On Safari With Curtis From 31 January 2014

31 January 2014

After picking up guests from Nelspruit we made our way down to Numbi gate and our accommodation at Nkambeni Tented lodge. After settling into our rooms we went out for our first safari.

Entering through Numbi gate we came across Zebra, Impala, Warthog and Kudu. We also had a lovely encounter with a small family group of Elephants right next to the road. After spotting them I parked the vehicle next to the road and the ellies casually made their way up close to us, stopping for a quick munch on the fallen marulas nearby. After about five minutes of eating and the occasional sniff the matriarch decided that's enough and wandered off into the bush quickly followed by the rest of the family.

 

1 February 2014

An early start today, up at 05:30 for breakfast before departing on safari at 06:00. As soon as we left our camp we came across a herd of Impala and a solitary male Elephant near Numbi gate. We made our way along Napi spotting Kudu and Impala before finding a pack of African Wild dog sitting by the road, with approximately 300 of these animals in the whole of South Africa it was a very nice sighting. Further along we found  Elephants, Impala, Zebra, Waterbuck, Hippo and Kudu as well a Hyena mother suckling her two cubs. We also spotted Dwarf Mongoose, Klipspringer, Yellow Billed Hornbills and plenty of rollers along the road before heading to Skukuza for a break.

After a stretch of the legs and some souvenir shopping we set off again spotting yet more Impala, Elephants, Giraffes, Warthog and Kudu. We also spotted a tiny little Leopard Tortoise crossing the road and a lovely bright green Chameleon trying to pass itself off as a leaf blowing in the wind.

Once back at camp the guests had a hour break to freshen up before setting off on their Sundowner safari.

 

2 February 2014

Last night’s Sunset drive was very rewarding. As well as the beautiful African sunset, enjoyed with a glass of Amarula, the sightings were just as good. Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Lion were all seen on the drive.

When they got back they were treated to some local Shangaan culture in the boma, with dancing and singing accompanying the food.

Another early start today as we set off looking for the Lion which was spotted on the night drive. It didn't take too long before we found him as well as four other Male lions, all lying either on the road or close by in the bushes. We stayed at this sighting for quite a while as the Lions in the road had no intention of moving for us humans (not that anyone was complaining about that!!!)

After finally passing the lions we were given a tip off by a member of the public about 3 cheetahs further down the road, and sure enough we found them shortly. A great start to the day continued as we spotted Impalas, Kudu, Hippo, Buffalo, Vervet monkey, Steenbok, Wildebeest, Warthog and Elephant before stopping at the golf club for a mid-morning break.

After our break we stopped off at Lake Panic to watch the array of water birds and dragonflies buzzing around the lake. As we headed back we came across more Elephants, Impala, Kudu and a large male Rhino.

I decided to give the guests a bit of a break during the heat of the day and so we left for our afternoon drive at the later than normal time of 16:00. Not that this stopped the sightings which included Impala, Kudu, Warthog, Giraffe and Elephants and Rhino right next to the vehicle.

 

Keep watching for more!