Lions and Leopards while at Duma Tau, Okavango Delta

We were fortunate to see so many lions and leopards during our stay at Duma Tau.  We discovered that lions are very affectionate with one another.  This was demonstrated repeatedly as we watched them interact.  They would sleep with their paws over each other.  Waking up after having a good stretch, taking care of personal business, a couple of good yawns, and they would check on each other.  They were continually snuggling, kissing, licking, and rubbing each other.  It was endearing.

The leopards were equally fun to watch.  The mommy leopard would leave her babies “hidden” while she went out hunting.  The offspring learned to stay within a short distance of where they were left.  Once the mother had made her kill she would retrieve her babies and move them to where their next meal was.  

After enjoying his meal he was off to get a drink of water.  

Getting comfortable for a nap up in a tree.

The view is great up here.

Who is watching whom?

Leopard up in a tree.

The lions were wonderful to watch.

They are majestic.

Isn't this sweet?

After a nap it's time for a good stretch.  This was part of a group of 3 lions who seem to have lost or been separated from their family.

This guy looked at Tom, came over to where he was seated in our OPEN jeep, opened his mouth nice and wide and growled at him. 

I know I'm handsome.

The lions were always affectionate with one another.  

This lion was trying to find scraps to eat that were left on the Cape Buffalo.

Didn't your mommy ever teach you to wipe your mouth after eating?

After gorging on a Cape Buffalo this lion couldn't even lay on his side or belly.