We set out early, as we usually do, making our way back toward the hyena den. The forecast promised another scorcher, climbing up to 92 degrees. I figured that meant the damp ground wouldn’t last long, and before we knew it, we’d be right back to the dusty conditions that had defined the start of this trip.

Unlike our previous visit, this time the hyena cubs ventured out with curiosity, coming right up as if to greet us. The pups are so much cuter than their parents.

I was happy to spot another lilac-breasted roller. This time the light was much more generous and offered a great photographic moment. In addition to the roller, we saw a good variety of birds on this drive to include a southern yellow-billed hornbill, a greater blue-eared starling, and even a brown headed parrot.

We headed back toward the main river and noticed a few lions lounging in the shade beneath the bridge. JJ mentioned he had an idea for a shot, so he steered us up the hill toward the bridge entrance to set it up.

He started to drive across the bridge and parked in the middle of it as close to the edge as he could get. He wanted to get a photo of the lions from above.

It turned out to be a bit tricky—leaning over the edge of both the vehicle and the bridge to line up the shot. I gripped my camera tightly with one hand, aimed down as best I could, and held the shutter to fire off a burst of shots. Each time, I’d quickly check the screen to make sure the lions actually made it into the frame and that they were sharp. The whole time, though, I couldn’t shake one anxious thought: whatever happens, don’t drop the camera on the lions!

Once we managed to keep a firm hold on all our cameras—and came away with some pretty great shots—it was finally time for a breakfast picnic. The original plan had been to stay out much longer on the drive and eat on the go, but the rising heat had other ideas. With the day already scorching, most of the wildlife had settled into hiding, leaving the bush quiet. We enjoyed our picnic and then, rather than stretching it out, made our way back to camp around our usual time.

On the way back to camp, we came across some elephants. As we all watched a young playful elephant to our right, a VERY curious elephant snuck up on us from the left. It got close.

REAL CLOSE!

Here are a few more photos that we took throughout the drive and from our room while on lunch break.