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Published: November 10th 2017
Geo: -28.1253, 32.0718
We stopped in the most gorgeous tented Camp in Hluhuwe Umfolzi National Park. We were not allowed to stay in our roof top tent but had a permanent on suite tent with outdoor kitchen raised off the ground about a metre. Africa adds a whole new meaning to spot lighting. You are not permitted to drive after dark but we hopped on a the back of an open "backie" (ute) and driven around by a guard complete with large shot gun. We spotted a number of animals going about their business including a family of white rhino, elephants and hienna. Quite surreal really.
Sitting eating dinner after our night drive the hienna's wandered around the tent and looked straight up at us. It was clear that anything we had left in the car were staying there until morning as neither of us was willing to wander the two meters to the car.
Next morning as soon as sun rise we headed out in Shorty to do another drive and all was going swimmingly, binoculars, camera and game spotting manual being thrown round the cab. Satisfied we had seen a good dose of critters we headed back to the camp and
Charge
That is the Shorty UHF antenna in the photo!came upon a family of white rhino very close to the road. They were wandering down the hill towards the car, we were shocked by the size and in complete disbelief as the kept coming closer. Parked in the middle of the road Darren turns the car off. I nearly had an attack and he fired the old girl back up. The family crossed infront of the car without incident. Bringing up the rear was a large “hughe” male rhino. By this time the conversation in the cab had gone from wow look at the rhino's to “Crap look at the Rhinos”. The big guy crossed infront of the car and then turned to face us. By this time the old clacker valves are going, Darren the great white hunter is repetitively saying its fine, no problem, don't worry. The big guy, stands tall and to attention, then starts scrapping with his back legs and I did not really give a toss what Darren thought was fine this was no longer amusing. I am ordering Darren to retreat but by this time there was a whole stream of South Africans parked behind us clicking away on their cameras. “Crap!” Darren
Tusk v's rear window
Rear window elephant damage. This chap camped in the same place we did. Winder ow the insurance company will cope with this. being the ever practical says so exactly where do you want me to go. Not in the mood to discuss details the conversation in the cab is deteriorating rapidly. Long story short Shorty held his ground, No Choice and the Rhino did not Charge. PS I have attached photos complete with the antenna mounted on the Rhino Bar to prove this story is not fiction.
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mikeandaveriel
non-member comment
Hi guys , <br><br>Pheewww - these Rhinos are bloody huge ! Glad to here you & the 4WD survived ok !! <br><br>Cheers <br><br>Mike & Averiel <br>