Leopard Attack Kruger National Park

Our initial investigation shows us no one was to blame, and that the guide did everything by the book. The leopard showed unnatural behavior due to it being sick. This is a very important matter to us and we are fully supporting the internal investigation, hoping that with all evidence gathered it will show the professional and considerate action of our guide.

On Safari With Karen 1 June 2015

1 June 2015

This morning we slept a bit longer and had some breakfast before we set off. As we were getting on the vehicle we had a tip about some lions so we set off to find them.

On our way we saw our first elephants of this safari! It was a pretty cool sighting of this mother elephant just walking slowly to the next tree when suddenly out of the bushes comes her calf running across to keep up with her. Her whole body language was screaming "mommmmmyyyyy waaiiiiittt!!" It was funny to see her calm down as soon as mum was near and they started feeding off some bushes. More and more they disappeared into the bush until it was obvious that even big grey elephants can completely disappear behind trees. 

We did get a glimpse of those lions further, twice for about 5 seconds. They had made a kill but were already full, so they were just sleeping it off close by.

Unfortunately that close by meant in the high grass and in between many bushes, so getting a visual when they were lying down was impossible. But when one and then another stood we could see the shape of them quite nicely. Upon returning to the site later we didn't see any lions but we did get a good look at the buffalo they had recently killed and half eaten. Until the smell got the better of us and we went back for lunch!

Our second highlight was a visit to Shitlhave Dam where we sat and watched the world go by. To start it was a small group of waterbucks, some woolly-necked storks and a hippo. The hippo was quite funny as he was standing out of the water but was still too sleepy to do anything. So he had fallen back asleep still standing, with his mouth drooped down on the ground. A couple of times he woke up and walked a couple of steps before going back to snooze. It looked like he had been in a fight as he had some big wounds on his side and face. A red-billed oxpecker was picking at his wounds. 

More and more waterbucks were coming and some males started to pick a fight with other males. Other woolly-necked storks were also flying in and a juvenile fish eagle was flying over. A crocodile came on shore to sun itself and zebras came down to drink too. 

Other interesting sightings: impalas, kudus, steenboks, warthog, more zebras and a herd of elephants. 

On Safari With Karen 30 June 2015

30 June 2015

We started a new safari and before we got to our first accommodation we went on a short drive. We came across a lone buffalo bull that did not want to show anything but his back, lots of kudus and a couple of male impalas. 

But we mostly enjoyed seeing a large troop of baboons. Where the older ones were just walking by, sometimes stopping for a little bite to eat, the younger ones seemed to have mostly time for play. While following the troop they bounced of bushes, rolled over the rocks and tried to tackle their friends. 

All in all a good start, as we had only driven not even 15km so far!

On safari With Curtis 30 June 2015

30 June 2015

So the final morning of this tour and we split into two groups. While I took the family for a final drive the other two went out on a bushwalk.

The highlight of this drive was a very rare sighting of two black rhino, a mother and calf. So rare is it to see the black rhino I had to double check as it was well hidden in between the sickle bush. The sighting didn't last as long as I hoped but it was still very special to see.

Also seen today was the also rare sable, elephants, buffalo, kudu, waterbuck, zebra, Impala, klipspringer, common duiker, warthog and hippo.

We also took the chance to explore just a few of the tree species and there uses and looked at the effects of fire around the area.

Meanwhile the other two were exploring the bush on foot. No animals were seen this morning but this also gave them more opportunities to learn about the smaller stuff.

Then time to say goodbye to all our guests, Eric & Thomas and Ed, Nicole, Lily and Dieto ( special mention to Pinky and Scatters!!! ) for making this a great tour. Been great having you on safari with us and travel safe wherever you next go.

On safari With Robbie and the Film Crew 29 June 2015

29 June 2015

What more can be said about today! It would take hours actually!

To see two top film makers spending hours filming the insects pollinating the Euphorbias at Kruger gate moved my soul!

To think that these tiny creatures fascinate them just as an Elephant would shows one why they are where they are today!!!!

We filmed planes game, Elephant bulls feeding,  Bateleurs gliding, Giraffes browsing and Rhinos mating which was a second up for me ever!!!!

The Kruger trip has earned the most likes out of all their world destinations on their Facebook page and this was later enhanced by their footage of Southern Ground Hornbills and 2 leopards static on a granite outcrop found at 5:15 this afternoon!

I could go on and on but it's up at five tomorrow so rest is needed!

Keeping you guys posted tomorrow evening!