So happy to be at Mala Mala again. The rennovations are great and it still has the tradional feel of the traditional Rattrays. The dining and bar area is now accessable through sliding grass doors.

First night they did dinner the traditional way it was done for our group. With soup first (which was outstanding) and then platters of vegetables, lamb leg (that was also outstanding) and chicken. Tonight we are trying the ala carte menu. It is the same menu every night but with choices for entree and main. After tonight we will vote on which way they want to go for the next two nights, "traditional" or the ala carte menu.

First drive our ranger was on a mission to find the lion with the small cubs. We went South and normally less animals in this area, we did not see much. Coming back north there was a leopard on the hunt we were going to be joining the sighting. However we got a flat tire. Leopard ahead and unfortunately an elephant herd behind. He actually changed the tire with the elephants fairly close behind the vehicle. He did it all in 15 minutes. The leopard was hunting but it was dark now. She was very close to a group of impala when we left but it was getting really late. No sign of a kill there this morning.

Today we went North, our sightings included baboons up close playing in the trees, elephants, giraffes, antelope, and then we stopped for drinks with another vehicle and took a group shot. I need to get a copy so I can post.

Then we found a female leopard. She was a big beautiful leopard that was mobile and we followed her for quite a while. Then we got a call from the ranger that was determined to find the lion cubs from yesterday. He had found three lioness with four cubs from 2 months to 3 months old. Adorable. Moms were sleeping. cubs walking around but not as active as I had seen in the past.

All is good at Rattrys!!