14 September 2015
Today was the
first afternoon on Safari. Upon arrival we were welcomed by a mixed herd of
Kudu and Waterbuck as well as a noisy flock of Helmeted Guineafowl on the camp
road.
After check-in
the afternoon activity was an introductory sunset drive. Braving the slight
chill in the air, the guests were treated to sightings of a large herd of
Zebra, a few Buffalo and some Giraffe with young; topped off with an African
sunset while enjoying some Amarula - just enough to perk their interest and
excitement for the days to come!
15 September 2015
Today we had a
birthday in the group and from the outset it was clear a special day was on the
cards as about 15 minutes into our drive we spotted a beautiful female Leopard
on the move. She came out into a clearing and crouched as soon as she realized
she had been spotted. She then continued on her way, but moved into the bush
until we eventually lost sight of her.
Not long after,
we came across a very impressive female White Rhino with a 2 year old calf.
They were very relaxed and we sat observing them for quite a while. There was a
patch of short, fresh grass close to the road and the guests were intrigued by
how their big lips could cut the shortest grass. It was indeed a special
experience being so close to these magnificent creatures.
We also found 2
lionesses relaxing on the edge of a riverbed as well as a very large herd of
Buffalo on both sides of the road; all of this before our morning coffee break.
As the day
warmed up, we were also treated to various elephant sightings, including a herd
with small calves crossing the road behind the vehicle and 1 very large male
with thick tusks advancing down the road towards us before heading into the
bush, he appeared to be a man on a mission and was most likely following the
breeding herd close by...
The day was
topped off by a delicious boma dinner and a special birthday cake, the perfect
end to a great day!
16 September 2015
After loading
luggage, we set out on the final morning drive of this safari.
As we have been
quite lucky throughout the first few days, the only animals left on the wish
list were more cats.
First up we heard
rumors of lions along our intended route. We were lucky enough to find 2 big
males lazily hiding from the hot morning sun in a thicket, but as they were
seemingly being harassed by flies, they were constantly swatting with their
tails, shaking their heads and looking around allowing for some decent views
even though lying down.
After a brief
coffee break at a nearby camp it was time to head towards the gate.
On our way out we
came across a leopard hiding in the bank of a drainage line. It was keeping an
eye on a family of warthogs coming down to drink, oblivious to the leopards
presence. The leopard very patiently
waited for them to get close enough, which just didn’t quite happen. The
warthogs eventually moved off and we left the sighting with the leopard still
in the same place.
That was mission
accomplished and a perfect end to a very successful safari.
