“LEOPARD”…
was the cry from our tracker.
Well, not so much a shout as a whisper…
“Where”?
was the collective response
from all of us on the vehicle.
This young female had been standing
just off the side of the road…
and we had ALL missed seeing her.
Well, almost all of us.
Our tracker had noticed her,
and as a result, we turned around
 in order to follow her as she strode
 determinedly down the road.
She stopped as if she had scented prey.
Or so we thought.
But no, she was just making certain of her surroundings
and what they might be hiding,
be they either friend or foe.
A look back towards us with disdain etched on her face.
She was extremely relaxed,
but at the same time, she was aware,
but unfazed by our presence.
Deep into the bush we followed her.
She “discovered” this small hillock
and we got there just before her.
Which allowed me to get this shot of her arrival.
Just like our domestic cats at home,
a face rub along the bark in order to scent mark.
“I might be a carnivore,
BUT I am a tree-hugger as well”.
It was around this time that a Spotted Hyena
 arrived on the scene.
Obviously hoping to score a free meal,
or at least a portion of one.
Unluckily for it, there was nothing on the menu
and it loped off to search elsewhere.
Perhaps at some point one of these Impala rams
might become a target for the leopard.
It was the beginning of the rutting season during my visit
and they become vulnerable as their focus in on mating.
The dominant males that have harems
will lose condition as the drive to procreate
and protect their ewes outweighs their need to eat or rest.
This was the final view that we had.
Lit by the early morning light,
she seemed to be considering her options.
We left her to ponder what might be on her breakfast menu.
We, on the other hand, set off to see which of
the remaining 4 of the Big 5 we could locate.
For those who are unaware of the Big 5,
they are the most dangerous African animals to hunt on foot.
They are, in no particular order;
Buffalo, Lion,Leopard,Elephants and Rhino
 (either Black or White)
We were not to be disappointed.
This was just ONE of a huge herd of Buffalo that we found.
Another Big 5 sighting when we returned to the Lodge for breakfast.
A few members of an Elephant family that enjoyed
an early morning drink at the waterhole.
 While we ate breakfast on the deck.
More of my Big 5 sightings in another posting.
Back to my room to relax,
before the food, game drive, food cycle begins again.
To find out more about this beautiful camp,
visit the company website…
 
My camera brand of choice for more than 4 decades!
When it is time to print out my special images,
this is the company that I rely on to do that.
Bush gear to make me blend in…
in comfort and style.
https://www.ruggedwear.co.za
I have worn these shoes in the jungles of India
and on the beaches of Croatia.
Not to mention, many game reserves in Africa.
They are probably the most comfortable pair of shoes
that I have ever owned.
When I get home. I rely on this ISP
to provide me with high speed fibre connectivity
to enable me to get my postings published in record time.
www.cisp.co.za
This powerbank is my constant companion
 while I am travelling.
It can do up to 4 full re-charges of my phone before
needing to be charged.
Supplied by…
When offered an option…
ALWAYS be Batman.
The newest of my travelling companions.
To find out more about the collectable Funko range of figurines,
visit:
My new addition, this awesome laptop bag from Solo.
Padded for protection and with enough pockets to keep
almost everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink in,
this is definitely an stylish addition to any business presentation.
Be it in the boardroom or the bush.
This bag can also be worn as a backpack.
There are straps in a hidden compartment that can be deployed
when you need both hands for other purposes.
To find out more about the stylish Solo range,
visit:
A new “tool” in my camera bag.
This locally made product was indispensable when using a long lens.
The ball and socket might look simple…and it is,
which is why it should be in the gear bag of every serious photographer.
This locally made, deceptively simple device is ideal
for tracking birds in flight or animals in motion.
The base can be used on a beanbag or a tripod,
with the ball being fitted to the camera.
The simplicity of the device allows to to move from supported
to hand held in a fluid motion.
There is also a version that can be used on a car window.
To see more about the product,
visit their Facebook page:
Or order directly from:
Â
www.sablogawards.com
All images are the copyright property of
 
and may not be used without permission
Follow me on Twitter:Â @davidbatzofin
Visit my Facebook page:Â www.facebook.com/david.batzofin
Travel & Things Facebook page:Â https://www.facebook.com/travelandthings
Coming soon: http://www.db-photo.co.za/ and www.fbtours.co.za
