SANParks.org Forums

Hi Mel,

I just posted a new part in my TR encouraging you to start a TR and tell us all about the 2 leopards you met.
Well, I was a little to fast with my comment as you started right this very day. I'm on board now and will follow your adventures with great pleasure I'm sure. We only had a brief encounter but remember a very enthousiastic forumite who was already hooked to the Kruger at that stage of her yourney. Hope for many happy returns.

Thank you hilda, MRO, barryels, john n poppy, roaneric, saraf, vinkie, Lionspoon, icurrie, Pumbaa, Meerkitty and Daffy for tagging along. This being my first ever TR, I very much appreciate your support and encouragement

@ Daffy - You're right. I'm totally hooked now and already wondering how long it will take to save the money to go back again!

A sanctuary amidst the struggle

We landed safely at OR Tambo and were whisked away to a lovely guesthouse not far from the airport.
Next morning we were back at the airport boarding a plane bound for Zimbabwe.

Obviously I can’t tell you too much about our week at the wildlife sanctuary, except that the whole experience affected me deeply.

The landscape was stunning. Lots of granite kopjes and caves with ancient rock art gave it a strong spiritual energy.



Plus, we saw heaps of animals - sable, eland, black eagles, dassies, klipspringer, and I had a great time discovering all the reptiles they had on the property





One of the most memorable experiences though was a visit to the local primary school, where we spent an afternoon with the kids. Vibrant, warm, friendly, with happy smiles despite the plight of their beautiful country.
It was all at once heartwarming and heartbreaking


But most of our time was spent with the head scout Jubilane.


He taught us so much about the animals, their scats and spoor and behaviour
Here is he measuring the size of a leopard from the tracks left on the road not long before we came past


It was a great learning experience for Dad and I and a perfect training ground for the spotting skills we would need when we got to Kruger

What a lovely start Mel!

I can only imagine how conflicting the emotions would have been visiting the kids in Zim - such a beautiful country, such beautiful people.

Sounds (and looks - from the photos) as though it was quite an amazing experience...

I'm curious as to how they measure the actual size of a leopard from it's spoor - using a piece of grass?
I'm most impressed!!!

Looking forward to the next instalment!!!

Mel, what a special start. I love your pictures of what was a very meaningful experience.

I am really looking forward to your journey and wish you happy writing.

Hi Mel,

what a great start and how fantastic it was to have met you and Dad.

Can't wait for more.

Fully on board

Hi Mel!
Its nice to see you guys again Maxi is missing his David!

I will keep my hot and will be on board for your next episode

Karin

Great start to your TR Mel! Looking forward to read all about your whole trip!

Enjoying your TR already Mel

Hey Mel I am also on board what a great start

I see, Mel had a field day (pun intended ) with the reptiles!

Lovely, lovely, lovely - and your narration is so vivid and descriptive,
it feels like having been there myself!

Love the happy faces at school - and yes, I can fathom that one is torn
between elation and sadness.

Jubilane I guess, that is one of the rare times when the Aussie
accent made me not understand. Seeing his name written
I do remember him from the book!

Love the giraffe shot.
And the dream team one isn't too bad either.

Nice to see that you have had lots of fun in Africa ....must have been some experience and this is only the beginning
I am sure you are even more hooked on Africa than you have already been by watching the cams......

Wonderful pictures ...nice field trip(always nice to have a guide who loves to tell, teach and show you interesting things about nature).

Love the last one....nice Sunset Giraffe.

Such a great start to Africa, Mel I agree, the landscape up there is just fabulous

Wow Mel
Having stayed there in Zim and learned so much about the animals is just a dream for me and you did all of it!
It looks like heaven there and I really are glad that you did the whole trip with your dad!
Can't wait to see what you experienced in the Kruger