We are staying in the Tree Camp at the Londolozi lodge. Londolozi means "to preserve". Spectacular is the only word to use to describe this place. We flew in on a teeny-tiny airplane (seats 2 people plus the pilot). The pilot, who looked to be 15 years old (obviously not), competently flew us on this 5 minute...no kidding...flight to Londolozi. The day was gorgeous and it was awesome to see the land from a low flying plane.
After lunch and then high-tea, we headed off for our first game drive. Different than the previous camp, these Land Rovers do not have tops or sides. A male leopard was tracked. What an absolutely gorgeous animal!!! We watched it for a while until it started to move. He walked to the vehicle, and walked right up to where I (Joyce) was sitting. He couldn't have been 5 inches away from me. I nearly had a stroke! However, he didn't care about the vehicle or me. All the animals are used to the vehicles and disregard them. They see the vehicles and the people in them as uninteresting and non-threatening. Easy to say and you trust what your guide tells you - but, still scary when a wild animal is walking right toward you! Anyway - I will never forget that moment and seeing this stunning animal so close to me.
We followed this leopard for a bit, then headed off to see other animals. This leopard has reached puberty (2 yrs old) and will need to leave this area because he will be competition/threat for another male leopard who is in this area. The leopard will be forced to leave and find it's own territory.
After an early evening glass of wine/beer and snacks "in the bush"..we headed back to camp. Our guide is Richard and tracker is Judas. Truly phenomenal. In the dark, and I do mean pitch black evening, Judas spotted a scorpion on a branch and 2 different chameleons. He is a master tracker - and magical. Richard has been a guide for many, many years and has immense knowledge and insight into animal behavior.
Another amazing day in South Africa! We are having a great time! I know I keep saying that...but, it's true!
After lunch and then high-tea, we headed off for our first game drive. Different than the previous camp, these Land Rovers do not have tops or sides. A male leopard was tracked. What an absolutely gorgeous animal!!! We watched it for a while until it started to move. He walked to the vehicle, and walked right up to where I (Joyce) was sitting. He couldn't have been 5 inches away from me. I nearly had a stroke! However, he didn't care about the vehicle or me. All the animals are used to the vehicles and disregard them. They see the vehicles and the people in them as uninteresting and non-threatening. Easy to say and you trust what your guide tells you - but, still scary when a wild animal is walking right toward you! Anyway - I will never forget that moment and seeing this stunning animal so close to me.
We followed this leopard for a bit, then headed off to see other animals. This leopard has reached puberty (2 yrs old) and will need to leave this area because he will be competition/threat for another male leopard who is in this area. The leopard will be forced to leave and find it's own territory.
After an early evening glass of wine/beer and snacks "in the bush"..we headed back to camp. Our guide is Richard and tracker is Judas. Truly phenomenal. In the dark, and I do mean pitch black evening, Judas spotted a scorpion on a branch and 2 different chameleons. He is a master tracker - and magical. Richard has been a guide for many, many years and has immense knowledge and insight into animal behavior.
Another amazing day in South Africa! We are having a great time! I know I keep saying that...but, it's true!
Joyce and Tim: Your photos and accounts of your game drives and encounters with the animals were breathtaking. Joyce, you were very brave. Tim too, I'm sure. Betty
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