South Africa 2025: Sept 24. Safaris and bush walks

This morning we got a wake up call at 5:30 and had to be down to the reception area for safari at 6. Someone actually comes to your tent and checks for leopards, lions etc and lets us know it’s safe to leave our rooms. Pretty quiet overnight but got up to use the BR in the night and the smell of animal urine was so strong I could hardly stand it. lol. Found out I had a friend sleeping right under my tent. Too funny. After a quick coffee we boarded our jeeps for another amazing safari. First animal today was a pair of zebras. NEXT!!! I could hardly believe that we got out of the jeep and walked through the bush to see 3 cheetahs lying in the grass. We were so close you could see them breathing. It was so surreal. When one stood up we all took a second look that’s for sure. All was good and after a few minutes we walked to the jeep and took off. Then we happened upon a lioness and her 2 cubs walking through the bush. We had many sightings of them around us. From here we spotted another leopard lying near some rocks and watched him rise and walk into the bush. I was unable to get a pic due to the under bush, but my new binoculars came in handy to observe this. Now we are on the watch for elephants, but saw giraffes, impalas, Nyalas, African buffalo, white rhinos, and hippos. Our guides said that a helicopter had landed in the park and they feel that the elephants fled to a deeper part of the park. Maybe we will see them tomorrow. After our morning safari we had breakfast and then went on a bush walk with our guide. He carried a huge rifle in case of trouble. We were shown many different plants, footprints, birds and even had a couple zebras come upon us. Oh and funny story, apparently for fun the guides entice guests to have giraffe poop spitting contest to see how far you can spit the poop. I was like WHAT? But when in Africa do as the Africans do. The guides went first and then Emma, Garnet, Attila and finally me. I didn’t do so good but didn’t come in last. Hahaha. After our walk it was free time so off to the pool we go. Monkeys all around us with Nyalas and giraffes. Then on to lunch at 1 and back to the pool to cool off before the afternoon tea and safari. Omg the food here!!! Incredible! At 4 pm we were back on the jeep for more animal sightings. Tonight at dusk we stopped at a pond with crocodiles in the water and 2 lying on the shore. Hmmm guess this is a great place for cocktails, snacks and visiting. We watched the 2 crocodiles stand and turn to walk into the water. We saw at least 5 crocs while we were there. So crazy. Once we arrived back to the resort we headed for supper. It was held outside under the stars with a fire pit in the middle. The frogs in the pond next to us were so loud we could hardly hear each other talk. Now I’m back to my room by a guided walk. No critters under my tent yet but the evening is young. lol