Unexpected twists: Trailing leopards and lions in the bush

The morning began with a determined return to the territory of the Maxims Male, the impressive leopard we had encountered previously but only glimpsed from a distance. Our objective was clear: to get a better look and truly gauge the size of this magnificent creature. As we approached the spot where he had stashed his meal, we were greeted with an unexpected sight—the petite Island Female had also made her presence known, providing a stark contrast that emphasized the Maxims Male’s formidable size. 

The dynamics between the two leopards unfolded like a dance of the wild. The Maxim Male, proud and possessive, had secured an impala kill, which he had hoisted into the branches of a nearby tree. The Island Female, intrigued and hungry, lingered below, making soft overtures for a share of the bounty. However, each of her attempts was met with a growl from above. Their interaction was a mesmerizing display of chuffs, growls, and the peculiar rituals of scent marking and the Flehmen response—a grimace as the male leopard analysed her scent. 

After witnessing this intense leopard interaction, we decided it was time to search for the elusive wild dogs. Unfortunately, they proved to be just that—elusive—and our efforts to locate them went unrewarded. 

With the morning adventures behind us, we shifted our focus to the Kambula pride. Upon arrival, we found the lions in a state of utter relaxation, sprawled across the sun-drenched grass, seemingly oblivious to the world around them. The pride appeared complete: two males, seven adult females, and five cubs all accounted for, though distinguishing them in their comatose state was a challenge. 

Just as we considered leaving the scene for some breakfast respite, the serenity abruptly shifted. One of the lionesses, perhaps unsatisfied with the morning’s calm, began stalking a nearby zebra. The tension rose as we maneuvered to witness the hunt, only for a leopard to unexpectedly dart out of the underbrush, adding a brief but thrilling twist to the unfolding drama. 

We followed the lioness closely as she crept towards the unsuspecting zebra. Just as she was about to strike, the zebra sensed the danger and bolted toward the river, kicking up clouds of dust. In the heat of the chase, our vehicle surged forward, the accelerator floored, launching us through rough terrain. Mary Carol, caught off guard while clutching her camera, nearly became an unintended part of the landscape, saved only by her quick grasp of the railing. 

Though the lions missed their target, the chase had roused every member of the pride. They awoke with vigor, their interactions filled with renewed energy. One of the males even performed a casual stroll past another safari vehicle, startling a guest who was too engrossed in her search to notice him sauntering right beneath her. 

Laughing over the morning’s escapades, we returned for a much-needed breakfast, highlighted by a specially requested cheesecake for Richard. The conversation was light and full of laughter, especially when someone jokingly asked Bens if he had ever launched anyone from the vehicle, to which he wittily replied, “Not yet.” 

Post-breakfast, while Richard enjoyed a nap, the ladies ventured onto the balcony with books in hand. In a comical twist of fate, they ended up locked out, stranded for over an hour until their plight was discovered after a few failed communication attempts. The day ended with rescue laughs and stories to tell of a balcony misadventure, rounding out a series of wild and unexpected events in the heart of the bush.