25 February 2016
Today we
started a new Safari with 4 work colleagues from Spain.
Arriving at
noon during rather hot conditions, we weren't expecting much activity other
than a few Impala, so on our way to camp for check-in we decided to head to a
nearby waterhole to see what's around. We spotted 2 Giraffe in the distance and
although quite far, it was a good view and the first Giraffe of the safari, so
definitely a crowd favorite!
Not much
further, along the access road leading to the waterhole we found a Secretary
bird on the prowl. Always a popular bird to find with their long legs and
familiar quill feathers, striding along looking for a unlucky reptile, mouse or
insect, these birds have especially adapted to hunting snakes, although roughly
90% of their diet consist of locusts. We had a very nice view of it hunting,
pausing every now and then for a snack and crossing the road in front of us.
At the same
time a breeding herd of elephant came out behind it, making their way up from
the water towards the main road. We quickly turned back to the main road, just
in time as the first elephants started crossing the road. We quietly sat and
watched them all, females and youngsters from about 3 years and older.
Following them was a bull, just lagging behind slightly and although not
showing any obvious signs of musth, he did give us a bit of a head shake after
crossing and picking up our scent. It turned out to be a good day for elephant
overall, as we also found a few Bulls of various ages throughout the afternoon.
In addition to
the Secretary bird, we also found a Wahlberg's Eagle and an African Hawk-Eagle
and on the reptile front a Flap-necked Chameleon as well as a baby Leopard
Tortoise about 5 cm in diameter!
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