For the first time since March 27th, 2020, I was back in the bush. Well, some would say that the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is not ACTUALLY bush, but it was close to Johannesburg and it had animals and that was good enough for me! It has been several years since a previous visit to this facility and I made certain that my self-drive ‘safari’ was slow and enjoyable. There is lots of activity at the entrance where new buildings are currently under construction and there are big plans afoot to upgrade the existing buildings, enclosures at the Education Centre as well as the on-site accommodation (more of that later in this posting)
No sooner had I turned off the main road and was on my way to the entrance gate than I encountered this small herd of Oryx(aka Gemsbok) Usually found in desert regions, these precisely marked antelope are breathtaking to watch as they lope across the open areas of the Reserve.
My favourite of the iconic Big 5…The notorious Cape Buffalo, one of the most deadly animals to encounter if you are walking in the bush. They always look at you as if you owe them money. The older males are known as Dagga Boys, as the word dagga refers to cement and the dried mud that often covers them looks not too dissimilar to dried cement.
This is one of those older males, which are usually rejected by the herd when they no longer serve a purpose and are not able to keep up when they go foraging for food and water. But, that does not mean that they cannot defend themselves as many an unwary lion can attest to.
Not a species that you would normally find on the Highveld, The Black Wildebeest, also known as a White-tailed Gnu. The Reserve has several herds, making them one of the most represented species there. They are not found in Eastern Africa and are therefore not part of the regular Wildebeest migration, undertaken by their Blue (Brindled) cousins.
Aside from a large Yellow mongoose population, there are plenty of ground squirrels to sit and observe while out on a drive. In fact, you don’t even have to leave to the picnic area to see either species as they can be found within the confines of the main camp.
Much like the call of the African Fish-Eagle, the whoop-whoop of a hyena and the throaty roar of a lion, the iconic cry of the Black-backed jackal as the sun starts to set, lends an eery feeling to the encroaching darkness.
Who is the boss? Two male Eland engage in a show of strength. Revered by the San people, these large antelope are very imposing as they stand on the side of the road, almost dwarfing the SUV that I was driving. Weighing up to 900kg and at a height of around 4m, these animals are able to clear a 2m fence seemingly without breaking stride.
If you encounter a herd while you are out in the bush, listen for a clicking noise as they trot away. This is caused by the two halves of their hooves rubbing together when raised, or the movement of carpal bones or knee joint. It is a sound that they have no control over and can often alert predators to their presence.
Seeing that this is a controlled environment for the predators at this Park, they are fed, rather than hunt for themselves. BUT visitors are aware of this when entering the relevant enclosures and should not be put off by the sight of the pride tucking into a meal. The cheetah and the wild dogs are fed in similar fashion in their relevant enclosures.
I am uncertain if this Yellow mongoose was trying to take this home to the family, or was just being selfish and stealing a snack for himself.
And speaking of snacks…the sight of food made me rather peckish. The restaurant on the premises is closed during the week, but is open, with a limited menu, on the weekends. Nothing wrong with a toasted cheese-and-tomato to take the edge off gnawing hunger…
Off to the cheetah enclosure, where the animals had not received the email that I would be visiting. I was able to spot this one, albeit briefly before she seemingly vanished right before my eyes. When lying flat, these cats are able to blend into the vegetation as their size and colouration offer almost perfect camouflage.
There are two types of accommodation that will become available again before the end of August 2020. Chalets, which I was unable to access due to lockdown and the fact that they are currently undergoing cleaning and sanitization in expectation of guests that will be arriving in the not too distant future.
There is also this group of log cabins that can each sleep between 4-6 people in comfort. Both the chalets and the cabins are self-catering, but once the restaurant is fully operational once again, visitors will be able to eat there rather than cook for themselves.
No matter how many times I come across rhino in nature, I am in awe of their size and their capability to survive given the fact that they still being poached in large numbers. The Park is currently home to several of this species of varying ages and sexes. Like every other park that I have visited over the years, the exact numbers are kept a closely guarded secret.
Given the fact that intra-provincial leisure travel has been granted under Lockdown Level 3 and seeing that this child-friendly park is only 45 minutes from Johannesburg, it is the ideal destination to take the family in order to break the monotony of staying at home and watching TV. To find out more, click on the logo or visit their website, https://www.rhinolion.co.za/
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