I am back on line!! The wifi went down so was unable to send anything out after the last pictures. So here goes:
We have had the most awesome experience at Madwike Game Reserve. It met and exceeded our expectations. In the first 1 1/2 days we had seen the BIG 5 -- some guests never see all of them. Our ranger/guides were extremely comfortable with the animals and the places they had to drive so we could see them. The rangers are highly trained in many areas and must go through rifle testing each month (eg simulating a charging lion for instance). They are young guys and gals. Ours was Saun. So the BIG 5:
ELEPHANTS The first day we saw a whole bunch of them -- single males, young males pushing each other around and families. We had to get out of one area fast as the herd was approaching and we were in thick brush trying to see the buffalo -- no quick escape if trouble. Then we never saw another one except for a lone male who appeared in front of our cabin. Others saw them everday -- depended where the guides went. (The park is huge -- 22,000 acres)
CAPE BUFFALO These guys are hard to find as they are in very thick brush. We saw a herd of over 150 yesterday but after dark so no pictures.
LIONS These guys were hard to find but as soon as one guide spotted them, the rest came over. Only 3 vehicles allowed at any animal viewing at a time so they take turns. So we saw a couple of sleepy lone males
after dark then one evening on our way back to the lodge, we saw a pair walking down the road towards us. They split and went on each side of the vehicle. I could have reached out and touched her. The next day they were located so we all took turns watching their mating. -- over and over and I have the pictures to prove it. Our guide had never been that close to a mating before so he was pretty pumped too.
LEOPARD These guys are very elusive but we managed to get two sightings -- one in daylight so I have a picture.
RHINOS We had good viewing of these guys. One day was especially close coming within 30 feet of the vehicle. They sure are massive.
We saw loads and loads of other animals some of which are quite rare sightings.
Our schedule:
0500 -- wake-up call
0510 -- coffe, juice and tiny muffins
0530 -- game drive for 3 hours
0730 -- Coffee and biscotti out somewhere
0830 -- breakfast
morning then free to nap, etc.
1330 -- lunch
afternoon -- as the morning
1630 -- tea and snack
1700 -- game drive for 3 hours
1900 -- drinks and snacks out somewhere
2030 -- supper
We didn't find this schedule difficult, except we don't like going to bed on a full stomach.
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