Skukuza to Satara and a 'Two Leopard Drive '

Skukuza to Satara and a 'Two Leopard Drive

Satara for a day

While we were at Skukuza, it really rained AFTER we had set up our tent. We spent some time at the Internet and then decided to reward ourselves for some reason. Maybe having such a good day. Regardless of the reason, we headed to the Selati restaurant which is one of our favorites in the park. The Selati Railway line used to run from Johannesburg(?) to Kruger park near the present day site of Skukuza camp. The bar area is one of the old rail cars and the eating area is like the waiting area near the tracks with several signs for departure times to various cities in South Africa.

The next morning we spent some time on the computer trying to make more reservations. We were able to get an extra day at Satara and one at Letaba which meant we did not have to drive all the way to Shingwedzi.

The ride was pleasant and we saw many of the usual prey along the way; giraffe, impala, kudu and the like. We did see some huge baboons across the way but no predators.

Got to Satara and got set up. Took a walk to check everything out. The scops owl that was near reception has decided to move on. We fixed dinner before we took off on our afternoon drive so we would only need to heat it up once we got back or decide to eat it cold. You have to be back inside the gate by 5:30 so we are usually hungry by then and glad we already have something ready for dinner!

Decided to do the S-100 which is famous for things with "big teeth", lions and leopards. We had barely gotten off the main road when we saw a car stopped with two leopard in the underbrush. One was young and playful as it moved along stopping to hop up on a log and the older one did stop and mark its territory. We got to watch them for awhile before they disappeared altogether.

Drove down to the waterhole we had had such good sightings at two years ago. It was further away than we remembered. It was still a lovely spot but very quiet that evening. As we headed back down the road for the camp, we joined the frenzy looking at two lions that were still resting and were in the distance but still could see them.

Back to camp, dinner and then to bed.