It was the 2nd of January. The 1st had
been amazing, and now we headed toward Naabi across the short grass plains. A
rainstorm had soaked the soil and driving very cautiously, you could almost
feel the vibrant green growth in the morning sunlight. Scattered across the
plains were small groups of gazelle. Female Thomson gazelles moved around in
little herds, male Thomsons actively tried to set up temporary territories,
while Grant’s gazelles wandered around in groups, the males strutting their
horns. Meanwhile in a patch of
slightly taller vegetation, a small group of females stood around, snorting the
alarm.
One of the things we warn in guide training is not to jump
to conclusions. As I stood in my seat scanning for the predator that they might
be snorting at, I was not seeing what was really happening. Almost giving up, I
looked back at the gazelle as one female turned, the front hooves and head of a
baby protruding out of her rear. The pictures below say the rest. What joy!
Returning to the road, an unusual movement caught my
attention as two honey badgers lumbered by. The day was getting better and
better. It was nearly time for a coffee break. I love slowing down and allowing
time to observe, even if there is nothing apparent to watch. After a good look
with binoculars across the plains, I decided to stop next to a tree for coffee.
A few minutes later as we packed the coffee bag away, a female cheetah with her
two cubs stood up a few hundred meters away. Perfect timing?
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