12 October 2015
This morning we
started off rather quiet on safari. Not us, but the animals seemed to have
trouble waking up. However we did get some great sightings as the morning
progressed, with our highlight being a large herd of elephants that started off
in the distance but ended up crossing the road in front of us.
What made it
extra special was this young elephant which came to sus us out. First he walked
a few steps tentatively towards us, then opened up his or her ears and looked
at us. Of course its aim was to impress us, but it actually made us trying really
hard not to laugh. She looked so cute. Every few second she would take another
few steps and then stare us down. As we would not budge she then went back to
safety next to mum and together they crossed the road.
Other animals
seen: white rhinos, giraffes, kudus, warthogs, zebras, steenbok, slender
mongoose, common grey duiker, tree squirrels, baboons, vervet monkeys, a couple
of bull elephants and just before the exit we got a good view of our last
impalas.
Back in Malelane
it was time to say goodbye to Alyson, who would return back home, and Sam and
Julleen, who would continue to Vic Falls. I hope you enjoyed your safari as a
last chance trip! Have a great time on the rest of your travels!
No rest for me
as in Malelane we had an exchange of guests and we went straight back into the
park. Joined by 6 new friends we set off to find some animals before lunchtime.
Our first animals were a smallish herd of elephants that was standing in the
shade of a large jackalberry. It was indeed getting quite hot already, so
at the start we found most animals in the shade.
Our first
highlight was a small herd of kudus which were hoping to cross the road, but
got a bit of a fright of our vehicle. At first they ran alongside the road in a
long line, but then further up the road they decided to cross after all.
However still a bit frightened of our presence two took the cross at a run,
then came a slow starting one, but then sped up. But the next two were quite
impressive. As they crossed the road they took a gigantic leap in the air and
showed off their fitness to us by jumping at least 2 meters high! The last two
then were certain we wouldn't harm them as they walked calmly across.
Our second
highlight was a pride of lions consisting of 1 sleepy male, 4 females and 2
cubs. When we arrived at the sighting all of them were asleep. As it was still
hot, it was quite understandable. But slowly there came some movement in the
pride as two females rolled over and then the male popped up his head. In the
end the mother of the two cubs sat up and the cubs came close for a cuddle. One
of the cubs was even giving dad a cuddle too before following mum down the
riverbank. With mum watching close by both cubs went for a drink, before
returning to a shady spot where some more resting was done. The male by now had
done its show and had gone back to sleep a while back already! And one of the
females hadn't moved at all! Cats will be cats.
Other animals
seen: giraffes, impalas, steenbok, dwarf mongoose, a very large crocodile,
hippos, zebras, warthogs, a leopard, white rhinos, lots more elephants and
hyenas.
Birds included:
grey heron, blacksmith lapwing, Egyptian geese, African fish eagle, bateleurs,
brown snake eagle, lilac breasted roller, white-backed vulture, red-billed,
yellow-billed and grey hornbills, red crested korhaan and a goliath
heron.
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