Apologies to David Attenborough and sorry if this is getting a bit ‘samey’ but if we don’t talk about the animals and their habits there won’t be much of a blog as it’s all we’re currently doing!)

The cheetah is a pursuit predator and the  fastest land animal. It is capable of running at 58-65 mph. It is also very beautiful with a fawn or creamy white fur with evenly spaced solid black spots. A bit like the lion the females search for prey and they have a preference for impala, springbok and gazelles. 

We went in search of this beautiful animal and were delighted to see this family group lazing on the grass.  Our guide said they looked hungry and thought they might be hunting soon. Nearby we had seen a springbok and it’s fawn and we were hopeful they weren’t heading in that direction

When a cheetah hunts it charges at great speed at its prey.and strikes it with its dew claw. Unlike other big cats its claws do not fully retract as they help it push into the ground as it runs to give it more purchase. Once the prey is down it will kill it by biting the throat. 

In the afternoon we returned to where we had seen them and they had indeed been hunting and were enjoying dinner. The prey was not identifiable other than it being some form or antelope.  If you are squeamish maybe don’t look too closely at the next picture.

They are vulnerable to hyenas and lions who, as we said last time, will steal kills and kill any cubs.  It is a brutal scenario, all these animals are hunting and, with the exception of the lion, being hunted.  Of course the gentle herbivores just gently graze.

But the Buffalo, one of the Big 5, may not be such a gentle herbivore! It’s a member of the 5 as it’s considered the most dangerous and difficult animal to hunt and catch on foot in Africa.

It was a busy early game drive as we spotted jackals, antelopes, a group of 40 giraffes, a very cute baby zebra and then we went in search, and found, a white rhino.

The rhino was pacing backwards and forwards and you can see he was constantly sniffing the ground for a female scent.  Once he found it he added his own scent.

So this afternoon we went out again and it was quite windy with cold blowy rain. We took precautions in the truck.

Someone who was always at his best was our fantastic ranger guide Leon.  He just knew everything from animals to botany. He also always knew where to find the animals – today it was elusive elephants – you wouldn’t think they’d be so hard to find being so big but it’s a huge reserve.

Last ride out tomorrow at 6 and then after lunch we’re off to Durban.  No more animals!!