Male Lion Picture - Yawn

I took this Male Lion Picture just before sunset one afternoon near Dertiende Borehole. On the afternoon we arrived in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park we noticed two male lions at a kill right next to the road. We drove on, set up camp, and then went back when the light was good. We knew they were going nowhere far from their kill. One was feasting behind a thick bush and the other one was napping. I waited for it to do something — anything! — and then it yawned. And I got the shot!

Not a brilliant picture. I'm not crazy about the ugly grass cluttering the front. But, it shows off the impressive teeth that these beasts have... Also, it is technically sound — good sharpness, and exposure. The yawn lends it some element of action, but it is not too exciting.

This particular visit to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was in March 2006. We had a really good time and were blessed with many opportunities to take excellent photographs. I thoroughly believe this park is one of the top four wildlife photography hotspots in Southern Africa.

Sadly, at this time (early 2006) there were many broken water pumps, and therefore some waterholes didn't offer the wildlife any water. In a wildlife reserve, the animals can't roam free and move far distances in search of water, so this is an issue that must be addressed. The roads are pretty bad as well, but it is still well worth a visit... if you're driving a 4x4 or a rental. ;-)

If you would like opportunities to take pictures like this one, scratch around in my Africa Safaris section and start planning a trip! It won't happen unless you plan for it.