Last Day at Simbambili

We awoke to the coldest morning yet for our last game drive at Simbambili. Liam and Mumps continued the search for the male and female leopards. Along the way we encountered a large herd of elephant scattered over a wide area grazing on the grasses, bushes and trees (even thorn trees!) In the herd was the tiniest baby elephant we saw. It was about the size of a large dog and followed closely behind its mother, protected by one of its sisters or cousins at all times. Liam estimated it to be no more than a couple of weeks old. The mother elephants often enlist immature female members of the herd to babysit, thereby teaching them the necessary parenting skills.

After two hours or so of unsuccessful leopard hunting, Kathy suggested that she would like to see some giraffes or zebra. Reluctantly, Liam turned the Land Cruiser around and within 15 minutes we were in the middle of a herd of giraffes! After spending some time with these quiet, tall, beautiful creatures, we headed to a nearby watering hole for a brief break before returning to the lodge. We enjoyed a biscuit and hot chocolate and as we were packing up to leave, a small herd of Southern Burchell’s Zebra arrived for a drink. Thus, we ended up seeing 27 kinds of mammals and 52 identified species of birds. I will post a list for those interested in such things. We were soon back to the lodge for our goodbyes with the staff with whom we felt so at home over the last four days. A bumpy ride to the airport and we were back in Johannesburg for a restful evening.

Relaxing on the Deck

Ready for a game drive

Adorable baby elephant dwarfed by a mid-sized adult

Male and female giraffes 

Note the shadow stripe in this sub-species of Zebra

Lunch at Simbambili

Wow, things really changed while we were gone!