We were fortunate enough to be treated to a pride of lions (one male and two females) kicking back after ravishing a wildebeest. The whole experience of getting there was exhilarating, as I was hoping to be the first to spot the first animal from our jeep. Imagine my surprise when we suddenly veered off-road, and after a few twists and turns with branch ducking, there they were. Some repositioning of the jeep, and they were not more than a short pounce away. The excitement and adrenaline helped blot out the possibilities of going into a panic. One can fully understand why children under 12 are persona non-grata at private game lodges. Those cute little pussy cats looked like they need a tummy scratch!
We were also treated to the sight of vultures. Now, there’s a bird with all the odds against it–-the lions seemed to only have left enough for a light starter! We did drive past again the following morning, and only bones were testament to the wildebeest’s existence. Not even the obligatory flies were around anymore.
Over the next few drives, we were fortunate enough to track a lone male leopard. That was quite a ride, indeed–-you could feel the ranger’s anxiety and frustration, as we’d been driving for a while without any luck. So we were more than pleasantly surprised when there he was, right in our path. I think an inexperienced ranger may well have driven over the leopard! He was certainly quite an exquisite feline creature--the long strides, the slim muscular torso, and still that pussy-cat-needs-a-tummy-rub cuteness.
Our encounter with a rhino was at a safe distance. These hulking bodies may be blind, but a whiff of homo sapien or other unwelcome visitors can send it in two directions: away from or straight at you!