RHINO
#241389
05/14/14 02:15 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
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We are finally in South Africa. DFW to Houston (6 hour layover did some business with Ker & Downey) to London - 10 hour layover to Johannesburg. On arrival we found our luggage was still in London. Then a flight to Cape Elizabeth (between JNB and CPT) than an expected flight into the game park, cloudy so we could not fly so a 1 hour drive then a 15 minute flight. On arrival straight out on a game drive. To say the least we are pooped. Ken got on line in the room (nice) so I decided to drop in and let everyone know we finally made it.
Checking out a camp that is not in Kruger but good for the time frame most ships come down to South Africa. Different here than in Kruger but today was good. It did get up a new boost of energy. They have oryx here like Kruger has impalas! Stunningly beautiful animals.
Swamped tomorrow after the game drive going on site inspections, then an afternoon game drive. We might have some time the next day before we leave here
We saw Jjim and Pam briefly at the JNB airport on arrival and saw THEIR bags going aorund on the carousel. Last year they lost their luggage and did not get it back until AFTER the safari. Hope that does not happen to us all the pins are in that luggage!
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241390
05/14/14 04:24 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
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What a trip Ngaire, I'm exhausted just reading about it. Thank goodness you're there safe and sound and hope your luggage arrives soon. I need to google Oryx to see what they look like.
Have a WONDERFUL trip !!
Marcie
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241391
05/14/14 05:01 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,471
sedona
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Horrors..my worst fear is lost luggage. Glad you arrived safely! At the airport ready to board for our first leg to Paris.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241392
05/14/14 05:12 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 256
S&K
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What a busy and exhausting time Ngaire and no luggage. Hope it turns up soon in time for RHINO.
We are waiting in SYD for our flight to JNB. We will be there late this afternoon. So looking forward to seeing everyone and to our great adventures together.
Sheila and Ken
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241399
05/15/14 04:57 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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We are 3 hours in to our 11 hour Heathrow layover.
We carried on. Duffel bags are a killer to lug through the airport, and we brought smaller ones than the K&D ones. The neck and shoulder chair massage at Elemis will help, but we still have to lug them to the gate. Definitely checking them on the way home.
See everyone soon!
Leslie
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241403
05/15/14 09:40 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 447
pammy
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Resting up. Did a. Little shopping and going for massage number 2. We also carried on most of our luggage. Jim wanted t o check it but I said no way after last year. Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow .
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241404
05/15/14 10:38 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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Are you at the airport hotel, Pam? Wondering if they have a spa or if you went somewhere else?
Leslie
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Leslie B]
#241406
05/15/14 01:48 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 447
pammy
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Staying in The Residence as compared to la residence in jburg. Lovely small hotel with a great staff. We recommend to one and all who are coming this way to recoup from miserable plane rides
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241407
05/15/14 01:51 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
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Wishing ALL such a safe, wonderful Safari vacation. Sorry Tom & I aren't with you this trip but we're with ya in spirit !
Marcie
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241408
05/15/14 02:31 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
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RHINO HEAVEN - Internet is spotty so I will write and post and write a post so I wont lose it all if we go down. Rushing probably tons of typos but that is better than no post at all.
What a day. Our expectations were low coming here to Kwandwe because this is all converted farm land and are smaller reserves a totally different thing to the vast area of Kruger and the wilder nature of the Sabi Sand area. It is still is VERY different but certainly has its high points. Beautiful mountains, rivers it is really lovely.
These East Cape lodges are all stocked with game and then they live wild. There are the big five, elephants, rhino, buffalo, lions, leopard here. The leopard are now being seen about 3 times a week a huge increase in sightings over a few years back when it was once every two months. They also have a lot of plains animals you do not see in Sabi Sands. Number one on my list is the Oryx. What a stunning animal and they have a lot of them along with other types of plains game. The wildebeest is different with a white horse like tail.
So our adventure began today with a sighting of a black rhino. For those that do not know the color is the same. The white rhino is calmer and grazes on grasses. The black rhino is aggressive and browses on trees and bushes. Nearly all the black rhino I have seen is at a distance and they disappear also the rangers do not "push the envelope" These black rhinos here are a little more relaxed and pretty inquisitive. He heard us and came CLOSER an unusual thing from the start. He kept making his way closer to us and the ranger also got closer. Then we stopped and he made a mock charge. It was absolutely fantastic!! It was not scary at all the ranger knew the animal and that makes all the difference. Ken got STUNNING shots of him running to us. At the end he ran behind the vehicle and crossed the road. We were thrilled will probably never see that again.
We saw a lot of white rhino as well during the drive. Zebra really acting up (again Ken got some good action shots) giraffes that came really close, all kinds of new antelopes.
Then it was the lions turn. The drive the night before we saw a group of lionesses with some teenage cubs, the typical sleeping lions scenario. But today was so much better. We came across a big male (they are big and healthy with some of the Kalahari genes like Madikwe Hills) and one female. They had a wildebeest kill. Not sure what Ken will post because although it is not as nasty as it looks in person on a picture it is pretty graphic. He was chomping away and anytime the female tried to eat there was a big spat. We stayed for along time. He got up and dragged the carcass they were moving around a lot. Finally he dropped it and moved back and a signal that the female could have the leftovers. This all took place in a plains area with wildebeest, springbok, oryx and other antelopes. The lions were too full to hunt again but kept looking at each other as if to say -should we?
More happened as well but the black rhino and the lions were the highlights.
No time for breakfast we ran off to visit another lodge. It took 90 minutes to get there and on arrival we were immediately loaded on a boat and went up very long river. We saw birds and giraffes on the side of the river. We arrived at the site of a new camp they are building and looked at that in the very early stages.. Then we drove back to the main lodge. On the way it was again Black Rhino heaven.
This time a standoff between a white rhino and a black rhino. They do not get along at all. The white rhino (a BIG boy) started walking towards the black rhino. A lot of noises and behavior from both. The ranger said the white rhino was the KING of the rhinos and the boss of everyone, white or black. The black rhino was smaller, but he stood his ground and advanced. When the white rhino charged that black rhino "turned on a dime" and started running. The chase was on and continued across the plain and up the hill. Again something we may never see again. Then we hit a HUGE bull elephant. They call him the gentle giant. He was so incredibly calm. He was bought in from Kruger and the other lodges were nervous about having a bull this big. But for the game lodge that took him he has been a big draw. HUGE tusks and just as gentle as can be. Now during the mating season it may be a different story. No time for lunch so we ate in about 5 minutes maximum, some cold chicken and salad and we left. Arriving back at Kwandwe we went immediately on a game drive. we were sold on the game so we asked to see more of the landscape and if we saw anything that was a bonus. We only had about an hour but it was a great drive. The sunset here was a 360 degree full circle of color, brilliant orange and pinks. Never see anything like that. Where is NIKON KEN (of Ken and Sheila) when you need him. Lots of giraffes and a stunning sunset - just what he always wants to find.
This has been enlightening. I have always felt the East Cape lodges did not compare to the Kruger area. I still believe that to be true but there are definitely advantages to these lodges that I was not really aware of before. I think since we visited this area about 8 years ago there have been great improvements. The game is better, they now have buffalo, leopards are "coming" and maybe seen more often.
This particular lodge has more a Kruger safari feel as there are no farms in sight from the game reserve and a low density of vehicles. Several people told us this was the best East Cape lodge and I think they are correct. For past safari BK people it is on a par with Kings Camp on the luxury scale. The food has been great. We are the ONLY two guests as soon as we leave they are refurbishing. I think the stayed open to accommodate us which was very nice of them. There are six rooms, VERY large and well designed. We have enjoyed our stay here. The ranger was really excellent as well.
Now excited to see everyone tomorrow. They may not recognize me. Dirty clothes and hair not a pretty sight. Tomorrow we have to visit the other lodges on this reserve then fly to Johannesburg and HOPE our luggage is there!
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241409
05/15/14 03:35 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,761
seadog
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Loved your post, Ngaire! Thank you so much for taking the time to share it with us! Can't wait for more! Everyone have a great safari!!!
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241410
05/15/14 03:35 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 558
TedC
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Ngaire THANKS for the great reports!
I was told "white" Rhinos got that name because "white" Rhinos had a wider mouth and Dutch word for wide translated to "white."!
(I wanted to use that for trivia sometime, but I guess I blew it!)
"Life is far too serious to be taken seriously."
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241411
05/15/14 03:52 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241412
05/15/14 04:03 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
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That is correct Ted that is why the white rhino got its name.
Ken has more pictures but it is LATE we have to hit the sack will post more later.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241413
05/15/14 04:05 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 558
TedC
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Wonderful images Ken - hope you were using a long lens!
Was it a "white" or "black" Rhino?''
(I'd guess "white'! It looks like a WIDE mouth to me thanks to Ken's closeups!)
"Life is far too serious to be taken seriously."
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241416
05/15/14 06:59 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216
RachelG
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Wow, great pics and narrative Ngaire and Ken. Guess the trip is appropriately named rhino.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241418
05/15/14 09:58 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 961
Anna B.
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Holy Smokes, I think I might have had heart failure right then and there! What a wonderful series of photos, Ken! Reminds me of "our" elephant! I am so happy to hear that you all are well on your way to JNB and the beginning of a wonderful adventure. Might as well get it out there right now that we have had to cancel due to health issues and I am absolutely heartbroken. I wish you all the very best safari ever! I will be with you in spirit every step of the way!
Kathy
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241419
05/15/14 10:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
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I'm with you Kathy, about the heart failure thing. I hate charges, and I have only had "fake" or "false" ones twice, elephants, one with a big bull when ranger went into reverse, the other was just a teenager kid, trying out his "stuff". While both scared the life out of me, all those other memories from ROAR 1 and 2, I could just go back again and again.
So sorry you had to cancel, and good thoughts coming your way.
Looking to many more posts of pix and narratives along the way. Ngaire and Ken make a great team to do both, but hope there are some other lens lads and lassies on RHINO as well. Eases the pressures on the leaders!
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Re: RHINO
[Re: jhp]
#241421
05/16/14 12:08 AM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 104
MooSa
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I want to go back again!!! Even though I just got home--so addicting.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241424
05/16/14 03:40 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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Wow, fabulous photos! How perfect to start with a black rhino.
After waiting for a few hours, our room is finally ready at the City Lodge. We have now been in transit for about 40 hours. Our flight from London was on a new Airbus 380. We sat on the upper level, which was probably 1/3 full. Very quiet ride, although BA still has the same type of business class seats as on their other planes, with the forward and rear facing seats and the necessity for the window person to have to climb over the bottom of the other passenger's seat when it is fully reclined.
We had a nice visit with Ken and Sheila while they ate breakfast, saw some of Chris & Linda's gorilla photos, and now we are settling in for showers and naps.
Leslie
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241435
05/17/14 05:52 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
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Second day at Kwande.
We got in the vehicle and our ranger Grant said "how about some spotted cats" This area is not known for cheetah or leopard. It may be in time but certainly not now. So off we go with zero real expectations. We had been out about 15 minutes and were looking at some Kudu and we heard an alarm call. So we headed in that direction. There they were - two cheetahs. They were laying in the sun, awake and now and then looking around. Then they both focused on an area in front of them. Through binnoculars we could see a few wildebeest and some springbok. They were a long way off.
The cheetahs got up and slowly started making their way to that area. We followed them for about 30 minutes as they would move and stop at bushes. It was a long way and alot of open ground to cover. Finally a spurt of running as they targeted the wildebeest. They missed, and the black wildebeest got away and were snorting and shaking their white horse looking tails. I really like this variety of wildebeest they are different.
Our ranger called other vehicles but they were far away with elephants so we were the only ones at the sighting. I love this low density safari experience. The positives are situations like this the negatives are not enough eyes out to find sightings.
We finished off the drive with an incredibly relaxed red hartebeest. We saw two oryx really close that were also relaxed.
We wished we had one more day. They are on a river (as are most lodges) but the have a boat and will take you out on the river and you can fish if you wish. It was a wonderful place and definitely exceeded my expectations.
We visited another camp but it was not up to the standards of Kwandwe.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241439
05/17/14 10:43 AM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 258
Mark and Cheron
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Kathy, So sorry you are having health issues and had to miss the safari. I know you were so looking forward to this trip. Take care,my friend. Cheron
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241440
05/17/14 10:48 AM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 961
Anna B.
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Cheron and Olivia, Thank you so much for your good wishes!
Kathy
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241442
05/17/14 02:54 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
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More photos from Kwandwe: Two male and one female ostrich. White Rhino scratching his belly. The dominant male lion "blowing in the wind" A little zebra action. Grant, Munday, and Ngaire stretching their legs on the game drive. Ending the day with a beautiful sunset. Next day we say two male cheetah. Red Hartebeest running with the Springbok.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241443
05/17/14 03:50 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,369
Beth
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Ken, Those are some amazing photos. So wish I was back in South Africa again.
Keep the safari mail coming!!!
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241444
05/17/14 03:57 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
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Today we arrived at Mala Mala. The rooms here are wonderful and we all settled in and then enjoyed a lunch on the deck. Everyone gathered at 3.00 pm to have afternoon tea and then go on a game drive. I think we left at 3.05 pm - nobody wanted tea they wanted to GO.
What an afternoon - key sightings were Five lions on a kill A giraffe trying to cross a river, never seen one do that before. A leopard in a tree with an impala kill and hyenas gathering below when in trots a WILD DOG.
First day on Rhino we get WILD DOG. It cannot get better than this I was thrilled. So the chase was on. Our ranger informed the other rangers and we started crashing through the bush chasing that dog. Of course the dog joined up with his pack. Then most of the dogs came over to our vehicle and were all around it incredibly close. We could have reached down and touched them. So am I in heaven or what! Then a lone impala ran RIGHT in front of us and the dogs A pretty dumb impala but amazingly the dogs were unsuccesful. Several more chases co-ordinated with the other vehicles but when we left the dogs had not had a kill. It is amazing how the dogs totally ignore those crashing loud vehicles like they are not even there.
It is so fun to be with everyone again and what a wonderful way to start. It is a key line up of rangers I think they are all going to be excellent. Cannot wait for tomorrow.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241445
05/17/14 08:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216
RachelG
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Sounds excellent, and the pics are wonderful as well. Can't wait till next year.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241448
05/18/14 02:44 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
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Mala Mala - Day One: Our first sighting after leaving camp for the evening game drive. A male giraffe trying to cross the Sand River to join with his female frends. Our first leopard sighting. The male leopard came down to a lower area of the tree to partake of his earlier kill. A wild dog came along to see if he could share in the dinner, but the leopard said NO!! Then came a spotted hyena came along to share with the same reply. We then followed the wild dog and the race was on. We met up with his buddies after a Ferrari Safari. An impala came through the clearing and took everyone off guard, and the chase was on. The wild dogs missed out. We continued to follow them until it was time to go back to the lodge for our dinner.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241449
05/18/14 02:48 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
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Posts: 885 |
James, our ranger found a cameleon on a branch on the was back.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241450
05/18/14 03:07 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
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Day Two Mala Mala
Morning started off with a great eagle who posed for us and then a stunning Kudu then we were looking for leopard with no success. We stopped for coffee and climbed a hill and had a wonderful view over the bush.
Then the BUZZ on the radio - wild dogs again. More ferrari safari to join the dogs. The dogs crossed into a river bed heading directly for a pride of lions. Everyone was holding their breath we did not want to see a lion kill a wild dog. The dogs just kept moving towards the lions seemingly unaware of the lions. Suddenly one of the dogs spotted the lions. He jumped up on his two back legs and make a yipping noise. I assume warning the pack. The lions heard that and gave chase. We were right in the path of the dogs and the lion. It all happened so fast but fortunately the dogs got away but we could not find them they moved so fast. THe lions all returned to the river bed. We left for breakast.
This afternoon was very slow. We spend the afternoon leopard hunting but with no success. If there are a lot of lions around the leopards are hard to find. If there are a lot of leopards out then you see few lions. Some of the vehicles went to a herd of Cape Buffalo but we decided to stick to the leopard traqckng. Tomorrow all the rangers are going to focus on finding the leopards. This is what Mala Mala is famous for is leopard. Hopefully we will have better luck tomorrow. The rangers here are fantastic, the dream team.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241451
05/18/14 05:48 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 558
TedC
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Great images as usual! It appears to be Zebra mating season.( I didn't realize there were so many LCT voyeurs!)
"Life is far too serious to be taken seriously."
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241455
05/19/14 04:27 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
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Day Three
Good morning for all the vehicles. Everyone saw different things but collectively we had two big male lions, pride of lions, and two differernt leopards for the big cat sightings. Rhino we saw two young males and the " boss male " rhino have a bit of standoff. We thought there might be a fight but the younger males backed off.
My favorite thing today was a baby giraffe running with his tail flopping all over the place. I guess like a young elephant and its trunk the giraffe does not know how to control its tail. We also saw a black backed jackel right at the car and he did not move, and male and female ostrich.
We heard a pride of lions with CUBS just moved into Mala Mala land so that would be wonderful if we can find them this afternoon.
Ken is off doing a bush walk with about half the group so I am posting while I can before he takes over to post pictures.
Tomorrow we have our last game drive here and move to the North to Royal Malewane. Sad to leave here, this room must be the best I have ever experienced in any camp in Africa. Actually the best room I think I have ever had. Two full his and her bathrooms and lot of space to put everything.Plus a HUGE deck.
LIFE IS GOOD!
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241456
05/19/14 07:22 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,761
seadog
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Ken and Ngaire! Thank you for taking the time to post the wonderful photos and exciting narratives! Great way to start my day!
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241458
05/19/14 08:08 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
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What a great time you all are having and such fabulous photos! I laugh thinking of Jim always asking to see warthogs on LEOPARD.
I loved reading about the baby giraffe and hope you get to see the lion cubs.
Marcie
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241467
05/19/14 08:27 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,967
jhp
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..............and Ngaire is always waiting to see more wild dogs. She must be in heaven.
I have hung on to every word and picture, Ngaire and Ken. Thank you so much for all the descriptive reports and living photos, you have no idea how they are enjoyed here for those of us who aren't on for this one. Well, yes you do. What a trip! I feel like I am there, almost......... I know everyone just revels at dinner every night.
lol, my mother used to tell me that he who hoots with the owls at night cannot soar with the eagles in the day. A lesson learned on ROAR l with wake-up calls in the dark.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241475
05/20/14 03:04 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885
Ken
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 885 |
Mala Mala - Day 2: Bateleur Eagle. Male Kudu. Brett, our ranger went into the bush to look for lion tracks. Klipspringer. Wild Dogs on the hunt. Alpha male sees lions in the river bed. . Lions see wild dog. The chase is on. Lions give up the chase and go to the river to relax and the wild dogs leave the Mala Mala Reserve.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ken]
#241479
05/20/14 05:31 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,511
Ms Understood
cruiser
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cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,511 |
Wow! How cool is that bunch of lions??? Next year cannot come soon enough for us! ----------------------------------- Helen
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241482
05/21/14 05:04 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
OP
cruiser
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OP
cruiser
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919 |
Got to play catch up been too busy to post. So much has happened so I will just mention the highlights.
We went to a whole new area in the morning and were treated to some things we had not seen yet. A very relaxed black backed jackel sunning who just sat there for us rather than running away as they usually do. Ostrich both females and males. Two young male rhinos being bullied by a larger rhino. A very young giraffe running who did not have control of his tail yet and it was going all over the place. It was so cute I have never seen that before.
Before the third afternoon game drive we were treated to a whole herd of elephant coming down to the river and crossing over and ending up right in front of our camp. There were lots of babies so much fun to watch. Then a second herd came down and joined the first herd. Elephants every where. We hated to leave and go on the drive.
We took a group picture at the same spot the lions were resting after their wild dog chase. These were four HUNKY rangers and all very nice. Figured we should post a picture of them for something else to anticipate for the ladies on Zebra next year.
That afternoon and the next morning we were treated to some good sightings.
We got to see the Manyaletti coalition of the four male lions. BIG BOYS! They have been covering a large area of the area over many different reserves busily befriending as many of the ladies as possible and getting rid of the other suitors. The four of them had killed a buffalo and one was busily feeding and crunching the bones. It is fascinating to watch. Finally he had enough and he dropped down panting and sleeping with his three brothers.
We also had a great sighting of both monkeys and baboons. They are fun to watch and always active. Giraffe are always wonderful, they are so graceful and we had some wonderful time watching them.
Then it was time to say farewell to Mala Mala and head off to Royal Malewane.
This is a very expensive lodge and the lodge experience is as good as it gets. After settling into our lovely rooms we headed into lunch. It was amazing. So much fantastic food. For a main course they had Beef Tenderlion or Kingklip ( a great fish) what a choice for lunch!
The afternoon game drive was quieter but a great sighting of a huge herd of cape buffalo at a watering hole and a little "hanky panky" going on as well.
Dinner a six course tasting. In order of presentation and accompanied by nice wines. Each person's menu was personalized with their name. How on earth did they learn us all so quickly. I did not help them identify the people!
Walnut and apricot bread. Salmon Duck breast and asparagus Zucchini Soup Mains - Norwegian Salmon or Rack of lamb Chocolate pudding with orange and cream
Each course was extremely good. Probably one of the best meals I have ever had. Ken ordered an after dinner drink and it was warmed up by being rested on glass of hot water. The final classy touch. This was an amazing evening.
The next mornings game drive started out slow. Sometimes it seems there are no animals around. Then it heated up. We went to a hyena den and there were four and three month old puppies. This is one of my favorite sightings of all and I always hope to see wild dogs and a hyena den. They were so cute and standing on "point" then nursing. After that it was two big male lions one was mating with a female but we just missed that the female moved off. The two males started walking down the road and greeting each other by rubbing their heads together. Stunning animals and they walked right in front of our car only a few feet away. Not bothered by our presence at all. Then we see an elephant bull footprints. We followed he was moving quickly. Finally we caught up with this was one BIG elephant in heavy musk (ready to find a lady friend). We followed behind him for a LONG time. He knew we were there but had other things on his mind. We called the other vehicles and one of the other rangers joined us in checking out this big boy. We finally pulled away and went looking for the black rhino family, dad, mom and baby that one of other vehicles had tracked and found. Black rhinos are more aggressive than the very calm white rhinos.The male was not too happy to see us but we spent some time getting some good pictures particularly of the baby who was adorable. Finally it was the mother that started stomping and her nostrils flaring. So we took the hint and backed off to return to the lodge.
Breakfast was again amazing. The best fruit I think I have ever had. So many different fruits. I was going to just eat fruit but caved and had the eggs benedict as well. Who knows what is on the lunch menu!
Ken is working on pictures now so hopefully some will be posted at some point today.
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241483
05/21/14 12:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216
RachelG
cruiser
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cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,216 |
A quick question: in the pictures, I noticed the guide walking around in shorts but wearing what appears to be a pretty heavy coat. What is the temperature and will just a jacket suffice?
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Re: RHINO
[Re: Ngaire]
#241484
05/21/14 02:41 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919
Ngaire
OP
cruiser
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,919 |
The temperature in the morning can be cold to chilly. Some mornings I wear a fleece under my light windbreaker coat, sometimes I do not. So guess about 50 degrees but it is cold in a moving vehicle. Then it warms up to mid 70 in the afternoon and then cools down again at night. These rangers are tough guys, the upper body gets the brunt of the wind and his legs are not as exposed so maybe he is fine with his coat and shorts. None of the guests wear shorts on game drives but we might around the camp at lunch time.
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