Luke tells the story:
The possibility of not seeing anything...
Being the only two guests in the lodge, Dusica and Stefano were lucky to have everything to themselves… Arriving early on Friday the 13th of June, they had plenty time to relax before heading out on a game drive. After high tea we left the lodge at 3:00 pm sharp (the earlier you leave the better as you have more chance to see more and spend more time in the bush!)
“It’s winter now and the bush is very dry, so the animals need to travel further in search of water and food…” I explain as I prepare them for the possibility of not seeing anything. I reassure them that there might be a chance as the animals congregate around waterholes and the Jozini Dam, ergo let’s head that way!
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Black rhino!
Believe it or not, but the very first animal we saw was the critically endangered, highly sought after black rhino! It was a young male out in the open. I stop the vehicle about 200metres away, and inform Dusica and Stefano about the black rhino. They could not yet see it, as it was well hidden and could just as well be a large rock, (but to the trained eye it’s a rock with two spears on its head.)
We then slowly drift downhill with the engine off so as not to alert him of our presence, as black rhino are renowned for being skittish or aggressive. The wind was in our favour so he could not smell us. We managed to get within 30 meters of him and our approach was so stealthy that he actually fell asleep within about 15 minutes of us watching him, a perfect time to move on and leave him to rest in peace.
A perfect moment in the bush
We head back to the vehicle and drive another 10 meters and I detect a shape in another fever tree! It can’t be! I stop and take a better look and the shape looks back at me……the most elusive of the big 5 in a most beautiful tree almost made to suit. A young leopard cub of about 1 years old is sitting, as relaxed as can be, while Dusica, Stefano and myself look on. We are the only three people on Earth looking at this leopard. As we had been careful not to disturb it in any way, it was completely relaxed and it started playing, running up and down the tree, stretching, and even chasing its tail! We watched it for just over an hour, and with the setting sun and rising full moon it was time for sundowners.
Read the full story here. Re-published with permission.
Stay at White Elephant Safari Lodge
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Overlooking the majestic Lebombo Mountains and shimmering waters of Lake Jozini, White Elephant Safari Lodge, in the Pongola Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal, captures the romance of a bygone era with deep verandahs, sweeping views and tranquillity. Luxury Safari Tents have a romantic ball and claw bath, outdoor canvas shower and private verandah. Sophisticated simplicity, elegant dining and myriad magical moments.