(Warning: graphic images/videos ahead)

Our last morning in Emboo started off very early as we had to pack our bags before heading out on our last game drive of this safari. We had heard several lions roaring and hyenas calling so we were hoping we would get to see a kill this morning. (Yes that sounds dark but circle of life right?) 

The start of our drive was pretty dark and we were keeping our eyes and ears open, hoping to hear the lions again. And just like that we heard a low rumble to the right of our truck in the distance and headed into the fields. I quickly spotted a male lion limping up ahead calling out. He was then followed by two more male lions, which we found out that the first two were trying to chase off the other male lion who did not belong to the pride. They must have had an altercation that he was limping from. We sat and watched them for a little bit and got scared for a second as one just fell to the ground like he had been shot. But he got up and headed towards the other two lions. Edward then heard something rustling by the bushes near us and moved the car forward. Lo and behold there were seven lionesses feeding on a buffalo! Edward said he thought the kill happened within the hour so even if we didn’t get to see the actual hunt it was crazy to watch them feast. The kill was so fresh the buffalo carcass was steaming as they were eating. We got so many videos and pictures! And even captured the sound byte of me knocking my phone off the seat onto the ground with feasting lions just feet away. Thankfully, Debra and Edward were able to retrieve it without the lions noticing anything. 

We were able to enjoy the view for 45-60 minutes by ourselves before other safari trucks ventured over. The lions would pause briefly when they heard their trucks and then would continue eating. A herd of hyenas was just waiting patiently in the background trying to get their turn at the buffalo. We had stayed there long enough to see a male lion from the pride return and get his turn to feast. It was crazy how fast the 2.5 hours went just watching these animals enjoy their meal. It was sad to head off to prepare to leave but we truly enjoyed every game drive that we got to experience. We realized no two drives are the same and you never know what you will see. 

After our last breakfast, we signed the guestbook and headed out to the truck where we were welcomed with song and dance saying goodbye. Both Grant and I said we felt a little sad leaving! Our flight ended up being delayed a little so we were able to go check out what was left of the Buffalo from the morning and found the hyenas getting in on the meal. It was crazy to hear them crunching through the bone and see how little was left. We also followed two of the lionesses from the morning along the river to grab a drink and caught three hyenas chasing each other trying to grab the bone one had in his mouth. Our last new animal to see was a crocodile sunning on a rock by the river! 

We got to the airport and ended up having to wait even longer for our flight to arrive. When the plane arrived, we said what we thought was our last goodbyes to our guides and Layler and boarded the plane. Once on board, they had us deplane as there was a flat tire they needed to repair. We headed back to hang out with the crew in the truck until they were ready for take off. I teared up a little (my emotional self) as it was finally time to head out and leave Masai Mara and prepare for our next country of the trip. 

After a hot airplane ride and an older lady talking Grants ear off, we were met by our friends Titus and Godfrey who would take us to lunch, find me some new sunglasses (lost mine in the Mara), and then finally to the hotel for an early morning flight to Victoria Falls.