Zebras and the like.....

Got up again at 5 AM. Thinking, why are we doing this? In the first half hour of the game drive all is quiet. Then, all of a sudden, we spot a rhino walking towards us on the dirt road. Rhinos are very endangered because there is so much poaching. The horns are worth thousands on the black market even though they are the same material as our finger nails. I feel for these creatures. They are gentle grazers, at least the white rhinos. 

We stop for a coffee break and are surrounded by a dazzle of zebras. They seem unconcerned with our presence. What a treat! We are allowed to get out of the vehicle.

There is word on the radio that the big lion pride is nearby. On our way we pass a journey of at least six giraffes. Such funny animals with their super long necks. Soon we arrive at the spot where the pride is sleeping. The big male is to the side whereas the females and Cubs are all huddled together. They are so sociable. Very peaceful. They might open an eye when a vehicle starts its engine.

Time to head back to the lodge for breakfast. But now we hear that a leopard has been found in a tree with its kill. We hurry down but just too late. The leopard has left the tree. It suddenly begins to pour. Ponchos on, again. We are near the lodge when we spot, at the side of the road, a 3 meter long black mamba snake. One of Africa's deadliest. It is actually a greyish green colour but known for the blackness of the inside of its mouth. This was a thrilling encounter. It slithered quickly into the brush.

After a hearty breakfast we are in our rooms for a break........