Safari

"Polka dots!!" he shouted, excitedly pointing, "a cat.... with spots!!!" It was already dusk and we were winding our way back out of the game reserve when this last great sighting of the evening occurred. A leopard or possibly a cheetah, right next to us! The Pilanesburg Game Reserve has recreated the African savannah, relocating over 3000 animals that were once indiginous to this part of South Africa. Day trip safaris are offered; it's a wonderful way to take a peek at real live, wild animals in what may be the most natural habitat many of us have ever observed. Our groups rode in large open vehicles that permitted excellent views. In one day, we saw hippos sunning themselves, zebra and giraffe grazing, galloping gnus, rummaging warthogs, hyena, jackels, spring bok and beautiful birds. We watched lions playfully paw one another and, at one point a family of rhinocerous actually blocked the road, trotting unhurriedly in front of our vehicles. Our guide commented that they can be quite stubborn!
I marveled at how very disinterested the animals were. Surely they can hear and smell us coming, two miles away and yet they are completely undetered by our gawking presence.