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Left at 6.30 am for our early-morning game drive. We had only driven a short distance when we met a single lion - just outside the camp, and some way from the reserve. We made our way into the reserve. Undoubtedly the highlight of the day came when, slowing down to cross a dried out mudhole, our guide Marcell turned to us, "ssshhhh!! .....leopard !!! We quietly got to our feet, but couldn't see anything at first. It was only then that we realised that the leopard was lying amongst some bushes just a matter of 4 or 5 yards from the vehicle. Perfectly camouflaged, we could just make | |||||||||||||||||||||
| out his head. A short time later he came out around the back of the bushes, giving us a much better view. It was wonderful to get so close to a leopard in the wild. We continued on, encountering more mongoose, lion, two large herds of elephant - one of 15 one of 28, giraffe - one only being around 2-3 months old, and to cap it all, 2 young male cheetah. These, like the leopard, were very close to the track, sheltering from the heat of the sun. They posed quite happily - not seemingly bothered by the presence of the vehicles, or the posse of photographers - but then I supposed they get used |
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to the paparazzi! As well as the big game, there was a whole host of (the usual) animals - antelope, gazelle, zebra, and numerous birds, including the very strange-looking Secretary bird - This bird is perhaps well known for hunting snakes - and stamping them to death. Another favourite tactic - to set itself up at the edge of any bush fire, where fleeing rodents, as well as snakes, fall as easy prey. Its strange appearance belies the fact that it is a very accomplished flier. During the morning, in the shade of a lone acacia tree we had a picnic breakfast on the plains (below) | |||||||||||||||||||||
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We returned for a lovely lunch at 2pm. Had time in the afternoon to send off an e-mail to the family back home - one way traffic however, and Windows 95 - but at least it got through. Time again for a little relaxation - but it's all go on this holiday, and before too long we were preparing for our next game drive at 4pm. More cheetah, warthogs and lion. Back again at 7pm - for our evening meal - There was also occasion to celebrate, as it was Susie's birthday. The staff at the lodge led a flaming torchlight procession into the dining room - and accompanied to the Jambo music, presented Susie with a birthday cake. Full marks to the staff !! |
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After dinner - time for a little more relaxation - but only a little - as it was out again for the evening game drive at 9pm - No rest here. On the night drive we saw bush-babies, (or their eyes at least) Mara cats, hyena, dikdik, bat-eared foxes and much more. We stopped on the plains in the darkness for a mug of hot chocolate, under the watchful gaze of our armed guard. Then it was back to camp once again - and again - it was off to bed, ready for another early start. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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