Safari - Day 6, Monday

We were able to do the 6 am drive as our ride to the airport won’t arrive until 9:25.  Service found more leopard tracks and thinks she had a kill.  We tracked it for about ½ hour and found the kill.  It was an impala that has been killed by the leopard but was now being eaten by a Hyena.  Apparently, when dragging it up the tree, the leopard dropped it and the Hyena got there first.  There must have been a struggle as the Hyena was badly scratched.  However, it was able to steal the dead impala.  It was a young male.  We drove a short distance when we came upon 2 giraffes, a mother with her daughter, they were really beautiful.  After a while, we went back to look for the leopard and found him.  It was a young male and was just gorgeous.  Got some great pictures.  While heading back we came across a Rock Monitor Lizard, it was huge.  He slithered into the water before we could get a good picture, but I did get his head popping up.

From what we’ve been told, Leopards are very elusive and therefore extremely hard to find.  We have been very fortunate to have seen one every day.

Our ride was on time and have about a 3 hour ride back to Kruger International for our flight to Cape Town where we will meet the ship.  It’s a fabulous city and one of our favorites.  We landed around 4:00 and got to the ship between 5:30 & 6:00. The ship stays there overnight then leaves at 6:00 pm on the 12^th.  By the time we got to the ship we were totally exhausted and decided not to go out to dinner.  We have been at Simbambili for 4 full days and it seems like only 1.  Time has really flown and it will seem strange being back on the ship after such an adventure.  We have seen the most incredible things and have had the most wonderful time.  Our accommodations far surpassed our expectations and seeing the animals was a dream come true.  The entire trip has been like living National Geographic.  Did I mention that I took these pictures? 

We have one day at sea before reaching Luderitz and the next day Walvis Bay, Namibia.  After that a welcome 4 days at sea.