The LEOPARD

                                                                                 

NIGHT DRIVE

returning from the river after a refreshing morning drink.

“One of the main reasons for our visit to Kafue and South Luangwa is the possibility, or likelihood, of seeing and photographing a Leopard.” I said to DJ.

“You will be successful tonight” Said DJ. “We will go on a night-drive and the possibility of seeing a Leopard is high.”

“I'm looking forward to this. I've been on Safari many times in various countries and regions, but there was never 
'a Leopard.' It has to happen this time around.”

“It will” said DJ.

Tired, after many miles of walking, we returned to camp.

“I'll lie down for a bit” said John. “Wake me up for dinner, or the night Safari. Whichever comes first.”

“If I am awake, I will.” I said.

*****

A simple, but tasty dinner enjoyed, we were on our way.

I had checked the automatic ISO setting on my camera, double checked the flash attachment. Everything performed to perfection.

Slowly the open observation van pulled out of the camp area. There was DJ who drove the vehicle, John right next to him, while I again occupied the rear seat to spread my gear.

Behind me, a young Native sat with a strong, battery powered searchlight.

More than a half hour had gone. DJ drove his vehicle slowly, ever so slowly, over what was  to him well known, terrain.

In the searchlight, deftly handled by the young man, we saw a Night Hare, a young Spotted Hyena, a pair of ponderous Hippos, two Eles, a young one and, we assumed, its mother.

Even the Hare chose the night hours to forage for his favorite food.
He moved  most cautiously, stopping ever few meters, scanning his surroundings, nibbling on something he had found. 

Two Hippos, having left the river, grunting and groaning, 

on the look-out for fresh grass.

An excited Elephant. 

Having roamed the country side all day long.

Why is he also checking out the night scene?

Hyena, checking out the lay of the land

Coming out of the tall grass, this hyena wants in on the action.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Suddenly DJ stopped the vehicle and turned off the engine.

And there it was: A Leopard on the prowl.

Slowly, cautiously, she came into the funnel of our search light.

The sudden change from pitch black into light did not seem to bother her.

Undisturbed she came toward us----------

---------- showed us her broadside

Then she moved away from us, into the dark night.

In the very early morning hours, we returned for 'just another look'

“If we're very lucky, she'll still be in the area.” DJ said cautiously. “But I'll doubt it.”

Well, she was still there. 

 Could you get a better image 

of a Leopard at rest than this one?

****************

well, maybe these two!

In all her beauty and hidden packed power she glares at us.

Often Leopards drag their kill, sometimes a fully grown Impala up a tree, where they secure their prey in the fork of a strong branch.

Secure from any marauders, they can feed in peace anytime they want to.

Unfortunately since this one had comparatively young pups, who could not yet climb to the nearest branch, Mama Leopard just hid her kill on ground level for her offspring to partake of, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

This was: Purpose achieved. Everything to come would be 'gravy'.

And what 'gravy' it was to be:

Not only was Leopard Mother still there. She had brought two cubs.

This truly put the cherry on the top.

The most difficult decision regarding this Safari?

Which of the hundreds of pictures I took of these Leopards to select for this presentation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~~~~~~~