Gastrointestinal issues resolved, I was thrilled to be able to go on the afternoon game drive. We first stopped at a termite mound to learn about their valuable contributions to the environment. Fascinating, but not exactly big game.

Next we saw a Western Banded Snake Eagle sitting in a tree. Interesting.

Then we got a call that a leopard had been spotted in a tree quite a distance from our location. Leopards are quite rare in the Moremi Game Preserve. Suddenly Rogers was excited. We sped off toward the sighting, fishtailing, bouncing, barreling over small trees. At one point Rogers yelled that we should put on our seatbelts. No one was ejected, but it was close.

We arrived beneath a large tree surrounded by five other Land Cruisers. No leopard was visible. After a few minutes the light changed, and a small patch of the leopard’s back appeared. Then he moved. Two more Land Cruisers showed up and there was a traffic jam under the tree as everyone looked for the best view. Rogers gunned the engine and squeezed past (and over)two small trees. And then we could see him: sleeping, posing, every bit the star.

Thrill of the day, for sure, but plenty more to see on the way back to camp.

Impalas and zebras are everywhere. Various birds are everywhere. Giraffes are frequent, but surprisingly hard to see as they are often bent over eating the foliage. Hippos are often found nearly immersed in the water. Elephants roam the bush at will. We saw all of these.

As we neared camp we stopped to check on the lions and their zebra feast. They were still at it, but now the ribs were stripped of flesh and the rear quarter was nearly gone. A jackal waited nearby for his turn. Vultures circled. Hyenas would come and eat the bones. What a party!

At last we reached the camp in time for a sunset cocktail hour and dinner. Great day after such a miserable start.