The most elusive of the Big Five are the leopards. They are mostly solitary creatures, and live near rocky outcrops. We were driving along and a ranger stopped next to us in his khaki-green landy and told us that there had been a spotting of a leopard around the next bend! So off we went, very excited and full of anticipation I might add!
As we rounded the bend, there it was. A sole leopard, calmly walking alongside the road (!!!!!)
Now I have been to game parks plenty of times, and have NEVER viewed a leopard yet, so we were all so excited. The leopard didn’t seem at all worried about our presence. We turned the air conditioning off so there was less noise, and slowly (very slowly) followed the leopard on its walk. This I think is one of my most poignant moments when game viewing, and I relive the excitement I felt whilst writing this even!
Then, out of the bally blue, we heard a thump thump of music, and then there, careering around the corner (going far too fast for the park!!!!!), was a silly and inconsiderate driver, driving too fast, with music that was far too loud for a game park. Of course, the leopard took fright and within a minute, he was lost in the tall grass. Drat! I could have gladly clouted the fool.
Anyway, we got to spend about 5 minutes silently following the trail of the most elusive animal, and we were delighted! The photo was taken just after he dashed into the grass, and if you look very carefully (as he is quite camouflaged), you can spot him :)
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