Close Encounters in Sabi Sands

[Hads]

@LarsS - first pic in post #25 is the Woodland Kingfisher.

[LarsS]

Thanks @Hads I'm still learning, but already had the kingfisher part, so slowly getting better  

[LarsS]

The next morning we went out for a short walk. Considering the density of big game, I had expected to see some of them, but it wasn't the case. At one point though, I did thought we were walking straight to a lone buffalo. Ofcourse we all immediately stopped walking. Just before we passed fresh buffalo dung, so it all made sense. In the end it appeared to be a branch that was sweeping behind the bush and not a tail. There were some oxpeckers or look-a-like birds, that were contributing to my 'sighting'.

 

 

I enjoyed the walk and some talks about the little things in the bush. For example this termite mount. Nice to feel the warm air when you put your hand above the hole. I also learned that they sometimes make tunnels from one mount to another and that their tunnels can me really long and/or deep. I forgot the exact number, but I believe they can be up to 100m deep and over 1km long. It might be incorrect and too long, but I do know I was really impressed by the length and depth of their tunnels.

 

 

Afterwards we went back into the car. We saw some 'regular' sightings. Most interesting were the lions we found in the grass and bush.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another car was already parked next to them, so we joined them in the sighting. It was our luck to find lions so easily. But it was their luck we showed up. Their car had broken down within a few meters from lions that weren't going anywhere soon. The other car was a Toyota and Ryan drives a Landrover. Ryan clearly enjoyed the fact that the other guide's car broke down and took the opportunity to mock him that his 'reliable' Toyota isn't that reliable and needed help from a Landrover. After a small push the other car was able to roll down and restart the engine.

 

 

Back in camp we had a few sightings. This fellow was in a tree next to our room:

 

 

And next to the walkway this lady was having a rest and wasn't bothered by us walking past her.

 

 

Breakfast and lunch were always a bit tricky with the monkeys hanging around. But when they're not after your food, it's nice to watch them.

 

[LarsS]

The afternoon drive was very relaxed. We had seen so much, that everything felt as a bonus and there were no animals we really wanted to see. Apart from the dogs maybe, but upon arrival we understood they were not in the area and so didn't expect to see them. Not sure if Sabi is the best place to go if you want to find wild dogs. It was a great afternoon in the bush with all kind of animals.

 

Impala

 

Zebra

 

 

Waterbuck

 

 

Buffalo crossing the road

 

 

Two whites, found them a lot of times

 

 

Another buffalo having a bath

 

 

A nice sighting was the scrub hare. Usually seen after dark, this one was active pretty early in full daylight.

 

 

 

A group of giraffes with a small one (as far as a giraffe can be considered small)

 

 

 

 

And then the sun set:

 

 

Time for the spotlight to look for the nocturnal animals, again we weren't disappointed.

 

First up was a lioness:

 

 

 

Followed by another leopard:

 

 

 

Hard circumstances for pictures. Overall a very nice drive with very diverse animals.

 

I also got out of the car to lift this skull, because I wondered how heavy it is. Not that heavy actually. My wife took a picture, forgive me that I didn't really know how to look. A smile felt inappropriate as it were the remainings of a dead animal.

 

 

Back in camp we had a lovely dinner at the boma. A nice buffet with a lot of food. There was also a performance of a group of dancers/singers. The ladies were lucky again and invited to join them. Unfortunately I had to promise my wife that I would never show those pictures anywhere   A very lovely last dinner, as the following morning we would have a last morning game drive and then fly back to Jo'burg.

[LarsS]

So, the last part of our safari at Ulusaba. The 2 couples we shared the car with, weren't going this time as they had to leave early for their onwards journeys. That meant we had Ryan and Orange as private guides. One thing that was missing on the previous day, were elephants. We asked them if we could go look for them and then see what else we might find. But ellies were the ones we wanted to see one more time before we would leave.

 

Again, we found a giraffe on our way:

 

 

 

 

No ellie tracks were to be found, so we went into a dry river bed, as they regularly cross that area.

 

 

Unfortunately for us, no elephants here either. Unfortunately for the rhino, we woke him up...

 

 

He stood up and went to the toilet briefly:

 

 

Then checked us out...

 

 

Really close

 

 

and decided we were no threat and went back to sleep

 

 

We kept searching, but instead of ellies we found guinea fowls

 

 

And baboons

 

 

And then, finally, elephants!

 

 

Time for a drink:

 

 

 

Crossing the road in front of us, giving us a clear view on the little one:

 

 

 

Our drive was nearing it's end. But not quite yet. One last treat: another leopard on top of a hill! Just next to the road in the shades, but a little hard to find a good spot for the car.

 

 

 

 

The perfect ending of a fantastic 4nights in Sabi Sands! I was really eager to visit this place and it surely lived up to expectations and more. I couldn't have hoped for so many close encounters and certainly not for such specials sightings as the mating leopards and playful elephants.

 

Also the whole experience at Ulusaba was nothing short of amazing. We felt so special during our stay and were looked after well. I think I didn't even mention we had a special dinner for just the two of us in the wine cellar at Rock Lodge. A very impressive room with stately chairs (if I say it correct this way). I'm not easily overimpressed by famous people and can't say I know a lot of Sir Richard Branson, but somehow in that room I was very aware that you sit at the exact same table as where he had dinners many times before, maybe even in 'his' chair. Later I found out he actually doesn't use it that often as I had expected. Usually he just sits down at the table with all the other guests. Would be something that you all of a sudden share a table with someone of that stature. I like that idea.

 

The guiding was superb, as I mentioned earlier. Ryan and Orange had a really good understanding and worked together well to give us some very exciting sightings. Also, they both let each other tell their stories. Sometimes you have situations that only the guide talks to the tourists and the tracker or assistant is there only to help. Not the case with them.

 

Sabi Sands might not be as wild as some other destinations, but sure is great for wildlife viewing and you don't encounter that many other cars. I wouldn't mind going back there. Oh wait, I already did! (more on that in a new TR sometime...)

[LarsS]

...krrrkssss... ...skkrrrttt... trrrttssss...

 

Ho, what's that on the radio?

 

Exciting voices on the other end.

 

Ryan responses and I can hear the excitement in his voice as well. This safari isn't over yet.

 

"Do you want to take a gamble and try and see something special? We'll have to drive far, to the border of our concession."

 

Needless to say we answered with yes!

 

What were we going to see? We didn't stop for anything. It took us over half an hour to reach our destination. That's quite a long time wondering and hoping what we were about to see. But also fearing we might arrive too late for whatever we would miss out on.

 

But then we saw another car standing still. Good news, we're still in time.

 

And then...

 

For the very first time ever in all of our safaris...

 

WILD DOGS!!!!!!

 

We were over the moon! And I still get goosebumps thinking back at it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WILD DOGS!! We finally had seen wild dogs! They were in pretty thick bush, but there they were: wild dogs!

 

That really was the perfect ending of our safari. I don't really rank sightings, but this bonus really felt as the crown on our entire experience. We were so happy and pleased with it. Fantastic!

 

 

 

The end.

[Peter Connan]

Thank you very much for sharing your lovely safari with us! Some really great sightings, excellent photos and great writing.

[lmonmm]

@LarsS As usual- just loving this TR. Your scrub hare ears picture was awesome. But, OMG- your reaction to the dogs....just like mine the first time I saw them. It actually almost made me tear up a bit. The exhilaration at seeing them for the first time is really beyond description. I cannot tell you how happy I am you saw them. What an unexpected treat. Wow!!

[Hads]

What a wonderful way to finish off your trip @LarsS - Wild dogs , what a cherry on top, and the last leopard you saw was a big guy.

Also the scrub hares ears look like a lettuce leaf.

Thanks again.

[LarsS]

14 hours ago, Peter Connan said:

Thank you very much for sharing your lovely safari with us! Some really great sightings, excellent photos and great writing.

 

Thanks @Peter Connan for your kind words! Glad you enjoyed it  

 

7 hours ago, lmonmm said:

@LarsS As usual- just loving this TR. Your scrub hare ears picture was awesome. But, OMG- your reaction to the dogs....just like mine the first time I saw them. It actually almost made me tear up a bit. The exhilaration at seeing them for the first time is really beyond description. I cannot tell you how happy I am you saw them. What an unexpected treat. Wow!!

 

Thanks @lmonmm It's been almost a year ago since I saw these dogs, but I still could remember exactly how it happened, the excitement and hope. It was awesome! We had to drive back pretty quick in order to have enough time for breakfast, packing and catching the flight. But we had no stress at all and were highfiving all the way back.

 

1 hour ago, Hads said:

What a wonderful way to finish off your trip @LarsS - Wild dogs , what a cherry on top, and the last leopard you saw was a big guy.

Also the scrub hares ears look like a lettuce leaf.

Thanks again.

 

Thanks @Hads! Yeah, the leopard really is a big one. You would almost forget it a little bit as it was one of many leopard sightings and the wild dogs were the next sighting.

 

I liked the ears of the scrub hare as well.

[Ritsgaai]

Thank you @LarsS for taking the time to share your great trip and photos with us. I enjoyed it very much. 

Edited March 4, 2019 by Ritsgaai

[Atravelynn]

What a greatest hits list of difficulties on safaris past that kicked off this report!  Glad this one went smoothly.  What a nice wife you have.

 

Romping elephants and leopards--how fortunate to see both.  I love the young hyenas too.  Even more rare than those wild dogs is the scrub hare in daylight! 

 

Hope you enjoyed your "sit" in the Sir Richard Branson chair!  Quite the safari in every respect!

Edited March 5, 2019 by Atravelynn

[LarsS]

18 hours ago, Ritsgaai said:

Thank you @LarsS for taking the time to share your great trip and photos with us. I enjoyed it very much. 

 

Thank you!

 

10 hours ago, Atravelynn said:

What a greatest hits list of difficulties on safaris past that kicked off this report!  Glad this one went smoothly.  What a nice wife you have.

 

Romping elephants and leopards--how fortunate to see both.  I love the young hyenas too.  Even more rare than those wild dogs is the scrub hare in daylight! 

 

Hope you enjoyed your "sit" in the Sir Richard Branson chair!  Quite the safari in every respect!

 

It doesn't get smoother than this safari, that's for sure. And yes, my wife is the best!

 

In terms of wildlife it sure was amazing. I've been to Sabi Sands more recently and can tell you one thing: more hyena cuteness is coming. When, I really don't know as I do wanna go through my videos of this trip and then there's Botswana last year as well. But I'm still determined to keep going on all those TR's.

[Alexander33]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us, and I’m glad to hear that things went smoother this time than on some of your previous safaris. 

 

Sabi Sands produces yet again. As you said, there may be places that feel more “wild,” but it’s hard to argue with the quality sightings that routinely appear. As your report shows, it’s one of the best places in Africa to see leopards. 

 

Looking forward to your next trip reports!

 

Edited March 5, 2019 by Alexander33

[LarsS]

10 hours ago, Alexander33 said:

Thanks for sharing your experience with us, and I’m glad to hear that things went smoother this time than on some of your previous safaris. 

 

Sabi Sands produces yet again. As you said, there may be places that feel more “wild,” but it’s hard to argue with the quality sightings that routinely appear. As your report shows, it’s one of the best places in Africa to see leopards. 

 

Looking forward to your next trip reports!

 

 

Thanks @Alexander33!

I did mention some of the struggles of other safaris, but I do wanna state that despite all the things that happened, I still enjoyed them a lot and I have been on other safaris that didn't have any troubles. Still, this one was by far the best organised safari and we were so spoiled. And if you remind yourself on some of the difficulties in the past, it makes you appreciate the luxury even more.

[Atravelynn]

Just noticed the turtles on the hippos.  Nice catch! 

 

When is your wife's birthday?  The pressure is on!

[LarsS]

On 4/6/2019 at 4:51 PM, Atravelynn said:

Just noticed the turtles on the hippos.  Nice catch! 

 

When is your wife's birthday?  The pressure is on!

 

Yes, the turtles were funny indeed 

 

I think I need to buy her a puppy, or two  

[Marks]

I loved seeing your photos of the playful eles. The leopards mating also made for an amazing sighting.

And from one hyena fan to another, great stuff all around!

[LarsS]

On 4/10/2019 at 2:13 AM, Marks said:

I loved seeing your photos of the playful eles. The leopards mating also made for an amazing sighting.

And from one hyena fan to another, great stuff all around!

 

If you're into hyenas, I'll be posting more interesting stuff for you in my new TR about Sabi Sands and a selfdrive day in Kruger. I've only just begun writing it, but I've started with a hyena picture

 

 

 

[LarsS]

I have not always taken the time to do something with the video footage I shot on safaris, but thought the mating leopards were really special and decided to make a video of that after all.

 

You've seen the pictures, now you can see and hear them in action too:

 

 

[Atravelynn]

Hoping for leopard cubs in the future.  You were very lucky to observe this.

[LarsS]

On 8/31/2019 at 4:15 PM, Atravelynn said:

Hoping for leopard cubs in the future.  You were very lucky to observe this.

 

I should have remembered the names of the leopards, so I could check if she's given birth to a cub or not.

 

Was very special to see this, and also so close to the car.