In 1998 I went on a photo/tourist safari in Botswana in the Okavango/Chobe/Moremi areas. We were driving back to camp one night after dark. Seems we went around a curve in the road (really a trail in the sand) and the driver/guide suddenly stopped the truck. Next thing, he's shining a spotlight from side to side. Well, we had driven right into the middle of a pride of Lions. There were Lions all around the truck; left, right and in front. This was my first trip to Africa and it sure got my attention! I knew we were fairly safe in the trucks (which were open with no doors) but it was still exciting. I realize this doesn't compare with the experience of people that have hunted Lions on foot, but it was pretty amazing to me to be that close to Lions in the wild (even if they are habituated to the tourist trucks).

Here's a photo I managed to take of the Lioness that was closest to me. It's just a snapshot made with an inexpensive camera but I think it turned out rather well. I still recall fond memories when I look at this photo.

Cheers!
-Bob F.