Lions, Giraffes, Hippos and Elephants!

Yes, we have seen them all!  It is hard to believe we were able to observe a lion's pride hunting last night (and escaped being eaten).  They crossed our path and were just a few feet away from me as we sat in an open jeep.  Yes, I was scared.  I can hardly believe that we didn't get stuck, necessitating a push or pull out and thus being eaten by the maneating creatures!  We had seen this pride of 10 earlier in the day laying on the road conserving energy for the night hunt.  The younger ones looked hungry and at least one female was pregnant.  We knew they would be hunting last night.  I guess it is a treat to catch up with them at night when they are on the prowl.

We also see lots of elephants with their babies, pukus, kudzu, baboons, giraffes, zebra etc....  I didn't realize a safari took place several times over the course of a few days.  We have already experience 2 evening rides and 2 early am to mid morning rides and we have 2 left to go.  Each ride consists of tracking by our guide and spotting after darkness falls and a short sunset viewing and snack along the way.  We come back to either a brunch at mid morning or a dinner at 8 PM.  We are treated well and this is a dichotomy to what we experienced on the first portion of our trip.  But, just as necessary.  The replenishment after so much being given out during the time with the kids, in the village and the travel aspects.  This was a nice treat.

Our accommodations are similar to an outdoor room withth ability to see the walking wildlife from our room.  The lagoon is in view and we see hippos, crocs and baboons and monkeys everywhere.  They escort us in the evening as there are only 20 guests that can be accommodated at one time and we do not go out at night without escort.

There is wireless internet at the office, so I travel some wooded paths to get the updates - and since we are pretty busy, I don't spend much time by myself outside. 

We head back to Malawi my mid morning and should be there in the early evening to pack and return to the states.  I know it is a long trip back, but we will all be glad to be back to normal-ness of home and with our families.

More later.....