In Search of Cheetah

This was our last day on the Serengeti and we spent it out on the western plains in search of the elusive cheetah.  The morning drive once again took us through winding rough roads with wonderful views on both sides doted with animals of all descriptions. We stopped to watch a herd of elephants, families of gazelle.hippos bathing in the water and one on the waters edge having breakfast.  The birds are plentiful and a bird watchers dream.

Hippos bathing with the plains stretching beyond

A less than pretty vulture sitting high in a tree

Along the way we passed by a kopje which is named Masai Rock and was simply beautiful rising from the surrounding flat plain.

Traveling further down the road we stopped to admire a beautiful female lion having a morning siesta under a tree before venturing future out into the plain.  Out on another large kopje sat another large female and one could see that there was a male lion in the crevice but he was not showing himself at the time.

Looking over her territory 

Across the way was a grassy area with some pond.  As there was a collection of safari vehicles we went to investigate and were told a cheetah had been spotted in the long grass so we settled in to watch.  After eating a picnic lunch and still no luck it was decided to venture farther afield.  We encountered giraffe out on the plain far from any trees to munch on which was different from what we had seen previously, warthogs, gazelles to mention but a few.

Grazing on the plain

Couldn't resist this one

Warthog eating

Returning to the rock we saw the female lion laying in the grass but went right by as the male was now up on the rock and we were all eager to get a good look.  Cameras clicked and he gave us all a good shot before he got up and followed quickly by our driver he went over to the female who we now saw had a gazelle.  As soon as the male arrive she gave home her dinner and simply got up and cleaned herself up and then went to the watering hole to drink while he proceeded to eat what he wanted.  When he was either done or too hot he carried the remainder behind a rock

Male with a bit of a mangy mane

Looks fierce it he is only yawning

Taking her dinner

Dinner is done

Our eagle eyed driver then noticed over by the waters edge that the female lion was being watched by a cheetah.  With a fancy piece of driving our vehicle had rock star viewing to watch this beautiful creature.  Adrenaline was certainly running high.

Fastest mammal on earth

Such stunning markings 

Totally thrilled with our day and expecting nothing more we headed back to the lodge but of course there was more to come.  First we met up with a family of elephants that were literally right beside our vehicles. There is something about them that just captivates me and I could watch them for a very long time.

One of the babies of the group.  I swear they smile

Sauntering off into the evening

 To finish the day of perfectly we stopped at a 'lion tree'. The way that they are just draped over the branches indicates perfect relaxation.  Another magical day on the Serengeti.