Hyena Eats Vehicle

Hyena and wild dogs in the riverbed. This hyena couldn’t stop chewing on things — grasses, sticks, then the bumper, the grill, the door….

One of the interesting things we’ve  learned is that big animals don’t generally perceive vehicles as a threat (though you can really piss an elephant off if you’re not careful, car or no, so that statement needs some qualification). It’s totally different on foot where you’re seen as a predator and a challenge. On foot, an animal will charge or attack if you don’t keep a significant distance. In a car, they might, but it’s much less likely. 

Apparently the animals see the vehicle as a single entity, even though they can see people in it. When you’re in a vehicle the animals stay nearby and are relaxed if you’re quiet and don’t make any sudden movements. The vehicle doesn’t seem to bother them, hence some of the great pictures we’ve gotten. However, if you poke an arm or a camera out the window, you’re in trouble. (We’ve seen a couple of people foolishly do this and the result is always the same—snarling, trumpeting, coming forward toward us, or running away, luckily no charging so far in our experience.) Given all of that, this hyena is so interesting. He’s just got to chew on the safari vehicle. He was obviously curious. It was fascinating to watch him. Go figure.

On Safari and in the Bush - Part 1

We have been so lucky to spend time with family and friends in the Kruger. Here are some of the amazing things we saw and learned. 

Lions and Leopards - 

One of the 3 remaining cubs

This first part is sad. Of the nine baby lions we saw in  November, only three are left. Two of the lionesses were first-time mothers and apparently they didn’t know how to take care of themselves and the cubs, so it seems there was little food to go around in the beginning. The good news is that the lions got a kill the second day we were there and the moms and cubs looked much better after their meal. 

Relaxing with full bellies:

The cubs were full and playful and fell asleep in the sand:

You never know who’s in the bush—

The boys showed up the next morning:

A day later:

We also had leopard sightings almost daily, which is incredible. We looked and looked for leopards in November and only saw a couple in the distance. This time, we saw leopards in the riverbed, in the road, and up close in a tree just above us. They are so elusive, it was amazing to see so many in a week.

Next up: Hyena Eats Safari Vehicle 

FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE KRUGER

We were lucky to spend 11 nights in Kruger Park, 6 with my daughter and her husband on a belated covid honeymoon and 9 with our Franschhoek friends Gill and Nic.  It was a fantastic time.  The first 6 nights were at Fitzpatrick’s Lodge which was just for the 6 of us.  We were spoiled at every turn.  A typical day started at 0530 for a 3 hour game drive which never disappointed - Lisa will be doing the animal photos. Upon return, breakfast usually followed by pool time and a free flow of cold wine and beer and an hour nap. Afternoon high tea, which really means you can now switch from beer to gin, followed by an afternoon game drives and sundowners (drinks and snacks) at some spectacular place in the bush. Dinner served upon return followed more drinks before bed.  Sleep and repeat x 6.

Fitzpatrick’s at Jock:

Game drives:

   They surprised us with a braai in the dry river bed.  Quite the production bringing everything from the lodge.  Fantastic

After Fitz’s, Aly and Chris went to Cape Town and we stayed on at the Rhino Walking Safaris Lodge.  Structure similar to Fitz’s but instead of drives you were able to walk in the bush where a variety of wild animals, plants, and insects awaited to show off their ability to end your life. Usually a three hour walk in the morning and 1.5 walk and 1.5 drive in the evening.

We survived our adventures but not without a few mishaps. One being a bit of a fall exiting the safari vehicle that might have followed a prolonged sundowner episode.  The other being a thorn tree that an elephant pushed across the road.  Nic and I attempted to pull it out of the way with the land cruiser and were successful in that account but we failed to notice the special type of thorns they were - barbed fish hook on one side and razors on the others.  Still licking our wounds but alive.

Next up - road trip back to Franschhoek where the adventure all started.

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