As we have now become accustomed, we set off in the Land Cruisers with hot water bottles to clutch under our blankets. It is Winter here, with morning temperatures of nine to twelve degrees C. We all look like polar explorers but will shed layers later as it will rise to the high Twenties in the afternoon.
Everything is of interest on the Savana, starting with the well camouflaged Jackels. There are more Turkey-like Red Billed Hornbills, their red heads and necks are striking against their jet-black feathers.
The beautiful Zebras are out grazing in the morning light. We suddenly interrupt a female Elephant right next to the track. She is trying to shield her baby behind her from whatever danger the Jeep may pose.
Dotted aver the landscape are rocky out-crops providing relief from the flatness, but now we are interrupting a Giraffe’s breakfast.
I never tire of these extraordinary and beautiful animals. We approach a water hole where a flock of Marabou Storks have gathered. They are classified as one of the five ugly animals of Africa, but to me everything has a beauty of sorts. Suddenly the Storks all open their wings and face away from the sun to regulate their temperature. It’s still cold, so maybe they are warming up in the sun.
We stop for morning coffee (also part of the Safari routine) near a tree with nests of the Buffalo Stich bird.
Further on, we make out Kori Bustards – so well camouflaged in the long grass.
We are now driving along a track which will be under water in the rainy season. The clouds oblige to decorate the big African skies.
Hornbills are everywhere. Mostly they have been the small red ones but today it is the turn of the Yellow-Billed variety to shine. A pair pose on a Termite nest for a photograph.
A pair of Ostridge’s are our next obliging customers.
Desert and Delta Safaris always have a surprise alfresco lunch programmed.
Back at the lodge, our afternoon siesta is delayed by Giraffes drinking at the water hole. It is a tricky manoeuvrer getting that long neck down to water level – stretching the legs wide. Their reflections in the water make amazing geometric patterns. An adaptation in their hearts adjust the blood flow to allow for the altitude change in the head.
A family of banded Mongooses arrive, drink and leave.
Our late afternoon Game Drive begins with another Giraffe.
We now have to stop for the best shot so far of the beautiful Lilac Collared Roller perched on a ridge of sand at the side of the track – what a treat.
Also common everywhere are Starlings who don’t hang around to be photographed. They are not at all like European Starlings – African Starlings are dark iridescent blue in colour – fantastic.
Late afternoon around a water hole is always Elephant family time and today is no exception.
Suddenly we are off at pace, driving to another part of the reserve.
Our driver guide spots the lions first as they emerge from the long grass and shrubs. Two females with their cubs are on the move. They take no notice of us – intent on something in the distance. Their cubs – some at three months, others at twelve months – follow haphazardly.
We and several other jeeps who have heard the shared Walkie Talkie news, follow. The Lions are in no hurry – their cubs straggle behind suggesting that they own the place.
We somehow get ahead and get a fantastic view as the lionesses find a high vantage point on the track.
The cubs arrive – each one acknowledging their Mother with a nudge on the chin – to say ‘Hey Mum, I’m here. Once they are settled n what seems like an organised photographic pose, they concentrate on the distance, not us, to pan and watch for a hunting opportunity. All the cubs will participate as this is a classroom situation.
Some of the older cubs are already looking confident and adopt concentrated gazes into the distance.
As the light fades, we miss the Sundowner Drinks and return to the lodge for drinks around the fire pit.
After Dinner, we are treated by Actor/Director Annie Ruth performing a reading of her One Person Show The Book Addict, which she has toured all around Aotearoa. It is a personal story and the references resonate with me and my youth and my time in the New Zealand theatre scene.