As we headed out for a morning game drive this past week, the grass was laden with icicles; the frost has made it's appearance! Temperatures have dropped significantly across South Africa and so too here at Amakhosi, in the heart of Zululand.
The sun took forever to stick it's head out from behind the mountains as we departed on our adventure filled morning that lay in wait; not knowing what will be in store for us...
Just as we crossed the Mkuze River at Mziki Bridge crossing, the crossing closest to the lodge, we found a young Nyala bull, dead, just off the road. Partially eaten from behind and under the front leg, where the soft spots are, with fur scattered all over as the predator cleared a patch to sink his teeth in. Both ranger and tracker hopped off the vehicle to inspect the carcass, speculating which predator had caused the premature demise of this unsuspecting antelope. It was later confirmed, about a 100 meters down the road, that it was indeed a leopard! We found clear tracks in some soft sandy spots on the road and this got our blood flowing, because if luck is on our side, this magnificent cat might just show itself later! Full of excitement we continued on to the Rondebosch area in search of a breeding herd of elephants.
After diligent tracking by our ranger and tracker it wasn't long before we had located one of the breeding herds. Deep inside the bush; so off the road we went in pursuit of a better visual. With success, we landed in the middle of the breeding herd that were very occupied by what they do best, and that is to eat. After sitting amongst them for a while the ranger said that they are probably making their way down to Ndlovu Dam, one of the dams that retains its water during the winter months.
We made our way back up the two track print that we had left behind in the dry grass when coming down, and it lead the way out safely. We arrived at the dam on the eastern side with time to have a hot cup of fresh coffee, to try and thaw a bit from the inside out, and just as the ranger predicted, approximately 20 minutes later...the whole breeding herd started arriving at the dam in single file through an opening at the end of the elephant highway that leads to Ndlovu Dam.
With a steaming cup of Amarula coffee in hand, there is surely no better way to sip and stare at the start of another day here at Amakhosi. You feel like saying: "aaah, perfect".
We finished our coffee and stayed at the dam watching, intently at the ellie-cassion, as each gathering at a watering hole seems to be an occasion for them!
It's all about being at the right place, at exactly that right time. This morning's coffee stop at Ndlovu Dam was perfect timing in every sense! What more would you want if you can start your day like this at Amakhosi!
