WONDERFUL SOUTH AFRICA 10!: 3rd Post - Two Days at Shiduli Lodge and Karongwe Game Reserve

After the day we had in Kruger National Park and the great number and variety of animals, we didn't know what to expect from our two days at Shiduli in the Karongwe Private Reserve. However, we were not to be disappointed! Some excellent encounters kept us on our toes, and yes, we had another fabulous leopard sighting, even better than the one in Kruger! Amazing! Here are just a few of the highlights of our four game drives.

Welcome to Shiduli - the Main Gate

Lovely grounds at the Lodge

A very comfortable lounge area

One of the staff balances a big load on her head!

South Africans love to sing, and it was not difficult to persuade our wait staff to perform for us!

and off we go on our first game drive!

Zebras are always a great delight with their wonderful designs.

Our Tracker, Conny, sits back as the elephants cross in front of our vehicle.

This White Rhino did not appear to have the intention of stepping aside for us!

Our first lions were an adult female and four cubs.

Karongwe has burned portions of the reserve in order to encourage new vegetation and it was often much easier to find the animals there!

Young Lion Cub

Sunset over the Drakensberg Mountains

Same evening - colors just got more intense.

Coffee by the lake anyone?

Trio of Giraffes

Closeup - Is this one using Nerium?

They must have been posing just for us!

Male Cape Buffalo with his broad horns

The young, male lion had recently eaten his fill.

As darkness fell we hunted for a leopard. This one had been spotted, but we were afraid we had lost its track. Just as we started to head back, Jennifer saw a movement in the bush. We waited and the leopard came right down the wash, directly at the vehicle. We sat still as a mouse and the beautiful leopard walked within ten feet of us!