On arrival at our truck for the safari our driver and guide, Mohamed, said that a lion had been screeching for most of the night just near the Elsa Kopje lodge. We went in search of the beast. We followed one path then another, travelled much further than the lion’s likely range and then gave up. We changed area completely and continued with the normal pursuit of stopping anytime we saw an interesting bird, monkey, antelope or whatever.
At one point, when we crossed a ford, we turned to pass along beside the river to find a whole breakfast picnic set out. The offer included, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, fruit, yogurt and pancakes, as well as tea and coffee. Both Maggi and I ate too much.
We made our slow way back to Elsa Kopje, stopping every now and then to photograph whatever Mohamed pointed out. When we returned to our room we both fell asleep totally stuffed. However 2 ½ hours later we both turned up for lunch, although we only had a small salad.
4:30 pm and off we go again, back to the area where the lion was supposed to be hiding. No such luck again. We did see Kudu and other antelopes but not the hoped for big cat. Back to the original area of safari and more of what we had been doing for the last couple of days. As the sun set we turned up at a spot where our barman had laid out drinks for our evening sundowners. We met a pleasant English couple who have lived in Germany for the last 30 years. On the way back we stopped to photograph a young hyena who had been left while the pack hunted.
We then returned home to change and like all night time journeys at Elsa Kopje were escorted to diner. We ate under the stars. I chose the vegetarian option, which tasted great, so no complaints at all.
To bed by 9 for tomorrow’s early start again.