Ndutu + Namiri Plains-Where the Cheetah Cubs Romp. Plus Cattle Markets, Suni

[ice]

I've just been in touch with my guide and he confirmed my mistake: ours was a Landrover and the bigger Cruisers got stuck

[Atravelynn]

I've just been in touch with my guide and he confirmed my mistake: ours was a Landrover and the bigger Cruisers got stuck

As long as you know where the door as, and perhaps where the treeline is, you are all set. Thanks for the clarification!

Edited May 6, 2016 by Atravelynn

[Atravelynn]

Dining in the Bush Viewed From the Vehicle

The mother cheetah and cubs finished a zebra carcass. We got to see them walk away when the carcass was about 24 hours old. There was still meat on the bones, but not fresh enough for a cheetah's liking. Twenty four hours is pushing the freshness limit for a cheetah.

Last bites for the nursing mother

Wash up after eating. Front paw is still bloody.

Moving on from the zebra carcass to new hunting grounds and away from the scent of the zebra, which draws in hyenas – Makao Plains, Ndutu

0-3 other vehicles

 

Jackals vs. Vultures is a constant competition.

Ndutu

0 other vehicles

One meal I was pleased to not see involved hyenas that were somewhat in the extended area where we had left the mother cheetah and cubs the previous evening. I was glad I saw no remnants of a small spotted carcass when we came upon the clan the following morning, gulping down remnants of their earlier kill.

Near Makao Plains, Ndutu

0 other vehicles

Next: final stroll through the Mary Cassatt exhibit in Ndutu

Edited May 7, 2016 by Atravelynn

[Atravelynn]

Tale of 2 calves - Sight, sound, and scent may reunite this calf (on left) with its mother. But the herd was far away. The calf (on right) was reunited with its mother after the photo was taken.

0 other vehicles for all wildebeest encounters throughout Ndutu

A little floral flourish for enhancement. Ndutu.

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Lake Masek Pride cub on the scratching post. There was the Big Marsh Pride and the Lake Masek Pride. We saw this Lake Masek Pride once.

Ndutu, near Lake Masek

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One Final Stroll through the Mary Cassatt Exhibition

A recurring theme in this report, American Impressionist Mary Cassatt’s style of mother-child bonding was observed in feline fashion throughout Ndutu. How appropriate this post happens to be on Mother's Day.

Big Marsh Pride near Big Marsh Woods, Ndutu

Makao Plains, Ndutu

0-3 other Vehicles, except where they are laying stretched out, which was 4 other vehicles.

Next: Farewell & The End

Edited May 8, 2016 by Atravelynn

[ice]

for those who are interested:

 

The Marsh Pride and the Masek Pride were initially dominated by two males, Katavi and Selous (they also dominated other prides in the area, like the Thin Pride). In December 2014 they got kicked away from the Marsh area (and pride) by two new males which had migrated from nearby Serengeti, most likely the ones @@Atravelynn took pictures of. These guys were later called Romulus and Remus. Katavi and Selous, however, kept on ruling the other prides. Unfortunately, sometime in 2015 Selous killed a donkey and was subsequently speared to death by its Masai owner. Katavi on the other hand was still doing fine when I last saw him 10 weeks ago, still dominating the Thin Pride and the Masek Pride.

[TonyQ]

I am very much enjoying the cheetah cubs, the Wildebeest Calves are very handsome - interesting markings and colouration. I love the Jackal in the flowers. I am sorry to see that Farewell and The End is approaching.

[Atravelynn]

I am very much enjoying the cheetah cubs, the Wildebeest Calves are very handsome - interesting markings and colouration. I love the Jackal in the flowers. I am sorry to see that Farewell and The End is approaching.

I just checked the start date, which was April 6. I can't believe it took me over a month to complete. Time to wrap up today or tomorrow, I hope. But not before a mock trial of atravelynn takes place.

[Hammer_of_the_Gods]

 

Just caught that edit. That there could be TWO coalitions of 5 male lions in the Serengeti-Ndutu region is truly extraordinary and double the potential disruptiveness.

 

They are definitely different lions, maybe a year or so younger. they spent most their time hanging around the lakes and water holes on the Serengeti\Ndutu border (that form part of the whole Lake Ndutu drainage system...so not many miles as the crow flies from your coalition.

 

 

[Atravelynn]

 

 

Just caught that edit. That there could be TWO coalitions of 5 male lions in the Serengeti-Ndutu region is truly extraordinary and double the potential disruptiveness.

 

They are definitely different lions, maybe a year or so younger. they spent most their time hanging around the lakes and water holes on the Serengeti\Ndutu border (that form part of the whole Lake Ndutu drainage system...so not many miles as the crow flies from your coalition.

 

Those are not the lions I saw. You are right that the ones you saw are younger. They are with one female in the photo? Extraordinary indeed!

[Hammer_of_the_Gods]

 

 

 

Just caught that edit. That there could be TWO coalitions of 5 male lions in the Serengeti-Ndutu region is truly extraordinary and double the potential disruptiveness.

 

They are definitely different lions, maybe a year or so younger. they spent most their time hanging around the lakes and water holes on the Serengeti\Ndutu border (that form part of the whole Lake Ndutu drainage system...so not many miles as the crow flies from your coalition.

 

Those are not the lions I saw. You are right that the ones you saw are younger. They are with one female in the photo? Extraordinary indeed!

 

 

Yes, that is their sister, their litter mate.

[Atravelynn]

I wonder how often a coalition numbering 5 male lions remains 5, or if there is a natural tendency to split up. There is also the factor of mortality that may reduce the #. It will be interesting to note what happens to each of these 5 brothers over time.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thick-knees in Ndutu

Charges Filed

The Ostrich family, M. et M^me Thick-knee, and Mr. Warthog have filed charges that this trip report has under represented the diversity of wildlife in Ndutu. Cheetahs--one family in particular--have dominated this space, with occasional appearances of other cats, a few jackals, and the migrating species. Charges include that the omission of Ndutu’s full spectrum fauna is misleading as to the abundance and variety that can be seen.

Ndutu - Note the line of wildebeest on the horizon behind the ostriches.

In defense, please consider

 

~The wide array of animal species from the Eastern & Seronera sections of the Serengeti that have been included in the report

 

~ Exhibit A.

 

Exhibit A

Giraffe at Sunrise

Not far from Site #3, Ndutu

Despite this rigorous defense, the defendant pleads GUILTY AS CHARGED to excessive cheetah posting.

 

Furthermore, the defendant is unrepentant!

 

The sentence handed down is 10 days of hard labor (binos lifting and camera clicking) while confined 12+ hours per day to a vehicle, eating 2 boxed meals. George will serve as the warden for most of that sentence. I can’t wait to serve it a year from now in Serengeti and Ndutu again.

 

Subtitle: Trip of the Traveling Trousers

Gift of fabric from George at the end of our 2016 safari

The End

Unrepentant

Edited May 10, 2016 by Atravelynn

[jeffb]

This has been a spectacular trip report, from beginning to end. Thanks so much for each and every one of the wonderful (cheetah) photos!

[kilopascal]

@@Atravelynn go with dress. Definitely! Trousers will not due the fabric justice and I'm sure we would all like to see the queen of Ndutu in regal attire. Awesome trip report. I hope to be back with George this November taking in the sites of Saadani but we will see.

[Atravelynn]

This has been a spectacular trip report, from beginning to end. Thanks so much for each and every one of the wonderful (cheetah) photos!

Thank you Jeffb. I needed you on the "jury."

 

@@Atravelynn go with dress. Definitely! Trousers will not due the fabric justice and I'm sure we would all like to see the queen of Ndutu in regal attire. Awesome trip report. I hope to be back with George this November taking in the sites of Saadani but we will see.

My seamstress friend said the same thing as you. I may go with a skirt. If it's done in time, I'll lend it to you and you can surprise George in Nov!

[Africalover]

Absolutely fantastic tripreport and photos. I think we might have crossed. Same mating lions.

[Atravelynn]

Absolutely fantastic tripreport and photos. I think we might have crossed. Same mating lions.

I believe they are the same lions. I was there March 7.

[sugarpond]

THAT'S IT!!! THIS WAS THE LAST STRAW!!! I'm starting to save for another safari. I'm going to just go back to the Serengeti again, in March again and just spend every day, all day, looking at animals.

[elefromoz]

@@Atravelynn, thanks, another entertaining, informative and very colourful trip report. Definitely no apology needed for Cheetah cubs overload, some of us are still holding out for that particular sighting. Also enjoyed the Vulture and Jackal snippets, not as cute but just as deserving of a mention.

[Caracal]

@Atravellynn (aka Unrepentant) - not sure whether it's M or Mme Thick-knee in the foreground but that is an accusing look and I suspect he or she instigated the filing of charges!

 

They were never destined for much success with their charges due to the fact that this has been a wonderful report with so much variety, beautiful photos and a most original commentary.

[dlo]

@@Atravelynn

 

Another great report and really I think you left room for a few more cheetah pics. I usually stay away from Serengeti reports as it makes me pine to return but yours are always enjoyable.

[TonyQ]

Great report- and you did show us a variety of wildlife - including one or two cheetah!

I expect to see you modelling the new fabric (in whatever form it takes) in a new trip report in about a year's time.

Thank you for a very enjoyable, engaging and informative report this time.

[Atravelynn]

THAT'S IT!!! THIS WAS THE LAST STRAW!!! I'm starting to save for another safari. I'm going to just go back to the Serengeti again, in March again and just spend every day, all day, looking at animals. Excellent plan. Do take time to nibble from the breakfast and lunch boxes, though.

Dont wait too long to book, if you are going in early March. I did not get my first choice of March dates when I started planning this trip a year in advance. Just had to swap some things around is all, but this is a popular time of year. Later in March things open up more and pricing may even be more favorable. Sometimes the better pricing starts March 1 and sometimes further into March.

 

@@Atravelynn, thanks, another entertaining, informative and very colourful trip report. Definitely no apology needed for Cheetah cubs overload, some of us are still holding out for that particular sighting. Also enjoyed the Vulture and Jackal snippets, not as cute but just as deserving of a mention.

The vulture-jackal interactions are always interesting and far more involved than can often be captured in photos.

 

@Atravellynn (aka Unrepentant) - not sure whether it's M or Mme Thick-knee in the foreground but that is an accusing look and I suspect he or she instigated the filing of charges! Good observation. Yes, I do believe that's the one to blame. When you head back to Ndutu, please track down this pair of thick-knees down and let them know I am none too pleased!

 

They were never destined for much success with their charges due to the fact that this has been a wonderful report with so much variety, beautiful photos and a most original commentary. Thanks!

 

 

@@Atravelynn

 

Another great report and really I think you left room for a few more cheetah pics. I usually stay away from Serengeti reports as it makes me pine to return but yours are always enjoyable. I use that avoidance technique sometimes for documentaries and travel articles. It's the ignorance is bliss approach. Otherwise I too am plagued by that pining feeling!

 

 

Great report- and you did show us a variety of wildlife - including one or two cheetah!

I expect to see you modelling the new fabric (in whatever form it takes) in a new trip report in about a year's time. Will do! George may have launched my modeling career!

Thank you for a very enjoyable, engaging and informative report this time.

Edited May 11, 2016 by Atravelynn

[michael-ibk]

Loved this one Lynn - excessive Cheetah posting can only be a good thing! But I do think someone should oversee if that sentence of 10 days hard labour is really executed - I´m volunteering, and promise to be very strict about it.

[Atravelynn]

Loved this one Lynn - excessive Cheetah posting can only be a good thing! But I do think someone should oversee if that sentence of 10 days hard labour is really executed - I´m volunteering, and promise to be very strict about it.

Kind of like a safari parole officer. What a great job that would be!

[Marks]

Playing a bit of catchup here...

Really exceptional cheetah photos on page 8, especially the little ones. I'm continuing to appreciate the vehicle count.

I even got a little artistic education after looking up Mary Cassatt.

A beautiful report, and I maintain that excessive cheetah posting can only be redressed by community service - that is, service to the Safaritalk community by providing another trip report soon.