After visiting the Himba village we continued to Outjo and through Otjiwarongo and headed south to Mt. Etjo Lodge. We hit some heavy rain and were told that the way into the lodge was unpassable and we should try the other way. Halfway down the road, Monica received a telephone call that that way is blocked and to go back around to the original way that should be better. It was starting to turn dark so Monica informed the lodge if we didn't show up in an hour to come looking for us stuck in the mud. Due to road conditions we couldn't make it down the road to see the dinosaur tracks. There was a beautiful rainbow as the sky darkened and a 4x4 came out to escort us along the wet lodge road.
At dinner, they asked if anyone wanted to go and see the lions being fed. It cost about $10 and I originally thought no since I had been feeding the lions at Naankuse but figured I'd give it a go. Around 1030pm about 5 lodge guests bundled up in blankets for a wet ride to the lion area. We were shown down a dark and dingy tunnel to bench seating. In front of us was a thick metal fence about 4 feet off the ground and on the other side a spotlight shown on the head and neck of a giraffe chained to the grown. Once we were seated, we were told not to put our hands through the bars and sit back and relax while they turned off the lights in the tunnel. It was very quiet for a few minutes and then you could hear the stampeding feet of animals. Out of the dark rushes about 20 lions right at you. They all go for the food and the leader of his pride starts to fight and chase some of the lions away. He seems to let the younger cubs and himself enjoy the feast while others keep trying to sneak in for a bite. Lots of fights errupt and I'm having a hard time getting the camera to focus on the lions through the bars. I find my video camera with night vision button works the best and press it to the bars. At one time a female lion comes right up to the bars sniffing me only inches away. Boy, what a rush to experience this since while I'm on the safari there is no guarantee I will see lions feasting on a kill.
At 445am a load alarm scared the crap out of me. I could here a few people running outside and had no idea what was going on. Had an animal escaped, was there armed robbers entering the lodge, I didn't have a clue. At breakfast, only one other tour member even hear the alarm so I guess there is one good thing about getting older and losing your hearing. This morning we were to take a game drive within the lodges game reserve. Here they have animals that are commonly found in that area of Namibia but also other animals that come from SA or the Caprivi area of Namibia. We see Blessbok, Springbok, Impala, Kudu, Oryx, Zebra, Giraffe, Hippos, Steenbok, Monitar Lizards and lots of birds like the Red Breasted Shrike, Hornbill, Flamingo, Heron, Egret, Lilac Breasted Roller (one of my favorites), etc. There are 2 herds of elephant and we spot the one herd in the trees. We turn off the vehicle to watch the elephants and one of the bulls came to within about 10 feet from the safari vehicle. Let's just say he was huge and a very happy bull at that time. I didn't know elephants had 5 legs if you know what I mean.
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