Saturday 11 April 2009 - Bright and early we head towards Mata Mata and the Namibian border passing several usual suspects on the way. New additions including black backed jackal, three secretary birds and a lappet-faced vulture.Kirsteen finally breathes a sigh of relief as we spot my first Kalahari fur, namely three lions, doing what they do best - catnapping. There are two lionesses sprawled out, literally close enough to touch, and a juvenile male sporting a scarred nose, shading himself lazily under a tree.
Careful not to lodge ourselves in the sand, I maneuver the car into position and we sit with Panthera Leo for awhile, admiring their ability to sleep an impressive and dam right idle 20 hours a day. Now that's the life!
Reluctantly we recommence our journey, wanting to join the night game drive this evening, one eye is on the clock. Lunch is eaten at Mata Mata surrounded by ground squirrels, followed by a quick hop across the border into Namibia for the obligatory photo opportunity.Having to cover approximately 118km of dirt and sand tracks back to Twee Rivieren, it is all too soon time to hit the road, Jack! I am 'holding thumbs' that there is space on the night drive for two freeloaders!
On the final leg of journey we find several vehicles stopped at the road side. Intrigued as to what they are looking at, we stop behind them and reach for the trusty binos. Searching the horizon and area around about, we are a little perplexed as we cannot see anything. Checking the occupants of the vehicles they all seem have cameras aimed in the same direction, but what are they looking at??? I scan the nearby tree, 'Kirst' I say 'there is a kill in that tree!' I can just make out four small hooves of a baby springbok! Jumping up and down in my seat I sing 'It has to be leopard? It has to be leopard?' A vehicle moves off in our direction, quickly I wind down the window, beckoning for their attention. 'What is there?' I ask, the reply being music to my ears and near pee to my pants! There is a leopard under the tree!
As you will have ascertained from my earlier posting in Kruger, I have held a desire to see wild leopard for some time.
A space now open from the departing vehicle, I start the engine, I move forward to get a better position. Dam it, a 4x4 is now reversing into my slot! I stop in the middle of the road, finally getting to see the beautiful elusive cat, she is sat majestically under the tree.
In my excitement, I break the cardinal safari sin and block someone elses view - I only become aware as Kirst exaggerates an 'ahem'. I turn to apologise, the couple being very obliging and allowing us stay put. 'Enjoy', they say, 'we have been back and forth viewing her all day'.
And so we do, sat causing 'total gridlock', we marvel at the sight in front of us, unable to believe our good fortune. Completely overwhelmed tears form in my eyes and roll gently down my cheeks. Forgive me - to tick off one of my life long dreams - a gal is allowed to be a little over emotional!
We sit for some time watching her every tail flick, yet we are aware of a pressing dilemma! Do we stay and watch her till gate close, or do we rush back for the night drive and have a chance of seeing her on our own. What to do? What to do? Moving out of view behind a tree, the elusive spots makes the decision for us. Night drive!
Into gear and off as fast as the Parks speed limit will allow - within yards of the Park gates, we see the night drive bumbling towards us, Nnnooooooooo! We flag him down, tonights drive starting at 5.00 and not 5.30 as we thought! Kak!
Quick U-ie in the middle of the track - the little red Corsa comes into her own flying to the original spot. We find the leopard as moved and is now up the tree feeding on her plucked kill. Taking advantage of being in a small vehicle we manage to sneak in to a prime location with a 5/5 visual.
For over 40 minutes, we sit in awe watching her feed in the golden shades of the descending African sun. I will treasure these moments for the rest of my life.
For over 40 minutes, we sit in awe watching her feed in the golden shades of the descending African sun. I will treasure these moments for the rest of my life.
Today, fate played us an ace hand, the odds of seeing one of the 150 leopards inhabiting the Kgalagadi's 3.6 million hectares is somewhat slim. And coupled with that if we had made the night drive, we would have seen her for a matter of seconds, for as soon as the truck pulled up, she picked up her prize kill, jumped from the tree and becoming barely visible in the long desert grass. Yes, fate was on our side, for which I will always be immensely grateful.
A 'Leoparty' was thrown at Blikkies to celebrate, under the bewilderment of the other residents, Kirsteen and I prepare supper, boogieing around the kitchen to some seriously dubious music - the likes of Barry Mannilow's - Coco Cabana! A unique sight equal to the leopard, no doubt!
