Friday, May 26, 2017
The past couple of days I've posted about two of my three favorite African animals -- the elephant and the giraffe. The third one is the lion. The encounters we had with two sets of brothers in the Madikwe Game Reserve were absolutely incredible.
My son and I went to Madikwe at the end of a mission trip to Botswana. The Game Reserve is located just across the border into South Africa. The accommodations were pretty cool -- everybody stayed in thatch-roofed "huts" that were well-equipped and comfy.
The first night was quiet -- except for a massive critter trying to make a hole in our roof so it could gobble us up. We carefully went outside with a flashlight to see what on earth could be making all that noise. Just an iguana.
The next night was absolutely phenomenal. As we lay in bed drifting off to sleep, we could hear two male lions out there roaring. It's a little different from hearing crickets or dogs or even coyotes in the darkness. These guys were the top of the food chain. And that night they were very vocal.
But we were relaxed and content to hear their voices. We knew from the experience earlier in the day that we were not on their menu.
John and Steve were two brothers whose territory we were in. We met them earlier in the day as they entered a clearing where our jeep-like vehicle sat. "Do not move," said our guide. "Do not make a noise." The brothers came to within 15-20 yards of our spot and sprawled out for a little rest in the sun. They yawned. They groomed themselves. And they couldn't have cared less that we were there.
Later as we drove through the adjacent territory looking for the big five, we spotted the other pair of Madikwe males walking toward us on the dirt path. Our guide shut down the vehicle and we quietly waited. The lions continued toward us for a bit then veered off into the bushes on their left. They walked along beside where we sat until they had passed us and then they merged back onto the path and continued on their way.
Their manes. Their feet. Their teeth! How incredible to observe them this closely in their habitat! (In this picture you can see the black metal bar that we held onto in the vehicle. That gives you an idea of how close these guys were!)
I loved the birds, the ant hills, the trees, the sunsets, the zebras, and all the other creatures we met. But John and Steve and the "other" brothers were my favorites.
As I think about this incredible experience that we had in Africa, I am reminded that we as onlookers had to abide by the guide's rules. He wasn't being mean or unrealistic. He was protecting us from what could have been very dangerous situations. As a result, I have a new sense of respect for a rifle and a well-trained leader. And I have a deeper love for God's creatures.
Lord, we trust you with our lives. You know what is best for us. And as You guide us through the jungle, help us to see the dangers out there so that we can have a more healthy respect for them and for you, our protector.
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