Back from the bush

11-06
We just spent four nights at Umlani Bush Camp in South Africa, taking game drives at sunrise and sunset each day with a guide and a tracker. My goal was to see one big cat. Our first day there, we saw three lioness sisters resting in the shade after an unsuccessful night of hunting. We also watched a white leopard stalking an impala and a male lion with a gorgeous mane who seemed to be posing for the cameras (he even moved into the sun for better lighting).
We were within about 15 feet of him at one point, perched in an open 4WD vehicle.
We were watching a herd of elephants when they decided to go somewhere else. They passed in front and behind our truck, surrounding us as they slowly moved by.

The rondelle (thatched-roof hut) where we stayed was lit by oil lantern and the shower was outside, surrounded by tall reeds. Each morning and evening while we were out looking for wildlife, our hosts would light a fire to heat water for showers. After showers, we'd all gather around a campfire for evening drinks, then move into a dining room with reed walls on 2 sides, open on the other two. Candles were the only light. Honey badgers had broken into the kitchen but left enough for the cooks to prepare wonderful meals.
Last night we went to sleep during a wild thunderstorm and I swear I heard something BIG sleeping outside our rondelle.

This morning we saw 3 hyenas with the remains of last night's kill: a baby giraffe. One of the hyenas was sitting in a small pond guarding the remains from the other 2 hyenas. Nature is brutal! We also followed a white rhino on foot today--funny that something that could have taken us all out in 5 seconds took one look at us and ran away. Our guide looked like he weighed about 70 pounds, but he did carry a big gun... Just in case.
Also saw cape buffalo, zebras, giraffes, kudu, warthogs, eagles, monkeys and baboons. Oh, and some very poisonous twig snakes that blend in perfectly with... Twigs.

We'll post some pictures of the animals when we're back home. On our way to Cape Town today.