I keep thinking Africa can't get any better and, yet, it does! This afternoon's drive started out in the same way our others had. The weather and the sky were perfect. Many varieties of birds flew in and out of the trees, monkeys signeled our arrival and we passed a herd of elephants who had just come out of the Sand River below the lodge. Watching them walk down the river as we had lunch was great entertainment. Now their bodies were still wet up to the water level of the river.
Mark and Timba, our tracker, saw signs that several hippos would be in the water hole a short distance away. Sure enough, when we got there, three of them were enjoying the water. Apparently, hippos cannot survive for long out of the water as they suffer severe dehydration. They spend all day in the water and only come out at night. They were really funny looking critters.
The next item on the agenda was African buffaloes and Mark started toward an area indicated by tracks Timba had seen. Suddenly, Mark stopped the Ranger when Timba signeled to him. Mark had told us earlier in the day that a female leopard had killed an impala and after a satiating meal last night, her cubs were finishing off the rest. Timba had spotted Mom in a tree so Mark immediately turned off the path and took the Ranger crashing through the brush toward the tree. We couldn't believe our eyes – not only was Mom in the tree, but her 1-year old male cub was happily feasting on the carcas of the impala she had killed the night before. Her other cub was playing nearby under the watchfull gaze of Mom. We were beside ourselves with excitement because this type of situation is extremely rare to be able to view. I took so many photos that my arm began to ache. The sun was beginning to set when Mom gracefully slid down the tree and went looking for her other offspring. By now it was almost dark so we turned the Rover back to the road. A later group said a lion came up and was finishing off the impala which was another reason Mom had taken her cubs away. Lions top a leopard in the predator category!
Ecstatic about our find we had forgotten the African buffalo, but pretty soon a huge herd of them crossed the road in front of us They are different from American buffalo as well as the Asian variety. Body build is similar but the horns are much more compact. They are still awesome creatures and not to be messed with. It still amazes me how no matter how much noise the Range Rover makes getting close to the game they don't seem to care as long as we stay seated.
Mark and Timba, our tracker, saw signs that several hippos would be in the water hole a short distance away. Sure enough, when we got there, three of them were enjoying the water. Apparently, hippos cannot survive for long out of the water as they suffer severe dehydration. They spend all day in the water and only come out at night. They were really funny looking critters.
The next item on the agenda was African buffaloes and Mark started toward an area indicated by tracks Timba had seen. Suddenly, Mark stopped the Ranger when Timba signeled to him. Mark had told us earlier in the day that a female leopard had killed an impala and after a satiating meal last night, her cubs were finishing off the rest. Timba had spotted Mom in a tree so Mark immediately turned off the path and took the Ranger crashing through the brush toward the tree. We couldn't believe our eyes – not only was Mom in the tree, but her 1-year old male cub was happily feasting on the carcas of the impala she had killed the night before. Her other cub was playing nearby under the watchfull gaze of Mom. We were beside ourselves with excitement because this type of situation is extremely rare to be able to view. I took so many photos that my arm began to ache. The sun was beginning to set when Mom gracefully slid down the tree and went looking for her other offspring. By now it was almost dark so we turned the Rover back to the road. A later group said a lion came up and was finishing off the impala which was another reason Mom had taken her cubs away. Lions top a leopard in the predator category!
Ecstatic about our find we had forgotten the African buffalo, but pretty soon a huge herd of them crossed the road in front of us They are different from American buffalo as well as the Asian variety. Body build is similar but the horns are much more compact. They are still awesome creatures and not to be messed with. It still amazes me how no matter how much noise the Range Rover makes getting close to the game they don't seem to care as long as we stay seated.
The drive was not over, however, as we spotted a graceful young giraffe on the way back, but it was too dark for good photos.
Mark had begun describing the stars again when he asked if we'd like to stop by the airstrip on the way to the lodge to see the large telescope located there. Everyone agreed to the suggestion and we headed back to the airstrip. As we got close to the airfield, we noticed it was all lit up which was unusual for a tiny airstrip. When we stopped, we found out it was a surprise Tasting Dinner for us. The Lodge had decorated the whole area with Tiki torches, luminaries, outdoor heaters and a big fire. We had such a fun 5-course tasting with coordinating wines. Thus, the 2nd culinary event of the evening!
The evening culminated with the GumBoot dancers. This was a group of African men from the nearby village who did incredible tap dancing. Apparently, the miners years ago came from different regions, and, to avoid their forming an organization, the mine owners forbid them to communicate verbally. The men found a way inspite of this order – they began tapping as a form of communication and the result was wonderful tap dancing with their big rubber boots that were worn in mines.
Hopefully you figured out, the topic of this blog – Two Culinary Delights – the leopards and ours. If I have gained nothing else from my incredible stay in Africa, it is an appreciation of “The Circle of Life”. Watching the leopards tonight was the epitomy of nature fulfilling that cycle.
We leave tomorrow for Sabi Sabi, another game park south of Singita.
I have learned that there is no way to predict or guarantee what the game drives will hold – and I guess that could also be said of life.
Hope to be able to send out a last report on our adventures before returning home. It all depends on internet access.
Linda
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