Friday, April 25, 2014

DULINI - DAY 2

Have learned that Richard Branson owns two lodges close by here.
This morning's game drive was very exciting.  Within a very short distance from the lodge we came across a mother and baby rhino grazing in the early morning mist, and then a mother elephant and her young.  Next we rounded a corner and came face to face with a very large and hostile female rhinoceros.  For a rather scary moment we all thought she was going to charge, but she turned and moved off the track into the scrub.  Great relief felt by the 6 travellers and the driver/ ranger and spotter    in the jeep.  
Further along the track we came upon a pride of lions languishing in the grass.  two very large males and two females were keeping watch, whilst the 6 cubs were dozing in the centre of the track. The  jeep needed to go off- road to bypass the pride, and they appeared non-plussed by our close proximity.
Later we found a large group of Hyenas (about 15 adults plus cubs), who were squabbling over the carcass remains of a previous kill/ death or opportune theft from another animal/s. The animals here were more prolific than anywhere else we have come across.
We got out of the vehicle and walked for an hour back to the camp with two guides. They both carried rifles and were at the ready at all times.  Some of he tourists had trouble walking straight, as legs were shaking especially when an angry bull elephant looked ready to charge.  We had to back track quickly and take the long way home.   A bit scary but a great experience.

Sunrise at 6.00 am as we begin our game drive

Mother and baby in the early morning fog

Hyena guarding the remainder of a carcass.  Very ugly faces when their teeth are exposed.

Cuppa stop on the way back to the lodge - with the inevitable Amarula

4 x 4 jeep plus cup of tea in the bush

Active herd of impala - many females and only one male (mating season now so this is the norm)

Lion cubs sleeping in the middle of the road

Error.  Daybreak photo entered twice by mistake

One of the guides with rifle at the ready.

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