South Africa 2021

13. - 15. SEPTEMBER 2021 | SA WELGEVONDEN GAME RESERVE - NUNGUBANE LODGE

Welgevonden Private Game Reserve is part of the Waterberg Biosphere, a very private, exclusive game reserve with breathtaking views and scenery. The reserve consists of 42000 ha of African bushveld, ranging from rocky outcrops to wide-open savannah.

The reserve is criss-crossed by the three main rivers, which meander quietly through densely forested areas on their way to the mighty Limpopo River, which borders Marakeli National Park. Welgevonden is malaria-free and has a temperate climate. It is home to white rhinos, several antelope species, a variety of other wildlife and around 250 bird species.

Nugubane Lodge Guide: Anouska

15. - 17. SEPTEMBER 2021 | SA MASEKE GAME RESERVE - CHACMA BUSH CAMP

Chacma Bush Camp is situated in the middle of the 35000ha Maseke Game Reserve - part of the Balule Private Nature Reserve - in a changing landscape near the Olifants River, unusually rich in plants, game and bird species. A waterhole is situated directly in front of the camp.

Chacma Bush Camp Guide: Hanry

The whole reserve for me - we find traces of a leopard in the early morning...meet a pride of lions by chance. The lions cross the path and I don't have much time. A fantastic photo is taken. We try to follow the lions - but have to give up. Past a few old buffalo bulls...We find a wild dog at the border of the road. He calls in vain for his pack. Breakfast in the lodge. The afternoon with bad weather - in search of the lion pride. On foot into the bush with the wonderful Hanry - no tracks - we circle around the area but have no luck. We wait at a small gamepath, with a little patience the lions will appear. We are right - in the dark the first lions appear - slowly passing us until the whole pride disappears in the thicket....Dinner and bedtime. Hanry tells us about his adventures! An elephant comes to visit and says good night!

17. - 19. SEPTEMBER 2021 | KLASERIE GAME RESERVE - AFRICA ON FEET

Africa on Foot Camp is situated in the private Klaserie Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Over 40 species of mammals, including the "Big Five", and about 360 species of birds are found here.

Africa on Foot Guide: Jenna and Luke

In the late afternoon first game drive - we find 3 lions feeding. They have killed a zebra about 3 days ago and are still busy filling their bellies - nearby hyenas. The wait for the carcass begins...loud growling and the laughter of the hyenas can be heard. Today the lions are the victors. In the darkness we drive back to dinner and hope for better weather for the next days. Out of nowhere, a genet leaps past us. Next day: A small group of old buffalo bulls stands in our way and blocks the road. The old buffalos are dangerous because they attack directly without warning. We wait a little while and soon we return to the lodge. Around the fire we talk about the adventures of our Africa trips - brae and wine. The last evening in camp - the howling of hyenas in the distance.

19. - 20. SEPTEMBER 2021 | KRUGER NP SA - SATARA, SELFDRIVER

Perfect weather - we start at 6 am in the morning. We hear the roar of a lion in the distance. There are two males about 3-4 km away. While the majority of the group goes into the bush on foot - I start looking for the two lions with Luke, our guide, in the Landcruiser. Unfortunately in vain - it seems the lions have moved to an adjacent area which we are not allowed to access.

Shortly after breakfast I set off in the direction of Kruger NP / Orpen Gate.

After a short while I meet 4 elephants and not far away a small group of giraffes. After about 1 1/2 hours I arrive at the gate - after the obligatory formalities I drive into the park towards Sartara Camp.

The national park was established as early as 1898 at the instigation of President Paul Kruger as a protected area for the wilderness, between Sabie and Crocodile River, to ensure the survival of the animals still present. It was not until 1961 that the now expanded Kruger Park was fenced off. The park stretches from the Crocodile River in the south to the Limpopo Border River in the north. It is 350km long, 65km wide and covers an area of about 20,000 square kilometres.

The northern part of the Kruger National Park lies in the tropical climate belt, the southern part in the subtropical zone and the central part in the transition zone. About 2000 tropical and subtropical plant species have been recorded so far, including over 200 different grasses and 500 different species of bushes and trees.

Kruger National Park is home to a remarkable species richness and a large number of wildlife, including 114 reptile, 147 mammal and 507 bird species, including many migratory birds such as the African hoopoe, diminutive nectar birds, cranes, hornbills, cranes, several species of kingfisher as well as countless birds of prey such as vultures or the martial eagle.

The number of crocodiles in Kruger National Park is estimated at 3000. The largest snake species is the rock python. Only with a lot of luck will you be able to observe this snake. Among 54 snake species, there are also nine very poisonous ones, such as puff adders, black mamba and cobras.

This large camp is practically in the middle of the park, on the banks of the Shitsakona River, on relatively flat ground, surrounded by marula and "Knob Thorn" trees.

There are three lakes and six waterholes nearby, which attract a large number of animals, such as lions, rhinos and wild dogs, but many different antelope species are also spotted in this area. As the vegetation allows a relatively wide view, animals can be observed well.

20. - 21. SEPTEMBER 2021 | KRUGER NP SA - LOWER SABI, SELFDRIVER

0530 Start at Hate. Call it elephant and giraffe day...playing in the water. In all varieties large groups, loners. I see a honey badger in the distance...crocodiles at the dam, hippos running into the water. Hyenas and, uniquely for me, a brief glimpse of a leopard alone. What a day!

21. - 24. SEPTEMBER 2021 | KRUGER NP SA - SKUKUZA, SELFDRIVER

Skukuza is the largest rest camp, only 12km from Paul Kruger Gate and situated on the banks of the Sabie River. There is good grazing here and therefore a variety of animals such as giraffe, buffalo, elephant and hippo.

Elephants morning greeting. Soon the first lions - lazing by the river. Bad weather conditions, it is windy...clouds and indeed rain. Not a good day for sightings. The hippos play at the waterhole and the kingfisher try to get their breakfast. An osprey peers into the distance. A hyena circles my car and then searches for the distance in the thicket... Giraffes on the horizon, giraffes directly in front of me in all variations. Sometimes up to 12 animals. Buffalo at the roadside with grim faces and lions again! One male and one female. Again in the shelter of the bushes.

On the roadside hyenas with a small baby - all seeking shelter from the wind. Hippos at the waterhole again - they enjoy the weather and play with loud grunts...a big herd of elephants crosses the road....and then finally a big surprise. A leopard lies in the thicket of trees - right in front of me! In the evening we have a barbecue.

During the night a honeybager visits me - he has found the remains of the brae. He lets himself be observed for a long time and enjoys the late dinner. Early rise!

I join a group of hyenas. They have tried to kill an impala and are on the hunt. A special moment - for about 20 minutes I am accepted and ride in the group next to the animals on the road until they finally run away into the bush. At the roadside I watch a few slender mongoose warming themselves in the sun. Today the weather is better - blue sky. On the way to a nearby waterhole, two lions lie in the bush. Not far from a large herd of buffalo. At the waterhole impala, waterbucks and warthogs...all quench their thirst. The elephants enjoy the coolness and swim with great fun in the cool water. I drive around for a while until I come across a pride of lions out of nowhere. They are on their way to the river. The light is very beautiful. A hyena follows them. Shortly afterwards a pack of wilddogs 10-12 animals with 3 young. They are lying in the bush grass enjoying the sunset. They are curious and come close to the car. What a moment! In the distance an old bull elephant with big tusks. In the sunset a lion - lying in the in the last sunlight. What a day! Brae in the evening.

Cloudy - but will clear up and be sunny around noon. An ostrich says good morning and let's go. Again elephants and giraffes - unbelievable how many of them there are in the park. A hyena sneaks by. I decide to go south and look for rhinos today. A lion has spread out on the street and is blocking the way. He gets up slowly and trots off into the bush. In fact, I find a large herd of around 12-14 animals in a dry river bed. I am alone with them and enjoy the time - I cannot believe that today is world rhino day! The day belongs to the rhinos - absolutely. The last evening - tomorrow it's back.

Zambia | Botswana 2021

12. - 14. April 2021 | ZAMBIA - THORNTREE RIVER LODGE

Leaving Berlin the evening before. Depart Johannesburg 09h40 - Flight to Botswana Kasana 11h40.... Upon arrival to Botswana, you will be tested for Covidia on arrival. Pick up and transfer by car to the border crossing into Zambia. The ferry stationed there takes us across the Zambezi River. This is where the necessary visa is issued and we are once again asked to take the Covid test. After a long drive we arrive at the Thorntree River Lodge in the late afternoon. This is a luxury lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River, situated in the second smallest national park in Botswana. Almost all the lodges are empty due to the pandemic, and we are the only guests. That makes us all the happier to have arrived!

Thorntree River Lodge

We quickly start to plan our stay and possible activities for the day - unfortunately a new test is required for our planned entry into Botswana on Wednesday... so we drive directly to the nearby town of Livingstone and complete the PCR test there. Then by boat on the river into the sunset - past hippopotami and a variety of birds, including a hammerhead bird. The first flash of lightning in the distance, but it stays dry. The rainy season has ended.

Later, around the fire, we get deep into conversation and agree to go to the Victoria Falls at 07:30 the next morning. What a view of the river! Late to bed for the night.

Finally Africa!

We woke up to the sun and a fantastic view of the Zambezi. Throughout the night we could hear the hippos grunting. 07:30 After breakfast we leave for the Victoria Falls - the huge waterfalls between the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia. During the hike, which takes more than 2 hours, there are always fantastic views directly to the falls - the rising spray soaks all clothes and even the rain protection only helps to a limited degree... at the latest on the bridge nothing stays dry. In waterproof bags we secure our cameras. Returning to the Lodge we pass through Mosi Oa Tunya Park. It is a small, manageable park that is situated right on the banks of the Zambezi - there are no cats here. We see giraffes and many interesting birds - a lesser hen, bee eaters and a purple heron.....surprise at the lodge! Lunch is taken on the river by boating. We watch the wildlife as well as the wonderful food.

In the afternoon we set off to walk and see the few remaining white rhinos (9 in Zambia). Our way to these peaceful animals is cleared by a ranger armed with a machine gun. Afterwards we drive through the park, past giraffes, impalas and many birds to the lodge...dinner by the river. Our test results have come back negative, so nothing stands in the way of our continuing our journey to Botswana. Tonight we have another evening of football together - Bayern Munich vs PSG and then it is off to bed. Late evening visit - great excitement when a hippo makes a foray into the lodge. The alarm clock is set for 5 am.

We get up with the first light of dawn. We are ready for an early morning boat trip on the Zambesi. As the sun rises, we see the first hippos, a small fight for the best sunbathing spot begins and silence returns. For a few minutes we are no longer in Zambian waters as we cross the river to the Zimbabwean side. After a short breakfast, we continue our journey by bush plane to Lynianti Bush Camp in Botswana, close to the Chobe National Park.

Lynianti Bush Camp

14. - 18.04.21 | Lynianti Bush camp

Immediately after landing, we drive to the lodge - a 2-3 hour drive. After a short lunch break, we meet the first elephants and have found a fantastic guide and conversation partner in Essafa, so we stay out in the bush until the early evening. A Verreaux's Eagle Owl stares at us from a tree and we see impala, waterbuck and numerous birds. At a watering hole we see 2 lionesses, one very pregnant, the other younger and inexperienced. The young lioness had lost both of her cubs just a few days before. The group of lions (the pride) is made up of two other male lions. On arrival at the lodge, after dinner, plans are made for the next day's activities. In the darkness the snorting and grunting of nearby hippos and the loud trumpeting of elephants can be heard.

Essi wakes us at 5am - it is still dark outside. We sit down in front of the fire and have a strong cup of coffee to wake us up. With the first light we drive out into the bush into Chobe Park and next to the private part of the Lynianti Area. The sun hits the trees and high grass, creating a fantastic atmosphere. A big old bull elephant comes out of the thicket to say good morning to us. We are on the lookout for the two male territorial lions but have no luck. We continue into the open wetlands where we meet a herd of African buffalo. We stop at a waterhole and watch a large group of hippos. There are about 30 of them, staring at us from the water. On the bank a male hammerhead bird tries his luck with a hippo by climbing onto the back... a fish eagle calls from a nearby tree. We stop for hot tea, watch a woodland kingfisher and see a bat eagle high in the sky. On the way back around midday we pass impala, kudu and waterbuck..

After lunch and a long break we head out again. In the late afternoon we meet a small herd of elephants and see many birds - African green pigeon, fish eagle, small bee-eater, shrikes, crested barbets and many more. The two lionesses took us by surprise but stayed quietly in the shade of the path without being disturbed by us. Again we come across a single bull elephant who keeps us company as the sun sets. On the way back in the dark we hear the alarm calls of the impala and search for the suspected predator with the spotlight. Tomorrow's day is planned around the campfire, followed by dinner.

Another early start - loud lion roars from the two brothers during the night. Even in the early morning, a short roar now and then. We set off in search and try to determine the direction in order to find the older of the two. It's a long drive, as we don't find the tracks of the two immediately. Out of nowhere we hear a loud roar and find the older one lying lazily in the grass, avoiding the rising sun, behind a small bush. It is a handsome, proud lion, about 8-9 years old, with a dark mane. Now and then a longing look in the direction of his brother and a short call. But there is no answer...

We find his younger mate lying on the path, already fast asleep, avoiding the sun in the soft sand. We continue past a hippo pool towards Camp Lynianti. Surprise in the bush - lunch at a small pond. The camp team has set up a table and we eat in the middle of the wilderness. Shortly after our return, a helicopter flight awaits us. After half an hour of observing the animals from above, we land very close to the camp. We spend the afternoon with the male lion and under observation of about 30 hippos, which stare at us from a pool situated in the waterlands and follow us with their eyes. A spitting cobra meanders past us. Back at camp by the fire.

Early departure - Today we will spend the whole day in Savuti/Chobe NP. Savuti is about 2 hours from our camp. This area is very different and is a large open grassland area. there are rocky hills and many waterholes. Here there is a large pride of lions the well known Marsh pride with up to 30 members. The alpha male Sikikama is about 8-9 years old and his son Sekoti (short tail) is establishing his own pride. Soon he will have to stand up to his father. Tornnose also rules here - he is one of Sikikama's uncles. News about the lions of Savuti can be read in MMGI Newspaper.

During the day we meet every single one of these proud lions. Early on we meet Sekosi at a waterhole - together with 4 younger animals. In the background a large herd of elephants is approaching the waterhole directly, so the group of lions gets up and slowly moves towards the shady nearby trees. One of the lionesses has a blind eye. Nearby, hundreds of zebras gather. When the elephants reach the water there is great joy and the big giants play in the water there are now about 30 animals. We decide to take a break not far away and watch the big herd of zebras, the whole horizon is black and white. Passing an old baobab tree we come across a fresh buffalo carcass, close by are the lions including old King Sikikama. Only a short time later we set off for the home camp. On the way we find the tracks of a leopard. We follow the animal deep into the thicket, but despite many alarm calls we cannot find the leopard. With all the new impressions we arrive at the fire late in the evening.

18.04. - 24.04.2021 | Khwai River

Today we continue to the Kwaih River. The bush plane takes off from Lynianti Airstrip at 0940. It is about 2 hours drive - a last goodbye, a single bull elephant looks at us sadly...

In Kwaih we are picked up by our new guide Joe - he drives us through the water channels, past a small village safely to the new Camp Leadwood , which is situated directly on the Khwai. The large part of the river and the surrounding countryside are still overflowing with water, so that many animals will not be easily found here...after a short lunch we go on our first game drive. The landscape is quite different from that in Lynianti - it is much more open and a lot of flooded grassland. Some red lychee antelope, as well as the fastest antelope species, can be seen in the distance. We find the tracks of a leopard and again we are unsuccessful...in the dark on the way back to the lodge we spot 2 hyenas on the road with a spotlight. Joe has made an effort but is by far not as experienced a guide as Essi.

Leadwood

Early start also in Leadwood - at the posh lodge we have a quick breakfast by the open fire in the early hours of the morning. We leave while it is still dark and drive through the nearby village into the bush. It is a much more open country with not quite so dense scrub. Giraffes and an osprey greet us in the watery grassland - we find the first lion lying in a bush. a young male with a budding mane. Of course we also look for a leopard, which has its home here in the area. But we are unsuccessful. Over the radio we get the information that a pack of wild dogs is resting in the middle of the main road. We arrive a short time later and are lucky enough to spend some time with the dogs. After arriving at the lodge, a helicopter awaits us for a scenic flight over the Khwaih River, the eastern Okavango Delta. From above we see the animals from a completely new perspective - the highlight is certainly an amazingly large Nile crocodile. A real monster, about 5 m tall and certainly about 80-100 years old. After lunch we set off for the second excursion of the day - again we try to find the leopard, but again we are unsuccessful. However, we are very lucky to see a Bataleur Eagle. It takes its time and does not fly off immediately. Passing an old hyena burrow we quickly find a place to enjoy the sunset. Back home, dinner and a warm fire await us.

We set off early in the morning - leaving the lodge around 05:30 to drive to the nearby Moremi Reserve. Shortly after leaving, we spot a lioness with two cubs in the first light of day. She is on the hunt - spellbound she watches a small group of waterbuks. The lioness is on her own as the cubs are not yet any help. She does not belong to a lion pride, but is known to be a very experienced hunter and also hunts during the day. This time she is unsuccessful...we accompany the family for a while until we continue towards Moremi. As the water is still very high at this time of year, it is not easy to make progress in the terrain. In Moremi we stop at a group of elephants, but drive on and soon see many vultures sitting in the trees. Nearby is a giraffe carcass - a hyena tries to get the last scraps until the vultures pounce on the bones. We drive back and use the rooms of the lodge for a short break before the midday heat. Soon we set off by single boat - mokoro - and let ourselves be transported through the channels of the delta with an experienced guide. It is very quiet, only the calling of birds and frogs can be heard. Reflections and reflections on the water. An elephant accompanies us a little way, an osprey sits in a tree...a paradise on earth. We are shown the Panged Wood frogs, which are barely visible to the naked eye. Water lilies float on the water...on the way back we drive through the village and shortly after reach the lodge where a traditional evening of singing and food awaits us. A loud trumpeting welcomes us - the elephants are here!

Today we will stay outside all day. Early in the morning we find the tracks of two male lions in the sand. It takes a while but we find them...there are two new lions in the area. The search for a leopard remains unsuccessful...on the way to Martabe Game Reserve the pack of wild dogs lies on the roadside, it is the same pack we have already observed. The dogs are lying in the shade and have visibly eaten something. We drive deeper into the new area and find some elephants and of course a lot of antelopes. Finally we decide to return to the dogs. We watch the waking up and subsequent joyful greeting of the dogs. On the long way home we try to find the leopard again, but we are unsuccessful...

A little later than usual, but still only with the first rays of sunshine, we start towards Moremi - it will be an exceptionally quiet trip. Only a few animals show themselves and we are back at the lodge early and a little disappointed. In the afternoon a new attempt - it is now the fifth day in search of the leopard. Unfortunately we are unsuccessful and will not take any leopard sightings back to Germany....no trace of the beautiful cat can be found. An old bull elephant approaches our car with interest and curiosity and stays with us for a while. We drive past kudus and waterbuks, reedbuks and many birds back to the lodge. Tomorrow we have one last early morning drive ahead of us...then it is time to say goodbye.

The last day - we spend the last drive watching a small pack of wild dogs. There are only three animals, but they give us a beautiful last moment. On the way to the airstrip we meet an old bull elephant who stands in front of us and says goodbye with a deep grumble.

South Africa 2019

25. - 28.09.2019 | Greater Krueger Park - Timbavati Game reserve

Arrival at Eastgate airport. After hiring a car I leave the airport in the direction of Timvati - Nkhulu Gate. Travel time about 30 minutes (about 18 KM). From Nkhulu Gate I follow the sand road for another 18 KM and arrive at the first station Kings Camp. The lodge is located in the over 53.000 hectare Timbavati Game Reserve, which adjoins the Kruger Park. Since there are no fences between the areas, the animals can freely move around here. The game drives take place daily, in the morning and in the late afternoon.

King`s Camp, Timbavati

Already on arrival at the lodge there is a herd of elephants at the nearby waterhole. First game drive in the Landcruiser in the late afternoon. My Guide Grant and the Tracker Albert will be my companions for the time in Tmbavati. We accompany the elephants a bit, a young one has malformed ears - they run inwards and not outwards. Elephants use their ears to cool body temperature by using their ears. In the middle of the action, a Taney Eagle pushes from the sky and shoots a hare. We are looking for a leopard and will actually find it. A three year old female hiding in the bushes with a slain Dyker (a dwarf antelope) - Little Miss Sunset. My first sundowner with gin and tonic - finally Africa!

First morning in Africa - looking for signs with Albert. We heard about a pack of wild dogs that are supposed to be nearby. In the middle of the way a handsome rhino bull - slowly the sun rises. Lion roar in the distance! We are lucky and Albert showed all his skills - the wild dogs are in the middle of the bush. About 8-10 juveniles pulled together and nestled close together, they rest. Not far away are the adults. Wild dogs are among the endangered animals - they are about to die out. There are not many of them anymore - what luck and hope to see the kittens. We return to the lodge, encounter various antelopes and giraffes. Looking forward to the upcoming breakfast and I can not wait to go back to the bush! In the afternoon we start again and search for the wild dogs for a long time. Then finally the first traces on the ground and we meet the dogs. They chased a leopard that does not hesitate and climbs to the next tree. From above, he watches the pack suspiciously. Out of nowhere the dogs start to run and pursue an Impala - we follow them as well as possible and after a wild ride we can see how the antelope is killed by the dogs and immediately starts to eat them. A deafening chirping and a high barking penetrates the bush and attracts a first hyena. A wild fight begins - the dogs keep the upper hand. But soon a second hyena comes - the pack lets go and breaks up quickly. What an observation! I am full of adrenalin and full of happiness about this extraordinary sighting. Evening by the fire with wild adventure stories.

A new morning in Africa. The loud roar of the lions has been heard all night. We break up quickly and go searching. Two male lions are said to be near the lodge. Despite a long search, we are unsuccessful. A small group of elephants comfort us on the way back. In the distance we see a fish eagle and we look forward to a hot coffee and breakfast at the lodge. For breakfast, a large herd of elephants join us. I count 24 animals. It is getting warmer and I can not wait to get out in the bush. We leave in the afternoon - I made out with Grant and Albert that we are looking for the lions. Instead, we find ourselves in the middle of the big herd of elephants again. A humming and whirling around us. Very little kittens, young bulls and full-grown mothers. What a colorful hustle and bustle at the waterhole! Albert leads us to a young leopard - calm and looking around, he sits half-lying on a termite mound. Further along the way we see an old rhinoceros bull accompanied by a young male bull. It is not uncommon for the young bulls to join an old adult bull. The big one does it, the boy learns. The licking of an old dead tree and the rubbing of the trunk are among the rituals of every bull to stake his territory. Naughty and full of pleasure the old bull stretches out his tongue at us. Tomorrow the last day in Timbavati - the evening spent with Grant and many stories from the bush by the fire.

Last morning in Timbavati. We are looking for the wild dogs - an attempt to see the dogs again, which I will never forget with my stay in Timbavati. We are looking for a long, long time. We follow the trail to nothing ... We give up. Out of nowhere, a dog appears next to the vehicle. Then another and another - the whole pack comes together. We accompany the dogs until they run excitedly around a tree and bark loudly in high tones. The pack has committed a hyena. It sits in panic and fearful look with the back to the tree and tries to defend herself. It sits half in a hole and has a good, safe position. Soon the dogs let go of the Hyana and run fast foot to a nearby river. There, the young animals are fooled around and rested. In the distance you can see elephants. What a farewell to TImbavati!

29.09.2019 - 03.10.2019 | Marakele national park

With a stopover for one night at Kings Walden Lodge I drive the next day about 5 hours without staying in the direction of Marakele National Park. Marataba Mountain Lodge is set in 23,000 acres of private land surrounded by the majestic Waterberg Mountains, in the heart of Limpopo's Marakele National Park. Contrasting mountain ranges, grassy hills and deep valleys characterize the landscape of the Waterberg region. Here in Marataba are twice a day game viewing undertaken. In the area there is a river overflow, the Phython dam, which is about two kilometers long and in some places up to a hundred meters wide. There is a boatdrive at sunrise and one at sunset.

Marataba Mountain & Safari Lodges

What a view! The lodge is set amidst the mountainsides, the five eco-suites offer a fantastic view directly into the wide plain. I leave for the first drive into the bush in the afternoon. In addition to the dry grasslands, there are always green islands that nestle against the river. A completely different picture to TImbavati. There are many rhinos and elephants that I meet with numerous on the first trip. In the evening, an excellent dinner by the open fire.

I wake up with the first light and look directly from the bed into the wide, flat land, framed by the Waterberg Mountains. What a view. We leave at about six o'clock with Kim our Guide, with the sunrise. A large herd of African buffaloes barricades our way and the old ones look grim. Past a rhino bull, we search for traces of a leopard. But here in Marataba it is much harder to find a leopard. If we could follow the tracks in Tmbavati directly into the bush, it is only allowed to drive on the given routes. In the afternoon, the second drive and another attempt to find the cats. In the distance we hear the alarming cries of the monkeys - even a giraffe looks attentively in one direction. We seek out the environment, because the monkey screaming usually indicates a carnivore. In fact, we find two young lions - siblings lying lazily in the shade. After a short while we continue towards the river and stop at the shore - hippos curiously stretch their heads out of the water. On the way back we find a few cheetah tracks on the ground, but remain unsuccessful and return to the Mountain Lodge with a beautiful sunset home.

Before I change from the mountains to the Safari Lodge in the valley, there is a boat trip on the Python Dam. Early in the morning we start in the direction of water. But first we want to check the Cheetahs again. There are two male animals and one female with two cubs that have been sighted nearby. We find all animals - even if the males are at some distance from the female. All lie flat on the ground in the shade of the bushes - we use the time-out to drive to the boat. It's a nice, quiet ride across the channel, past Zebras, Kudus - many birds and Hippopotamus in the water. In conclusion to the ride, we look past the cats. One of the male sneaks into the back of a small group of Kudu antelopes and launches an attack. The hunt is unsuccessful - although Cheetahs are among the fastest mammals, their endurance for speed is only very short. The Cheetah catches the leg of one of the antelopes, but can not hold it and has to give up. We return home, saying goodbye to an old bull Elephant on the way.

I move to the valley. The main house is located directly on a water hole. Giraffes pay us a visit - Impalas and Bushbucks walk freely around the grounds. The suites are separate and extremely luxurious with a fantastic view of the water. My new companion is Scott and thanks to his experience, we soon find the young Lion couple right on the bank of the river. On the opposite side, the Lion mother is hunting for a Waterbuck - the loud alarming shouts of others scare away the loner and make the hunt to a halt. The two young Lions try to get to the mother but have to cross the river. They do not like it - with a grim look and growling, the Lion plunges into the water and comes to the other shore. The Lioness does it to him and is eagerly awaited on the shore. We also cross the river and accompany the two of them for a while, until the sun goes down. With this experience we return home and are surprised by a dinner by the open fire for everyone - stories are narrated and new friendships are made.

I wake up from the roaring of a Lion early in the morning, jump out of bed into my pants, and meet Scott in front of the suite. He is excited and explains that the two dominant territory male Lions are back in Marataba. We leave immediately and go in search of the two lions with the black mane. We are unsuccessful - the Bigboys are not to be found. instead we find the Cheetah mother with the little ones near a tree. We also spend the afternoon searching for the two Lions. Instead, we meet two young Elephants playing in the water at the river - what a spectacle! We stay long and break back to the lodge as soon as it gets dark. On the way back we come across two Black Rhinos and a Civit in the dark.

The last day we drive directly to the Cheetahs, the Lions are not to be found. We stay with the cats for a long time and I say goodbye to Marekele and Marataba.

03.10. - 06.10.2019 | Madikwe Game Reserve

The journey time from Marataba Gate, passing the border with Botswana, to Wonderboom Gate in Madikwe is about 3 hours. Inside the park, it's another 20 minutes to Tuningi Safari Lodge. The malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, located in the northern province, is one of the youngest and with 75,000 hectares the fourth largest game reserve in South Africa, directly on the border with Botswana. In the east, the Marico River and in the south the Dwarsberg Mountains form the border. The terrain consists of wide grass and bush planes, interrupted by individual island mountains.

Tuningi Safari Lodge

On the first game drive, we drive past a cascading water hole and see a collection of different animals, ranging from several old bull elephants, an old giraffe male, we meet a stately old lion - amazing, as all here are close together. In the distance, a power line can be seen and the nearby highway can be heard. An entirely different, very realistic picture. We drive deeper into the park - and watch a small group of four lionesses lying lazily in the diminishing sunlight. Close by, several giraffes look alarmed in the direction of the lions. Aware of the danger, the giraffes are getting closer and closer to the predators. One of the lionesses sneaks in the direction of the giraffes and makes a fool of pretending an attack. The lioness makes clear who this boss is. We return home and look forward to the evening in the lodge.

With the sunrise we drive out into the bush, past the antelopes and zebras in search of the cats. In fact, we find a cheetah - stay for a moment and continue on our way soon. Two rhinoceros bulls fight for supremacy on the wayside and we are amazed how fast the animals move and what sounds they make in a fight. In the afternoon we stop at a water hole - lonely a dry tree stands in the landscape. Wind comes up and a small dust vortex arises and envelops the tree. In the distance, a rhino trudges past. We say good night to the lion in the last sunlight. Then dinner with singing by the open fire.

We spend the beginning of the day with the search for a leopard. Unfortunately, we are unsuccessful, the area is large and difficult to find the tracks. We visit a small Hyaene family, sleeping in the sun near the hole in the ground. In the afternoon, we completely unexpectedly meet a black rhino bull. The black rhinos are a dying species and it is rare to see them so close. Most of them are much more aggressive and shy than their relatives, the White Rhinos. Then finally we get the message via radio that a leopard was found. It is a young male animal, about 2 years old and in the best condition. In the sunset it walks through the thicket to find a place for a short sleep.

My last morning in Africa - a spectacular sunrise. A short drive through the countryside with a red ball on the horizon. My heart is heavy and I must say goodbye to my beloved Africa.