Hidden Valley & Gol Kopjes
Monday, February 15, 2016
The first morning (14 February) at Lake Masek Camp, we drove north and west toward the Ndutu woodlands, lakes and plains.
The first spotting was of a Dik Dik, a small and very shy creature. They typically are in groups of two or three, and were a common sight at our camp.
Then we came upon a cheetah laying in the grass.
After lunch, we were headed to the Hidden Valley and came across more well–fed and lazy lions. One has her head on another.
Next, we came across a flock of flamingos.
About sundown, before turning back to camp, we came across zebras and wildebeests crossing a small body of water. There looked to be a way around the water, but they selected the watery route.
We were up early the next day and went out to explore the Gol Kopjes. First up was a Black–backed Jackal.
In a small wooded area, we came across a large herd of Cape Buffalo. Here’s a small group of the herd.
Then we discovered three cheetahs—mom and two cubs—taking turns eating a dead gazelle.
After their lunch was over, mom posed for us.
The two cubs had blood on their faces, and they cleaned each other up.
About noon, we drove over to this little island (kopje) on the plain to see if there were any animals there.
There were resting lions.
After our lunch, we came upon a group of giraffes in a pretty setting.
After a few minutes, they began to stroll off onto the plain.
As we were heading back to camp, we came across two adult zebras and a baby.
We explored the Ndutu woodlands, lakes and plains, and the Hidden Valley on our first day in the area, and the Gol Kopjes on the second day.
Next—On to Ngorongoro Crater.
