Early Morning Safari

We got up early (Thurs) and went on a dawn game drive; it was cool and fresh and beautiful.

Here’s our guide, scanning the horizon for anything that moves (the French man in the seat in front told him, “you have really good eyes”). Sir, it’s the binoculars….

IMG_7263

Sunrise at Pilanesberg National Park.

IMG_7265

IMG_7266

If I mentioned that the last post may have had a lot of photos – then this one does too! We are constantly amazed at how quiet all the animals are. This elephant encounter really was incredible. Magical. I’m not really into elephants but this moment has been the highlight so far for me.

The mother was walking straight toward me and passed close to the back of the vehicle.

IMG_7277

IMG_7280Then this little guy pushed his way through…
IMG_7282

and gave us a wave with his trunk.

IMG_7283

IMG_7290

IMG_7291

Cheeky Boy!

IMG_7292

IMG_7295

Gibbo helped our driver unload the refreshments.

IMG_7299

Then had his photo taken with him.

IMG_7300

There wasn’t any action at the waterhole. I could have sat here all day; iIt was so peaceful.

IMG_7303

IMG_7316

We came across this scene; a herd of wary wildebeest acting nervously – and a dozen cars and trucks lined up along the road! Something must have happened before we arrived to indicate there might be some action – there was a larger wildebeest further up the hill, separate from the others, and the guide (not Gibbo, I mean the real one) thought we might see something happen but, alas, nothing did. It has occurred to me that while we’re all oohing and aahing at the scene in front of us there could be a pride of lions right behind us, tap-dancing in tutus and whistling Dixie, and no-one would notice such is the focus on the scene in front.

IMG_7320

More giraffe; so elegant.

IMG_7322

More zebra; so stripey.

IMG_7325

This is why we don’t usually give Gibbo the camera….

IMG_7329

Ah, there he is; the day of the jackal.

IMG_7330

This one is for you Mum. I got your comment – it worked – you did good!

IMG_7308

Leave a comment