Kruger NP had one last big surprise for us. We'd agreed to go out with Lee & Nick for one last look on Mary's and my last morning at Skukuza. With checkout time for Mary and me at 10am and a journey to our next stop off place facing us we nevertheless piled into our trusty hire car at 0715, all armed to the teeth with enthusiasm and cameras. Lee chose the route we would take, a short loop which would bring us back to Skukuza camp in time to finish packing our bags and clear the room. Breakfast was planned for after our return.
Having encountered four of the Big Five the previous afternoon, we were hopeful for the fifth, but strongly aware that the chances were slim, for leopards are few, largely solitary, relatively small and beautifully camouflaged.
Again the weather was perfect; clear sky, no breeze. Eyes keen from a good night's sleep, we all scanned the roadside scrub as we trundled along at low speed. A small mongoose and its mate held our attention for a while and then the antics of a pair of small antelopes, probably bushbuck, further ate into our precious time.
We moved on. Clearing a small rise in the road we had a clear view straight ahead for about 200m and there, less than 100m away, a leopard sauntered along the road, its back to us and seemingly intent on getting across the bitumen road from left to right but in no particular hurry to do so. No other cars were around. If we'd been 30 seconds earlier or later we'd have missed this wonderful encounter. Cameras were readied amid great excitement as I, the designated driver today, manoeuvered the car to try to get into the best viewing position without causing the leopard to take fright. Lee, in the back seat behind me, was in the best situation to take photographs and this was fortunate indeed because she's the most experienced photographer and was armed with the best equipment. Having cleared the road the leopard unhurriedly crossed a small grassy area which gave all of us a clear view when it turned its head and looked squarely at us. I was still driving along gently at this stage, keeping pace with this most graceful big cat.
And just as suddenly as it had started, the encounter ended, the leopard rapidly becoming invisible as it blended with the vegetation. Possibly the whole event occurred within less than a minute but it was a very memorable minute and all the more special because we four experienced it together and alone.
The Big Five in well under 24 hours!
Kruger NP is amazing. To be able to drive your own car and follow your self-made plans or wander without a fixed plan enhances the experience because there's that element of personal involvement which is not present otherwise. The comfortable overnight accommodation and meal arrangements available are important if not crucial to the experience also. If you come to South Africa, come at this time of year and visit and stay in Kruger NP.
Mary and I were on the road to our next destination, Graskop, by around 1130am. The distance from Skukuza to Paul Kruger Gate is about 15 km, during which distance travellers are still within the Park boundaries. Two last photo opportunities were presented during this short trip.
Hope you enjoyed Kruger NP. We certainly did.
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