Wild African Safari - July 2013 - Day 2 in the Bush

My boys at the boma with the Olifants River in the background

Well we're back on the bicycle, so to speak. Had our first braai (bbq on steroids) in the boma (outside open braai area). Thanks to Alex and Dylan's vigilant torch shining, at even the slightest noise or rustle, and even no noise at all which was all the more alarming. Not a single lion was to be seen this time (not that they weren't able to spot us of course). But out of sight, kind of out if mind and the ribs were worth it. A nosey civet and grazing hippo were busy doing their thing just below us.

Mock charge?  We weren't sticking around to find out

All this preceded by a rather eventful evening game drive earlier, where we were forced to detour after a herd of elephant decided to stand their ground. One particular young testosterone charged bull being determined to show the herd his brave prowess, as he flapped his ears in apparent irritation in our general direction and made the occasional half hearted mock charge at the Landcruiser. Needless to say, the latter proving rather worth it's weight in effortless 3 point turn, bush whacking style as we turned tail. The detour however proved well worth it with numerous sightings of birds of prey, including a pale chanting goshawk with freshly slaughtered tree squirrel firmly ensconced in it's grasp and a magnificent sighting, albeit it rather brief, of a leopard as it crossed our path clearly on a hunting mission as the sun set. Of course the ever essential Sundowners (drinks in celebration of sunset - or any reason really) were a mandatory start to the night at our chosen waterhole for the evening, with mock Bitters if one held one's G&T to the deep orange of the setting sun. I say that, because 'one' forgot to buy Bitters for pink gin, but I thought my diversion rather ingenious, even if I say so myself..

Sundowners with 'pink' Gin

The night ended with my favourite pastime in the world, flanked by my two boys, kitted in fleece ponchos and beanies, listening to the sounds of the wild African bush, chatting about the meaning of love and life in general. All whilst I worked on reducing a robust Cuban to a mere Spud puff Crisis on the wooden deck overlooking the bubbling Olifants River below. Our silent shooting star gazing was later broken by the sound of pandemonium however, as a troop of baboon began 'bogeming' loudly and rather hysterically, clearly disturbed by lion or another leopard below. As silence fell once again some time later it was time to turn in to face whatever tomorrow's river flow brings with it..