WOW! I have to say, this is one of the most extraordinary experiences I've had on a tour!
It came about because I could only get two nights instead of three at our safari lodge, so on the internet I found the Protea Ranch Resort & Conservancy south of Polokwane. It looked interesting, but I couldn't really imagine how fantastic it was until we were really there doing it.
Three young men (all from Zimbabwe) feed and care for lions from the time they are young cubs. They feed them twice a week, but take them on daily walks in the bush. Since the young lions grew up with the guys, they became quite accustomed to humans and would actually obey them to a certain extent. About 7 years ago, they started wondering if the lions would allow a different human to come along on the walks, so they asked the staff who might be willing to try! One of the older staff, Julie, volunteered with trepidation, but it was a thrilling experience and the lions were fine as long as there were no 'unexpected behaviors' and the guys were on top of every move. So that expanded into allowing a few people each day to go along on the exercise walks with the lions, and we got the benefit of it. Again, these are not tame or domesticated lions, but with certain guidelines this is a wonderful encounter. (Of course you virtually have to sign your life away before you go, but that's all part of the deal, right!?)
OK, these first pictures on top are from our safari experience the evening before. For the first four photos we were observing safely from a safari vehicle, but then we got to go in an enclosure and pet baby cheetahs and in another enclosure, get up close with baby lions (though we did NOT pet them!).
This blond Kalahari Lion is one of the most beautiful creatures I've ever seen.
A brown and a blond lion together
Almost posing
Our ranger got out and took my camera to the other side to get a photo of our vehicle behind the lion. Had we gone out there, we would have ended up dinner!
Barb pets the baby cheetah.
Our whole group gathers around the young cheetah.
The young lions were a little less receptive to our intrusion.
But they are so gorgeous when they cuddle together.
But don't get too close!
The next morning at 7:00 we are off on our Walk with the Lions!
Ed takes it in stride!
Did you know lions can really leap high?
Fern is thrilled to walk alongside the lion.
Orpha, on the other hand, is a bit more dubious!
Wonderful to be able to kneel and touch one!
My! Ferocious! OK, he's really just yawning.
Our group with three of the lions
And yes, lions CAN climb trees!
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