... arrived, the other vultures were pushed aside. 

It was back to the dining table once the ..... vultures left. The stomach of the wildebeest was untouched by the cheetahs but nothing would go to waste with the vultures. They were quick to rip it apart and eat it and all the contents.

In a matter of minutes, the entire carcass was picked clean!

With their bellies now full, the family moves on.

But not before marking their territory.