A Lion so close I could pet it

There’s a Lion in the Masai Mara and we’re on safari to see it.

Four of us are in an open-sided vehicle driven by our skilled guide Gladys. The other four are in another car.

This particular Panthera Leo is a male with a large mane. He’s not ideal for photography as he’s a little scraggy and covered in flies.

They’re all over his face.

And what a narrow face it is.

It’s nearing the end of our day out and the sun is heading directly downwards. The clarity of the air and the brilliance of the colours are marvellous.

This Lion decides that our two vehicles are in its way and decides to walk directly towards us. It passes next to me as I film it on my phone. There’s one point at which it almost exchanges a glance with me.

I could have reached down and petted it. I don’t think my petting would have lasted long, though.

Astonishing.

So was the sunset: