April 19, Wednesday-Day 5 : A Mini-African Safari!

Hello Students: Yesterday, Mr. Janes and I had the pleasure of experiencing a Mini-Safari in the open range of the Okonjati Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, there are known to be over 6,000 animals of a large variety of species. Fillipus, our escort (and another PH-Professional Hunter and Tracker) drove us in this two-tiered hunting vehicle. We sat on top for the best view! The first order of business was for my husband to "sight" his rifle (a 375 H &H-a powerful rifle!). He was very happy after some adjustments to hit the set-up target at a very long range.

Now on to the search for animals. We were not disappointed! Some of the animals were not keen to having their pictures taken, but the above are a few of the shots. Notice the giraffe at the top. He was among his herd, but stood out as he was munching on some leaves for dinner. We also saw Zebra and Giraffes traveling together. They seem to have a rather symbiotic relationship. Both are not predators and eat vegetation, one up high and one down low. The giraffes most likely look to the zebra to warn them of impending danger. While my husband was down the road sighting his rifle, I heard something shake close in the bushes and then snort. I asked Fhilippi what that might have been and he said a Zebra; they sound like a horse. It was rather hot, so he was probably resting near. We saw a Springbok lying in the road taking a rest. Springboks are the national emblem of South Africa. Second row, middle picture. They get their name for their pogo-stick style of jumping when  alarmed. We saw Impala, Eland (they can get up to 2,000 lbs.!), ostrich, several bat-eared fox and the white rhinos above (a young bull and young female). Notice the carcass (and drag marks) of a young unfortunate Impala, who we think became lunch for a leopard in the area. This is Africa, where the young and weak are prey for the more aggressive predators, who have to eat to stay strong. Can you guess what the bottom picture to the left is? You might want to do some research on this one. These unusual looking hills are throughout Africa. Inside consists of millions of termites! They built the outside (Fhilippi said this one is about 4 years old) of mud. Interesting, the outside is hard to touch and the bull-type animals use it to sharpen their tusks (elephant/rhinos, etc.).

Another Safari Tip: The last, but not the least photo looks like a long-winding road. But it is really the tracking of a Python snake! How do you suppose our Tracker could tell this? The tracks are deep and wide.

Today, I will watch a live Cheetah feed. It's raining, so the animals have not come out to the water hole yet. I hope you are learning lots along with me on this great adventure. There is more to come. I welcome your questions and comments. I may not answer right away as sometimes the internet is spotty and at times we are out exploring.......