It seems like a dream now, but it wasn’t. We did walk with lions. Right beside them. It is a day I will never forget. Here are a few photos from our experience, and the journal pages it inspired. WAS IT SCARY? Well, yeah, duh. But we trusted our guides and each other. We were given strict instructions on what to do – and what not to do. There were several guides who walked with us, just in case, as they say. One of them had a pouch filled with meat. We were told that the meat pouch would keep the lions minds off of us as a meal. This is also the reason we were not allowed to carry anything at all with us, other than cameras. A purse could be mistaken by a lion for a meat pouch. Yipe. I can’t describe the feeling that comes over you when you first join them. They were seated, waiting for us down the path. We needed to be ‘introduced’ to the lions one at a time, single file, letting the lions get our scent and know we would be part of their group. We were now “lions” to them. We learned so much about them that day.
After we walked a while and they were familiar with our scent, we were allowed to take photos with them – meat pouch in front, we were behind.
JOURNAL PAGES FROM THE GAME PARK
Here are some, but there will be more to come! I am inspired. Below there are a couple of step-by-steps for you, too. I hope you enjoy these.
Thank you so much for reading. Kathie
Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m glad it exceeded your expectations. Trips with you are always so much fun!!!
Oh, how I’d love to with you! Love nature! Love Lions!! I’d sooooo want to pet them!!! I know the meat pouch would come out and a BIG scolding for me……if I were still there!
So cool! Gorgeous paintings! But the experience is once in lifetime.
Wow! A once in a lifetime experience. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Very exciting! I’d be too nervous to photograph. Beautiful painting of the lion. You are soooo good. Thanks for sharing. I continue to look forward to the rest of the trip.
What an amazing experience for you all!!
What a fantastic experience. Such beautiful creatures and your paintings captured that! Love your journal pages. Can’t wait to see more. Thank you for the lion lesson!???
…and I shall call him Mufasa! Love, love, ❤️ him and you!! Thank you Kathie!
What an exciting experience! That painting of the lion was fantastic.
What a wonderful painting! You captured him! About 14 years ago I visited South Africa and the stays at the remote camps remain one of my best ever trips. Being so close to the magnificent creatures was incredible.
The pleasure is all ours! Your excitement is contagious! I find myself wanting to paint wild things! You are such inspiration to all.
Please continue. We love alll
Wow, did you get their faces and eyes! Were you told not to make eye contact like you are told to with strange dogs or stare at them as cats ?
What an experience! Just beautiful paintings.
Just WOW!!!
Thank you Kathy for sharing!
What a trip!! Definitely makes you want to be there with you! Thank you, Kathie for the descriptive words along with the pictures…made it seem so real!
Your paintings are inspired deeply by your walk! They are beautiful and show tenderness in a powerful animal. I love your paintings!!!!
Wow love love love your big cats. I too treasure my time with South Africaan wildlife.
Yikes and WoW. What an experience you had and have shared with us, thank you.
Beautiful ! Awesome! Inspiring !!!! Never never even imagined that you and your group would be walking with and being a part of the lion group !!! I am soooo jealous but what wonderful memories you just keep out doing yourself with each journey !!! Please never ever take me off your list love all the art, stories , smiles and adventures !
Marty
Wow, that really is an adventure. Thank you for the wonderful watercolors to follow. Glad you are having so much fun. Wonderful living vicariously thru your travels. Love and hugs.
Amazing lifetime memories! What a thrill to have walked with lions. Not many people ever get to do this…so happy for you and your buddy travelers. Best, Joan
Oh Kathie, That is just too cool! Also, I recognize those lovely ladies with you. Looks like you are having a good time.
What an amazing journey. Thank you for sharing these special moments of this once in a lifetime experience.
Oh, Good Lord! Meat pouches! You go, girls … wow. Takes a lot of nerve, but what a payoff!!! Maybe someday. BTW, your artwork of the lions is wonderful! Thanks so much for keeping us in the loop.
We love it!……….
Lynne
OH Kathie! When I see your paintings I understand why lions are called majestic. AND The group picture is beyond words. I am sure the feeling will stay with you of being part of that kingdom. So very happy for you all. JOY.
awesome – thank you – beautiful pictures – never knew such an experience was possible!
What a trip of a lifetime!! I LOVE your lion paintings. Fabulous!
What a fabulous experience! Your painting makes me feel like I can reach out and touch them. How totally awesome! So glad you are having this opportunity and sharing it with us!
I would be so scared!! Glad you got to experience it! Love the paintings and thanks for sharing your steps!! Enjoy!!
Love the demo and the description of the experience
Amazing!
Amazing! Thank you for sharing!
OH MY!!!! What wonder and magic!
Many, many thanks!
Kit
If you take this trip again, I would love to go. Love the pictures. Sounds so exciting!