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I am accustomed to scouting for lions on the ground – in the grass, in the shade of a bush, or underneath the branches of trees. Here, though, one of the safari perks is seeing so many lions in trees. So now I have gotten used to looking upwards to find lions. It is no mean feat for the big and heavy cats to clamber up in a tree, but they are rewarded with a good view of potential meals from their elevated vantage point.
They are not quite as elegant and light-footed as my pussycat at home. It is therefore very impressive to find a tree with no less than four lions in it. They have each found a branch to rest on. With great resourcefulness they have found positions that ensure they do not tumble down when sleep overtakes them. They either wedge themselves between the V of two branches or lean against another branch with their behind or shoulder. Another lion has balanced herself perfectly so that all four legs hang lifelessly downwards with no grip on anything.
At the base of the tree the fifth lion of the pride wakes up and decides to join her friends in the tree. She takes a heavy jump up, latching onto the bark with her long claws. The branch she covets is already occupied so a staring, snarling and lip-curling contest begins. Lion number five wins and the other lion must give up her good spot. She moves further out on the limb, causing it to bend and crack. Twigs break and fall to the ground. With a careful but awkward turnaround she settles down to continue her lofty afternoon snooze.
