The White Lions of South Africa

Hello from Jenni! Picture the tawny rolling grassy hills of South Africa, strains of Ladysmith Black Mombasa playing in the background and a dozen five month old lion cubs, half of them white, with their massive paws around your neck, licking up and down your arms, nibbling on your skirt and you have an idea of the glorious endowment provided us as we were welcomed into this vast and gracious country.

Words fail but Michael’s photos best describe these magnificent beauties and an article below details the auspicious time for these wondrous and rare predators. Please see a reference in Countries and Cultures for more information and the gallery for Mike’s shots.

We were also treated to meet a rather large giraffe who surprised me by wrapping his two foot long purple tongue around my wrist and inhaling my food laden hand. The photos are hilarious with lots of goo dripping from his luscious lips.

We’ve heard that the rather large tawny lion pictured is fond of corralling motorists who stop for a visit, puncturing their tires with his rather large teeth! It was interesting to note that the white lions kept to their own pride. Of note, some of the lionesses have gained the proportions of the male lion and are spectacular with their massive size and gracefulness.

We were advised that the larger lioness is one who goes after the buffalo. She hangs on and the smaller females move in to finish the job. If they don’t assist, she can die. Zebra are also difficult prey to bring down, as they fight mightily and have sharp hooves that can kill a lion. The park that we visited is known for its work in the film industry, supplying footage of the animals in their reserves.

• Morning in the Mara
• Lunchtime on the Mara
• How I Ended Up on Top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge
• Imbali Visual Literacy Project
• The M/S Explorer – Dress Warmly