South Africa - Day 6 - There be cats here!
Gordon’s birthday!
Tuesday morning again started with a 6AM drive. Elizabeth was off to Victoria Falls.
Just before we went to bed on Monday, we heard a lion in the distance (km or two away) and then we heard it in the middle of the night. So we set out on Tuesday morning looking for the cat. Paw prints of two male lions were found, but after an hour or two of search, no animals.
Sunrise:
We did, once again come across another gray heron, the rhino pair, several herds of impala, a couple of kudus, and one large, older, male giraffe.
We also saw a Green Hoopoe bird in a tree. We saw a giraffe and a Forked Tail Drongo in the same spot. The Drongo hangs around giraffes and other large animals so they can get the insects that the animals stir up. Also spotted the rhino pair again.
Back for breakfast. Then Christine was off for home.
After breakfast was a drive/walk with Matt.
Got a good shot of a warthog as we drove out.
The walks are always single file and quiet so the guide can listen out. We looked at trees, prints (another lion print), and the ant lion (one of the “small five"). Also saw a dead land snail, quite large. On the way back to the Land Rover, we spotted a cape buffalo, and had to wait a bit before making our way to the land rover, Matt with rifle in hand. And we saw a giraffe as we entered the camp.
Trees/shrubs during the walk: Red spike thorn (pictures with flowers), White Raisin Bush, Flaky Bark Thorn (big spikes, ants inject enzymes to make thorns grow, Sicklebush (can puncture tires). Leadwood tree next to Magic Guarri (toothbrush) tree. Leadwood has lots of lime in it. When burned to ash, the ash can be made into a toothpaste. Conjecture that Magic Guarri needs sweeter soil.
Shower and then lunch.
Before lunch, we took some pictures of warthogs in the camp area right from our porch.
Then it was time for the afternoon drive. A family from France was late coming down from Kruger, so we went off without them.
Isaac found the female lion! They call her Lisa. We took a ton of pictures, then drove back a short way to pick up Mary, Gerry (?), Remy (21), Martin (16). Back to the lion!
She pretty much ignored our vehicle (and a second one), and mostly slept. Isaac believes she is pregnant.
We spotted mongoose. Matt loves all creatures, big and small.
After sundown break, we headed off, Isaac with spotlight. What an amazing night — zebra, genet, civet, jarhead bird, hawk eagle, bush baby, and a chameleon. Mostly did not get good photo shots.
Luan, one of the guides, headed out for a break. David helped out for the evening.
Dinner was mutton with a custard tart for dessert.
— Eileen and Larry 19-Aug-2014