I love taking clients on a Photography Safari and watching there excitement and expressions when we come across Lions. These big cats have a predatorial sense that just chills you to the bone. One stare and reactions range from complete panic to Zombie like bewilderment. Erratic breathing, breathlessness and shakes are the most common.
A close encounter with a Kalahari black-maned Lion will always be one of your most rememberable wildlife photo memories. These creatures are killing machines and muscle powerhouses. Kalahari black-maned lions are the biggest lions in Africa.
As they walk towards to you even though you may be safe in your vehicle, the shivers run down your spine, and you check all the locks on the door, and you are ready to close the window ..just in case.
For those sitting in open safari vehicles, as you sit real still and quiet, the thought that runs through your mind, the lion could quickly jump into the safari 4x4.
I remember my first encounter, it left such an impression that I wrote in my diary. It was in the Kalahari, and a black-maned Lion was in pursuit of a lioness with babies. this is an excerpt from my notes
"When you are alone, and in the presence of a Kalahari black-maned lion, a primaeval fear takes hold of you. Even though you tell yourself "your safe" you can not shake this feeling. It's there lodged in the back of your mind.
This majestic animal once was the bane of forefathers who lived on this land. They created kraals around there dwellings to keep there families and livestock safe.
When you are a few meters from this killing machine, and his predatory eyes lock with yours, you will be chilled to the bone.
This male has murder on his mind for he hunts a female and cubs from another pride. A few minutes before I watched an anxious mother and cubs run towards and pass me. It was not until the male came in to view that I realized why the hurry. I followed for as far as I could. But then the lions went into the thick bush. I will never know the real outcome. I assume the worse but hope for the best."
Asa Wildlife Photographer I love creating black and white photographs of these African big cats. They are not so easy to photograph, as you know they are nocturnal and most of the day they just sleep.
But if you are lucky enough to catch them early morning or later afternoon. You can be rewarded with some fantastic Animal Portraits.
More info: peterdelaneyphotography.com
