Leopard Hills, Sabi Sands, South Africa — October, 2015

[Tom Kellie]

Jambo, Matt - you might be the bloke who runs the website, but we enthusiasts of the bush would be lost without you and SafariTalk - so kudos, bravos, and go ahead and blush - but we love ST and we love you for giving us this wonderful digital "hangout"!!!!!

and I feel very comfortable speaking for all of us!!!

and here's a special message from me:

I ♥ ♥ ♥ ST

 

: )

 

(for some odd reason, I can't abide using pre-fab happy faces - maybe because I'm a writer...)

 

@@Tom Kellie - thank you!

 

okay, back to the grind - so many deadlines, so far behind, going to be a mad dash...

 

~ @@Lala

 

We're richly blessed in Safaritalk with several fine writers, including you!

Your effervescent spirit brings joy to your posts.

This trip report is honored to have your thoughts!

Balancing employment responsibilities and Safaritalk requires the finely tuned balance of a highwire walker.

Thank you so much for taking time to read this trip report.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

@@Tom Kellie Looking forward to the promised updates Selfies with Blackadder?

 

@@Lala It's very hard to see me blush behind the beard My eyes are sparkling though...

 

~ @@Game Warden

 

Everything in due time.

There's so much that might be said.

BTW: The world-renowned performer who shared a safari vehicle with me was lightly bearded at that time.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

First bush walk stop a termite mound,

I never realized they're hard as concrete!

Small insects and swift skinks abound,

They appear unaffected by midday heat.

Termite Mound Resident

Remarkable Reptile

Inner Recesses

[Tom Kellie]

The summer-blooming herb, Lion's Eye,

Adds vibrant orange to the Lowveld's palette,

Although it never grows very high,

It's bright-hued petals glow like a sunset.

Tricliceras mossambicense

Close to the Soil Surface

Botanical Defenses

[Tom Kellie]

The bush walk proceeds down a dusty track,

Spotting neither bushbuck nor nyala.

We scan far ahead, never looking back,

Then there they are — several impala!

Met on the Track

Impala Encounter

[PT123]

Tom,

 

I am an unabashed rhino guy myself. It's often difficult for me to explain why when others ask me, they're just my favorites for some inexplicable reason. Perhaps it's because they are living dinosaurs or because of their plight. I can't get enough time seeing them.

[Tom Kellie]

Are wildflowers a safari sighting,

Being small, obscure and overlooked?

Their bright colors show well in all lighting,

Seeing them, it's easy to get hooked!

Spiny Texture

Where Flowers Once Bloomed

Hibiscus, Weevil and Spider Thread

Botanical Stages

Tiny Wildflower Blooms

Lion's Eye Blooms

[Tom Kellie]

We pause, I'm shown a shallow pit,

In which an ant lion waits and waits.

At first I inquire, “What is it?”,

Not recognizing an ant lion's traits.

Ant Lion

Ant Lion Jaws

[Tom Kellie]

Joyce Kilmer saw a lovely tree,

The same thing happened to me.

It was very easy to see,

Standing so tall and lovely.

Paraxerus cepapi in a Tree

Life Extension

Outward and Upward

Delicate Nest

Halt! Who Dwells Down There?

[Marks]

Nice look at an antlion.

Now you've got me wondering about that hole in the ground...

[Tom Kellie]

Heading back to the lodge after bush walking,

There were buffalo lying down in grass,

They looked out at us as if we were stalking,

Then they ignored us, thus letting us pass.

Spotted...by a Buffalo

Observed While Walking

Spring Tree Foliage and Buffalo

Another Perspective While Walking

[Tom Kellie]

Nice look at an antlion.

Now you've got me wondering about that hole in the ground...

 

 

~ @@Marks

 

Finding the ant lion required no special effort. It was immediately below the lowest point of the pit.

I lacked the adventuresome courage to more fully investigate who might be resting within the hole.

Thank you for visiting this trip report.

Tom K.

[Marks]

I remember being on a walking safari (just one of those around camp deals) a few years ago where the guides were spotting antlion traps with seemingly supernaturally keen eyes, as they just looked like little dips in the sand to me. It wasn't until one was extracted, as in your picture above, that I was truly convinced.

[Tom Kellie]

Tom,

 

I am an unabashed rhino guy myself. It's often difficult for me to explain why when others ask me, they're just my favorites for some inexplicable reason. Perhaps it's because they are living dinosaurs or because of their plight. I can't get enough time seeing them.

 

~ @@PT123

 

Likewise!

My interest in them may be to a certain degree aesthetic. Their irregular geometry appeals to my sense of the absurd.

When they're drowsy, there's a certain wistfulness about them which is charming.

Having being blessed with a fair number of both black and white rhino sightings in disparate locations, I've grown fond of them.

Their typical behavior, which differs between the two African species, has gradually become familiar to me.

Thank you for telling me that you share my appreciation of rhinos, in their one-of-a-kind glory!

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

No matter how small and inconsequential,

No matter what obscure niche they occupy,

Each insect is actually essential,

Whether they're a beetle, a bee or a fly.

Tri-color

Proboscis

[Tom Kellie]

I've been served a refreshing cocktail,

By restaurant manager Sam.

It's served to me each lunch without fail,

“Happy with your Steelworks?” — I am!

Steelworks with Passionfruit

South African Pinot Noir

[Tom Kellie]

Leopard Hills lunches are a relaxed affair,

Soup, beef filet, cheese and biltong.

Enjoyed on the terrace without a care,

Lunch makes me happy, keeps me strong.

Potato-Leek Soup

Beef Filet

Lunch on the Terrace

South African Cheese and Biltong

[Tom Kellie]

Suite #7's decor set the tone,

Of the entire Leopard Hills stay.

I truly enjoyed being alone,

Feeling unhurried every day.

Outdoor Shower

Back Deck View

For Relaxing

Sofa

View to the Front Door

Bed with Draperies

View Through the Suite

Bathroom Door Framed in Wood

Twin Sinks

Bathroom Amenities

Full-Size Tub

View from the Bathroom

[Tom Kellie]

In the half hour before the afternoon,

Game drive, the lodge grounds seem so green.

Although we'll be heading out very soon,

I'm enjoying this lovely scene.

Central Walkway

Small-grade Light-catcher

Crocodile Carving

Botanical Elegance

[Tom Kellie]

What might an African motif be,

I'd sometimes wondered in the past.

All around inside the lodge I see,

Answers to questions from the past.

Sinuous Horns

Stemware at the Ready

On a Silver Salver

Lower Dining Room

Refreshments Before the Game Drive

Guest Sofa

[Tom Kellie]

A female bushbuck steps into view,

Stepping lightly over familiar ground.

She's tawny-coated, white-spotted, too,

The loveliest lady bushbuck around.

Bushbuck Leaving Suite #2

Leopard Hills Resident Bushbuck

Passing the Lodge Front Entrance

Off She Goes

[Tom Kellie]

Her camouflage works so very well,

That she would remain unseen by most,

Only a skilled tracker's eyes could tell,

That she's an agama not a ghost.

Female Tree Agama

Well-camouflaged Female Tree Agama

[deano]

@@Tom Kellie - thank you for all of the images of the suite and lodge - you know that they have more meaning to people like me that are looking forward to a trip there this year (beef for lunch = happy deano). I hope you enjoyed your bush walk - you certainly looked very happy while having your picture taken and are without a doubt one of the best dressed safari goers I have seen. Really like the bushbuck sequence - such a dainty antelope.

 

kind regards

 

deano.

[Tom Kellie]

@@Tom Kellie - thank you for all of the images of the suite and lodge - you know that they have more meaning to people like me that are looking forward to a trip there this year (beef for lunch = happy deano). I hope you enjoyed your bush walk - you certainly looked very happy while having your picture taken and are without a doubt one of the best dressed safari goers I have seen. Really like the bushbuck sequence - such a dainty antelope.

 

~ @@deano

 

You've made my day!

No one has ever taken the least notice of my attire in half a century.

I more or less dress as I did as a teenager, except that Sears and J.C. Penney's has become Brooks Brothers and Gant.

I loved the bush walk! Being face to face with impala and buffalo was a thrill unlike any I'd ever experienced.

The lovely female bushbuck was a welcome surprise, immediately prior to pulling out on an afternoon game drive.

The lodge and suites are delightful, which is what motivated my posting a number of images.

You're sure to have a lovely visit to Leopard Hills.

After your kind comments, I'll need to dress well and step lively, should I ever return to Africa.

Tom K.

[xelas]

@@Tom Kellie

 

Also I have enjoyed your photos of the suite. Truly beautiful and uxurious ... although the reason why one would need such a luxury when on a safari is still a mystery to me.

Reading now many reports mostly from private reserves, and googling about those particular lodges and camps, they all are offering similar level of luxury ... and the price tag that accompanies it .

Edited March 20, 2016 by xelas