We woke expecting the worst after the massive thunderstorm that had rolled through overnight. The only silver lining I could think of was that at least the rain would settle the dust that had been hanging in the air on our drives so far. At the main lodge, as we grabbed our morning coffee and snacks, I glanced around to see if the storm had left its mark. To my relief, nothing looked out of place.
We came across one of my favorite African birds early on in our game drive. It was a beautiful Lilac-breasted roller perfectly perched on a branch.
Once again, JJ decided to try the hyena den, since our way in had been blocked the day before. This time, the hyenas allowed us closer, emerging to greet us. They seemed completely at ease approaching the vehicle—even if we were the ones feeling a little uneasy.
As I’ve mentioned before, I usually lean over the side of the vehicle to get better shots. But with hyenas circling us from every direction, I had to stay extra alert to avoid getting too close for their liking. One particularly curious hyena came right up, and that’s when I managed to capture the shot.
After spending some time with the hyenas we moved on to the sand river again in search of more photographic opportunities. JJ decided now might be a good time for a break. We got out of the vehicle and JJ setup a nice offering of coffee and snacks.
After we stretched our legs for a bit, we climbed back in and continued on. We headed down to the river and came across a leopard and her cub. They were moving through the tall grasses and very difficult to keep track of. Our vehicle was in the perfect spot when the cub emerged from the grass.
The leopard mother was on the hunt, her eyes fixed on a small herd of impala grazing along the hillside by the river. For the next half hour or so, we held our breath as she crept closer—every step deliberate, every movement hidden by the grass. Eventually, she slipped out of sight, though we knew she was still out there, watching, waiting. Our attention shifted to the impala, alert but unaware. Then, in an instant, the calm shattered into chaos. The leopard burst from the grasses, using a nearby tree for cover, and launched her attack. But luck wasn’t on her side this time—the impala scattered, and she came up empty.
During our drive, we were lucky enough to spot one of my wish list items, a Fish Eagle. The lighting was poor, so the photo isn't the greatest. We also saw a playful young elephant, baboons, mongoose, and a Saddle-billed Stork.
