IT’S not only the flood hit UK which has been affected by the unsettled weather at the moment. Even the lions in the plains of the Serengeti have been given a drenching - when they are used instead to the sun- scorched plains at this time of the year. These lot look particularly disgruntled at their unexpected soaking as the unseasonal downpours sweep through the Serengeti. The lions have taken to having to jump over temporary rivers to reach higher land - and some have even taken sanctuary by climbing trees - as they try and escape the flooding. Usually the plains are dry at this time of year - but the scorched grass is nowhere to be seen as normally dry plains and pathways turn into rivers. Maasai Chief Saitoti Kimwia , 41, who has grown up in the area, said: ‘The lions in this part of Northern Tanzania are used to basking in sunshine at this time of the year. ‘They are waiting for the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra to arrive and to start their annual feasting. ‘But instead they are huddled together to try and escape the rain, and shaking their manes and fur to try and get the water out. They are not used to this at all. ‘We have seen some of the lions even climbing trees to try and escape the rain.’ The unseasonal wet weather may indicate a more dramatic weather change and result in more than just a bad few days for the wildlife. Weather patterns in Africa are becoming increasingly unpredictable with some previously parched areas seeing downpours and damaging droughts occurring when rains should be falling.  The weather has also caused problems for the traditional Maasai who have had to change their migration routes and has brought them into conflict with resident farmers and the lions too, who have strayed from their normal protected areas in search of food. see more at  HYPERLINK "http://garyrobertsphotography.com" garyrobertsphotography.com ENDS