Location: Sabi Sabi, South Africa

We fly out this morning, so we had an optional abbreviated safari drive this morning. The morning started easy, with a trip to a hippo pond. The hippos were not interested in entertaining us.

At a nearby pond, we spotted White-Facing Whistling Ducks, and many many ducklings. It kind of explains the relaxed morning that we took pictures of ducks – however, they were the only ducks we saw the entire trip.

And there were plenty of smaller birds, just waiting to pounce…

We had some Waterbucks cross the road. I got a better shot of the female. They are furrier that other antelope.

As we returned to the lodge, so we can pack and get to the airport, we spotted a leopard in the grass.

Our guide called out the spotting, and then the leopard got up and started walking down the road doing leopard stuff – marking bushes, scratching rocks, etc.

The guides then circled around, believing the leopard would continue down the road. Wow, pay-dirt. He walked within five feet of the vehicle. I never thought I’d have to zoom out to take a picture of a leopard.

Bottom Line: Sabi Sabi

I liked this field trip. The hotel staff and vehicle guides were knowledgeable and top-notch. However, if I was to advise someone who were taking their first, and perhaps only, safari – I’d advise go to Kenya and the Maasai Mara. The distance you can see and the sheer number of visible animals is jaw-dropping.

I’m happy I visited Sabi Sabi, but I don’t feel the need to return. On the other hand, I saw more leopards in three days than I saw in two weeks in Kenya (I visited Kenya in 2006), and I saw more animals at near range than Kenya. But I stand by my recommendation.

PS: I took advantage of the hotel internet to upload some larger images. Enjoy.