Now I understand why one travel agent (who we didn’t use) insisted that we end our South Africa trip with a safari. Today was pretty amazing. Jim already recounted the lioness and leopard sitings this morning.
Tonight’s drive was enjoyable but unremarkable until we stopped for gin and tonics in the bush (how very British), and heard leopards behind and ahead of us. By now it was dark, so we piled back into the land rover and headed toward the sound. Our tracker, Dyke, directed his flashlight onto a leopard padding slowly through the scrub – and then – another leopard. Just what our Ranger, Mark, was hoping for – a male and female ready to mate.
And mate they did, about 10 seconds per coupling, then some strolling through the brush and at it again, and again. We pursued them through low hanging trees and thorn bushes. At one point, they circled our vehicle – and I just prayed the invisibility cloak of the truck would continue to hold.
We finally headed back to the lodge to give them a little privacy. As we drove, Mark suggested we have a celebration upon our refurn. After all, it’s not every night you get to watch leopards mating in the wild. As we approached camp, to the left was a pole strung with lanterns and a bottle of champagne. Ah, that’s the way to celebrate!
When we finally got back to the lodge, we all opted to grab a quick shower before dinner. As the night before, Jabu escorted us back to our room. He insisted I open the door, which I did – to find a table set for dinner with champagne and with candles throughout the room. Wow.
We like cities, and we love wine country. But that travel agent was right – this is something special.
It's What We Do 
Wow is the word for this – an exciting evening with leopards and then this BEAUTIFUL setting laid out just for you. it looks magical.mom
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