And finally, on our (most probably) last game drive in South Africa we saw it! The one missing from the Big 5 of Africa. We had travelled 13 thousand kilometers in 4 countries, visited 20 National Parks and game reserves, spent countless hours in the bush – in the car of course – and on the very last day we caught a glimpse of it: the leopard.
You don’t see it? Don’t worry, we show it to you.
So this is our BIG 5th for this time. :) But it leaves us with something to look forward to for our next safari trip.
Until then, here are the big 5 (actually big 4+1) as we saw them in the last 2 months.
The most endangered one: the rhino
The king of the animals: the lion
The grey giant: the elephant
The one with the smartest look: the buffalo
And the +1 from the Etosha Big 5, the most elegant one: the cheetah
But let us tell you: it is not about the Big 5. We have seen so many beautiful (and less beautiful) creatures during these 2 months, breathtaking landscapes and interesting people. We drove over 13 thousand kilometers (about 2 thousand of it in deep sand), slept in a tent, picnicked with lions, got mock-charged by elephants, found new friends – we would not change a day of it.
Here are some highlights from our Africa trip – if you have missed them (click below links to read more):
- It is hard to believe that it was only 2 months ago, when we first arrived to South-Africa
- From the wild flowers of Namaqualand to the Edge of Eternity in the Fish River Canyon
- The most remote location we got to in Kaokoveld, with beautiful Himba people.
Great photos! I’ve not managed to see the leopard from my safaris in Tanzania and Uganda, so props to you for catching a glimpse of this most elusive of animals. As you rightly point out though, it’s not all about the big five :-)
Couldn’t agree more… :)
The safaris were such an unforgettable experience – it must have been also wonderful in Uganda!
Thanks for your kind feedback!
How long have you been working with photography? You have a wonderful style, it captures the feeling and shows your particular perspective on landscapes and animals. I love them :)
I do like you writing too, because it concentrates on the essential, you don’t overdo things or add unneeded comments, good joob and interesting content!
The photos are stunning and they capture the majesty of these wild animals so well. The picture of the lion and the cub is so touching.
Thank you, this is so kind of you! I am happy you like the pictures.
Sounds like it has been an amazing two months. It is very high on my bucket list to travel to Africa and I am not sure yet what the first country will be. However, I do want to see the big 5 so that will definitely factor into the consideration.
It was amazing – I can just recommend it!!! If you want to see it really pristine you should go to Botswana or Zambia (have not been there, just heard that). Zimbabwe is also supposed to be fantastic, but not that safe at the moment. If you prefer a bit more infrastructure go to Namibia.
I will never take pictures any more, the standard is too high now :-)
Congratulation to marvellous photos.
Wolfgang
Hi Wolfgang,
we just were lucky with the fotomotives along our tour, but nevertheless thank you for your compliment.
Hope to see you soon in AT.
Rgds, Werner & Julia
Great news, the leopard! :)
Oh, yes!!!! :)