Leopards of The Sabi Sands-Ulusaba Day 2

The Sabi Sands is known for the density of wildlife. The big cats are my favorite. The rangers and the trackers follow subtle signs to track these solitary big cats. Sometimes the tracks are obvious-well a track of something is obvious but, they can tell the type of animal, whether it's a cat , what type of cat, the direction it was heading and approximately how long ago. This under dry conditions when the cats are using the sandy clay roads. Sometimes their difficult job becomes even more challenging if perhaps it rained during the night. With all of that it would seem unlikely to spot these shy big cats and yet I think I am six for six. Day six I see my sixth leopard. These are number five and number six. As you see there are some things that distinguish them from each other. The way the professionals distinguish them is the number of spots on the the upper row beneath their nose-it's like a finger print.

Day Three Londolozi Lions & Leopards

Afternoon drive onto neighboring Singita's property to view part of the Tsala pride of lions. Their beautiful color in the sunlight blends with the surrounding barren trees and tawny colored rocks scattered on the ground. When the lionesses rest their heads it is difficult to spot them. The Zebras and wildebeests walking close in front of them are unaware of their presence.

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 We watch the pride rest and stretch as they move in closer for the kill awaiting the light of day to be lost behind the mountain range in the distance. The darkness of the night adds another advantage to the big cats element of surprise.

 Adam and Solley receive word that a leopard from the western region of Sabi Sands rarely seen has been sighted nearby. With the sun almost set and the cool moist air beginning to set in the jeep takes off chasing the tracks and movement of this elusive leopard called Kashane. We follow closely as he finally becomes more relaxed just beside the jeep. Shortly something startles Kashane and he takes off. His keen senses alerted him to the presence of a predator- not just one but three hyenas. He knew this could mean trouble.

A Typical Day In the African Bush Londolozi Day 2

Five am wake up call...a quick cup of coffee on the founders deck overlooking the Sand River. The sun is just peaking through the cool morning air. 

Our first sighting of the morning-a baby elephant
her family crossing the road . She's imitating her mom
raising her trunk and flapping her ears trying to scare us off.

 This is what I call too far away to capture-in the distance was a pride of lions on neighboring Mala Mala property. If you look between the branches you can just barely make out the shapes of their large manes. These three male lions were warming their full bellies on the warm heat of the runway...SO off we went in search of whatever the wild had to show us.

 Just after our ranger told us it is rare to see giraffe in the area we see a giraffe in the distance..not just one but 8 or 9 of all different ages and sizes coming to the water for a drink. To see a giraffe part his legs and lower his head to drink is amazing.

Tracker Sulley spots 3 hyenas running along side the road capturing his attention in the distance. Had this not alerted us to stop we might have missed this beautiful leopard in the bright sunshine. A very special leopard-Dudley Riverbank Female- a descendant of the first Londolozi leopard dating back to 1978. Her ears tattered from years of battle and playful cubs.

Me and Ranger Adam Bannister- morning coffee break

First night -African safari October 1st 2012. Londolozi- Sabi Sands South Africa just bordering the famous Kruger National Park. This is a return trip to this luxury camp that combines all the comforts of home and then some with a true escape into the wild of the African bush. During my four night stay I saw the big five including many of the Londolozi Leopards.