Very Close Encounters

After yesterday, I don't know what there is left to say. However, on this morning's drive I did not need binoculars. Within 10 minutes we drove into a breeding herd of elephants. Two big moms started to make their way towards us. We all got quite nervous. Our guide told us to trust him that these elephants were not aggressive. We sat very still as they reached the vehicle. After a while they lost interest and sauntered off. 

Next, we came across two big male lions. They were so close, 8 feet or so away. One of them opened its yellow eyes and stared at us. The guide advised us not to stare back!

Then a beautiful, young female leopard, walked in front of us, completely unconcerned.

Within half an hour a big male leopard was loping on the road. It was marking its territory with squirts of urine. The guide pointed out the smell of it (we were that close again) and it was the smell of buttered popcorn. I am not kidding!

Dumay, the ranger, suggested a bush walk for tomorrow. Yikes! Do I dare??

It does not feel like New Year's Eve one bit!!