From the second I met the wonderful Morrey family, until the moment they departed today, we had the most special safari experience I could ever dream of. From unforgettable sightings to stunning scenery and lots of laughs shared around the dinner table - we couldn’t have asked for more!

It all began when I transferred the first-time safari goers from the ever-convenient Skukuza Airport to Earth Lodge. The family were not just welcomed by me, but also countless impala and even a journey of giraffe on the way!

We excitedly set off on our first safari later that afternoon. Not even 5 minutes into our drive, we spotted a crash of rhino! We spent some quality time with 4 white rhinos as they peacefully grazed close to our vehicle. We were also absolutely thrilled as a cute calf started to suckle from its mother!

Soon after we proceeded to the waterhole in front of Earth Lodge. We noticed a lot of commotion in the water and as we got there we saw 2 hippos play-fighting! They showed off their size and strength as they stretched their mouths open displaying their massive teeth to one another. We were left absolutely speechless. The best thing to do afterwards was to find a good spot to enjoy the breathtaking African sunset with a G&T in hand!

The next morning is still a bit surreal to me. We were lucky enough to see not 1, not 2... but 3 leopards in one sighting! To top things off even more, they were mating! Our jaws were on the floor as we spent the morning watching a female leopard mate with 2 separate males. The sounds sent shivers running down our spines! This behavior is definitely not according to the textbooks but that is what made this sighting one in a million! Read all about it in Terry’s blog, “Never say never”.

Later that day we went on a bush walk and got the amazing opportunity to appreciate the “smaller” things which are often missed from a vehicle. We saw some fresh rhino tracks and climbed a beautiful rocky outcrop to enjoy the most spectacular views of the reserve. We then saw a couple of very relaxed waterbuck on the way back to the lodge as well as a bushbuck mother and her lamb!

We were under the impression nothing could beat the miraculous morning we just had, yet the afternoon safari did not disappoint. We spent most of our safari on a scenic open area dwarfed by a massive bull elephant together with a group of wildebeest. We also happened to find 4 old buffalo bulls just before stopping for sundowners!

An awe-inspiring sunrise kicked off the next day as we managed to find many special raptors, including a juvenile Martial Eagle and a herd of buffalo about 50 strong. They were not ready to get their day started yet as we watched them all huddled up together in the morning sunlight.

Soon after we were treated by a stunning dazzle of zebra as they played around close to a dam. Whilst enjoying the herd of zebra, a group of elephants (with a month-old calf!) made their way into the area. They were extremely relaxed with us and a young calf even curiously approached my tracker, Candy!

That afternoon we planned to search for a predator during the evening and that’s exactly what we found! Straight after enjoying another spectacular sunset with some refreshments, we spent some quality time with the impressive dominant male leopard of the area. He marked his territory by urine-spraying onto bushes and even by calling right next to us! He got distracted by the sound of rutting impala before deciding to groom himself instead. Amazing indeed! We celebrated another incredible day in Africa by having a delicious dinner in the wine cellar - one of Earth Lodge’s most beautiful dining venues.

Could things get any better for us? The next morning was an absolute awesome adventure! My tracker was put to the ultimate test as he picked up on some Wild Dog tracks only moments into the drive. He put years of knowledge and practice into that morning and tracked like I’ve never seen before. We followed the spoor for almost an hour, heading all the way to the Sabie River. We then picked up on the strong scent of the dogs and saw impala stotting (moving in over-exaggerated movements). All the signs were there and moments later... we found them! The most rewarding feeling ever.

Their mouths were full of blood as they must have just finished their kill. We followed them for a while before stopping for some coffee and Amarula. Just before we got to our spot, we found the half-eaten bushbuck with vultures in the trees above. This completed the picture as we then enjoyed our coffee by the river whilst being entertained by vervet monkeys below.

That afternoon, the safari came to us. As we enjoyed Chef Nick’s scrumptious high tea - a huge herd of buffalo started to appear in front of the lodge. We had the perfect view of hundreds of Cape buffalo as they came down to the waterhole to have an afternoon drink. We could see the hippos were not very happy with their space being invaded by the formidable bovids. We jumped on the vehicle and just before we left the lodge, a magnificent elephant bull blocked our way! The good kind of road block for sure. We then spent the afternoon with the buffalo and were surprised to see many adorable calves only months old. As if it couldn’t get more interesting, a group of rhinos joined the party as we found ourselves speechless and surrounded by these beautiful animals. The Morrey’s and I enjoyed a traditional South African “boma braai” dinner together and reminisced about our unforgettable time together!

It all came down to the last morning. The 8^th safari. The only thing left on the list was a lion although we were all incredibly grateful for everything we had seen already. Our patience was rewarded with 2 of the biggest male lions I have ever seen. They had full manes and looked well fed as they made their way only meters away from our vehicle. It was magnificent! We couldn’t believe it and I know a few of us had tears in our eyes from absolute joy! What a way to end an unforgettable experience.

Days like these make me love and appreciate my job so much and I’m grateful to have shared it with such a wonderful family!