May 2007
It was my Guests last evening at Thanda, and there was some debate as to whether they should do "one more drive" or not. Mum and girls decided to enjoy the facilities provided at the Lodge, while father & son opted for a short, one hour excursion.
Well, Nature has a way of taking over and changing the best laid plans. Soon after setting off, we came across a group of four White Rhino. Although the family had already seen this member of the Big 5, these rhino's were close and perfectly posed for some good pictures. While watching them and discussing their habits, my attention was caught by movement on the hill opposite, and sure enough, on closer inspection, the male lion that had eluded us on previous drives came into view.
Setting off for a closer look, we discovered 2 female lionesses accompanying him and luckily for us they decided to take the easy route and stroll along the road, providing more good photographic opportunities. Then, as a small group of warthog appeared on the crest of the hill - something that few are privileged to witness... The females, although looking well fed and contented, decided to gave chase.
They caught up with the warthog a short distance away in the long grass, and we were fortunate to be able to get close again in time to see the male steal the kill from the females. He stood with it hanging from his mouth, almost posing for a while, snarling at the lionesses if they came too close, before eventually settling down out of sight to enjoy his evening meal.
Having far exceeded the one hour that we had intended to be out, we turned for home, only to be stopped once again by another of the Big 5, this time the elephant. The breeding herd in-fact, accompanied by one of the big bulls. We circled round to get in front of them, and were rewarded as they crossed the road behind us, the youngsters kicking up dust as they tussled and played.
Moral of the story? You never know what lies around the next bend or on the next drive - Nature has a way of surprising you every time.
Well, Nature has a way of taking over and changing the best laid plans. Soon after setting off, we came across a group of four White Rhino. Although the family had already seen this member of the Big 5, these rhino's were close and perfectly posed for some good pictures. While watching them and discussing their habits, my attention was caught by movement on the hill opposite, and sure enough, on closer inspection, the male lion that had eluded us on previous drives came into view.
Setting off for a closer look, we discovered 2 female lionesses accompanying him and luckily for us they decided to take the easy route and stroll along the road, providing more good photographic opportunities. Then, as a small group of warthog appeared on the crest of the hill - something that few are privileged to witness... The females, although looking well fed and contented, decided to gave chase.
They caught up with the warthog a short distance away in the long grass, and we were fortunate to be able to get close again in time to see the male steal the kill from the females. He stood with it hanging from his mouth, almost posing for a while, snarling at the lionesses if they came too close, before eventually settling down out of sight to enjoy his evening meal.
Having far exceeded the one hour that we had intended to be out, we turned for home, only to be stopped once again by another of the Big 5, this time the elephant. The breeding herd in-fact, accompanied by one of the big bulls. We circled round to get in front of them, and were rewarded as they crossed the road behind us, the youngsters kicking up dust as they tussled and played.
Moral of the story? You never know what lies around the next bend or on the next drive - Nature has a way of surprising you every time.
Michelle Swemmer - Field Guide