27 Jun 2018 Ranger Reflections – Dean Wilkinson
Camp Jabulani recently hosted an English family for a few days. The guests were understandably very excited as it was their first visit to Africa, and I was their dedicated guide for their stay. We witnessed something incredible over a course of two days, which I want to share.
Mid-morning at the waterhole
We were very fortunate to see almost all the animals during our game-drives and on the guests’ last night with us, we spotted a female leopard with her impala-kill in a tree. The leopard was wary of us and it wasn’t long before she leapt out of the tree and ran out of sight.
The following morning, I took two of the young ladies for a morning game drive in search of our leopard. As we approached the tree we had last seen the leopard in, we noticed a few hyenas running hysterically around the base of the tree. Then we spotted our leopard, high up in the tree eating her salvaged kill!
Suddenly, a full pride of lions rushed in and chased the hyenas. The commotion startled our leopard, forcing her to abandon her meal as she scampered higher into the tree.
Two of the lions then clambered into the tree and claimed the carcass. In a desperate attempt, a third lion leapt up and grabbed at the impala remains trying to steal it away.
The sun was just appearing over the horizon and provided a beautiful setting for the drama that unfolded before our eyes: a disgruntled leopard perched at the top of the tree and three lions fighting for the impala carcass, while the rest of the pride kept the persistent hyenas at bay. A truly extraordinary sight. Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me for these events, but I still wanted to share the special experience.
To finish off, here are a selection of some of my images I have taken recently, that I would like to share with you.
– Ranger, Dean Wilkinson
Lions seldom climb trees. This strong female did so, without any problem
Sun on the horizon
This male got a little too close for comfort
We had to wait for the little cub to come out
Cute lion cub
Caught this male leopard snoozing
Male impalas in rutting season!
Hair-tailed butterflies extracting nutrient salts from urine patch
Kandi Fivaz
Posted at 15:21h, 27 JuneGorgeous, Dean!
Camp Jabulani
Posted at 05:09h, 28 JuneThanks, Kandi! You can be very proud of your brother!
Laki Papadakis
Posted at 20:19h, 27 JuneNice one Dean!! Great story Bud!! Great pictures too!!
Camp Jabulani
Posted at 05:09h, 28 JuneThanks, Laki!
Romy Haddow
Posted at 06:23h, 28 JuneAh what an awesome story and great pictures, keep them coming Dean!
Camp Jabulani
Posted at 08:14h, 28 JuneThanks for taking the time to read the blog, Romy, and thanks for the compliment! Have a great day!
Aplusmathematicstutorial
Posted at 20:48h, 29 JuneThanks, Marlynn! I love them!http://boxermath.com/
Sarah Cummings
Posted at 22:28h, 13 JulyAmazing story! The photos are incredible too. Thanks for sharing!
Camp Jabulani
Posted at 12:41h, 14 JulyHi Sarah, thank you very much for taking the time to comment. Really glad you like the post, Dean is really talented! enjoy your weekend.
From the Camp Jabulani team.