Having a Day Off

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Geo: -24.7705, 26.3027

Today I decided to have a day off from work to relax. Paul had to drop staff off at one of the furthest away gates, so I went with him for the drive- there is always something to see in the reserve.

One the way back from the gate we heard about a lion sighting on the radio. It was on our way back, so we stopped to see. There were a small pride of lions sleeping in the grass near the pan. They were far from active, so we didn't stay long. Not far from them we saw Zebra and Impala. Luckily for the zebra they were not walking in the direction of the lions. The rest of the drive back to the lodge was pretty quiet.

At the end of the day I decided to go and sit in the hide- one of my favourite places- it's quiet, peaceful and there is a great chance of seeing many animals. I didn't have to wait long, as a breeding herd of elephants soon came down to the waterhole to drink. They were right in front of me- a spectacular sight! I looked over to the other side of the waterhole and there was a giraffe, looking directly at me- a really nice sight as the sun was setting. Another giraffe appeared. There was also another breeding herd of elephants that came to drink on the other side. A beautiful view as the sun was setting and dust was being kicked up by the elephants.

I left the hide satisfied and then near my room in the staff village I managed to photograph one of the shy female Bushbucks.

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Photos

01 Resting
Two lions resting in the grass near the pan.

02 Dazzle
A large dazzle of zebra.

03 Resting
Some of the zebras are resting from walking.

04 Unique
Zebra look similar, yet also very unique from each other.

05 Down
The dazzle walking down the track.

06 Lining Up
Part of the breeding herd lined up along the edge of the waterhole as they drank.

07 On the Other Side
A giraffe on the other side of the waterhole.

08 Another One
Another giraffe coming down to the waterhole.

09 Drinking
An elephant drinking as the sun is setting.

10 Dust
Gorgeous red dust kicked up by the elephants as they come to drink.

11 Two
Two of the many animals that came to the waterhole this afternoon.

12 Startled
A bushbush that was startled by my appearance.