I don’t know what the best metaphor would be for David Dampier.
Londolozi’s Head of Finance, David didn’t let his transition from behind the wheel of a Land Rover (he was a Ranger here for three years) to behind a computer blunt his photographic skills.
He’s that silent assassin type; one that you don’t see coming, but then he swoops in, gets the job done and is gone before you know it.

David’s a busy man with a lot on his plate – not just at lunch time – so I don’t like to bother him for content too often; far better to wait until he offers, and then it’ll usually be something pretty special. If he hasn’t posted anything for awhile I can be sure he’s keeping some good stuff in reserve, as by listening in on the radio I have a fairly good idea of what sightings he’s been in.

A few days ago I asked if he had any pictures he’d like to submit or stories he’d like to tell, and he modestly shrugged saying he might have a few photos of the Birmingham males if I wanted them. Needless to say, what he had was better than I could have hoped for.

David and Managing Director Chris Kane-Berman are both photographers of repute (although we’d never be foolish enough to actually tell them that), and regularly head out into the bush to keep themselves sharp. If only all their images were also as sharp. Preferring to go in the opposite direction to everyone else and work their own corner of the reserve, it’s not uncommon for them to come across amazing sightings that no one even knew were taking place.

Such was the case recently when they were prowling round the far south-western corner of Londolozi and came across three of the Birmingham male lions at small pan. The lions were far out of their normal territory and no one even knew they had crossed into Londolozi.

A picture is worth a thousand words and I’m only going to detract from the ones below if I carry on, so here are four of David’s best photos of the Birmingham males, drinking in the sunset:

Two of the brothers drink side-by-side. Whatever the reason for them drinking side-by-side – fear of crocodiles, maybe this was the best spot to drink or they just wanted some brotherly affection – the fact that two huge males are drinking so close together makes this a pretty spectacular image.

Separating themselves slightly, one of the males then moved round to the eastern side of the waterhole, towards where three of the Ntsevu lionesses were sleeping (out of picture).

Windy conditions over the last few weeks have stirred much dust up into the atmosphere, resulting in a thick haze that turns the afternoon light gold far earlier. Sunsets are more spectacular, light is generally softer, and contrasts aren’t as harsh. Having the soft light falling on a male lion drinking doesn’t hurt either.

Stretching and yawning; by far the best signs lions can give you. They are about to get moving, so keep the camera ready.