Torticat was becoming concerned that we hadn't seen any Hyena during our trip so far, and we were both missing seeing Warties, which have always been plentiful on prior trips but seemed very scarce this time. On our Night drive with Shadrack, she mentioned that we hadn't seen many Warthogs and hadn't seen any Hyena this trip, so Shadrack made it his personal mission to fulfill Torticat's wishes. Sure enough on on of our drives with Shadrack we found a lone Hyena running alongside the road, then not too much later we spotted these fellows.
On our first drive we found a group of ladies who had been lucky enough to find a large dinner, we couldn't get close enough for pictures, but in the spotlight we could see a group of lionesses enjoying a feast in the middle of a large bush. You could smell the meat, and hear the bones crunching as they ate. It was impressive.
The following morning we had another Bush walk scheduled. Arriving at the reception area, we were surprised to find Amos. He had driven up from Mopani to be our guide once more. This time he was accompanied by Jacob. We were very happy to have seen Amos again, and know we would have a good time. We found out that once again we were the only guests scheduled! We headed north from Shingwedzi and turned toward the Mphongolo loop road, pulling off on a service road we parked near the river and headed out into the bush.
This time we were in for a hike, and walked for a number of hours, with both Guides telling us stories and pointing out things big and small.
An Elephant rubbing tree, worked smooth from many Ellies rubbing against it.
A pile of feathers scattered about.
A partially dismantled windmill I believe at Ribye
Lots more birds, including Ground Hornbill, Fish Eagles, Martial Eagles, Tawny Eagles. Cuckoos, and many others.
Near the Windmill was a concrete trough that held a small amount of water from the rain a few days before, there were some nice footprints which Torticat made casts of. While we waited for the casts to dry, Jacob and Amos told us stories.
Amos talked about the Potato Bush, and that as a young boy he would watch the livestock. His parents told him to always be home before he could smell the Potato Bush, as that was the ghosts cooking potatoes and that the ghosts would be looking for meat to go with the potatoes. We both agreed that would be very good incentive for a young child to come home before dark!
Jacob told of playing with Shongololo as a boy, and said that the cyanide that they gave off would turn his lips bright red, and that his mother would be mad at them for playing with them!
What a great adventure with two wonderful Guides. We had an extra long walk that lasted well past what the Bush Walks usually do, and we were worn out and were very glad to see the safari vehicle.
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