Two Leopards, One Carcass
It rained for 2 days. When we saw an opening on the third day in the afternoon, we took our chances and went on a drive.
Honestly not a big fan of drives after the rain. The animals are harder to find, at least with my experience. Animals are more hidden, avoiding the dam areas, since there is water all around. The good thing is that the day is grey, so it’s not too bright and it’s good for the photos.
The river in front of the camp was completely full. Our volleyball net went with the water. No more volleyball for us… we never ended up playing! But it was nice to have a choice between ping-pong and volleyball.
We jumped into the car and got ready for the adventure. This time no garbage bags to protect us.
– No way I’m going to make the same mistake again – I said.
– Ok, is everyone ready? – “John” said.
We decided to travel a little North hoping to find more animals. The animals preferred the northern areas of the reserve, as it was full of vegetation. After two hours of driving, we decided to do a quick stop near the river.
– Amazing view – I said.
– This is the first time you are here in this area right? – “John” asked.
– Yes! This area is way prettier than the South of the reserve – I said.
After 20 minutes we decided to return back to the camp. It was starting to get darker. So we get to this T junction, we look to the left and to the right. On the right we hear a Kudu alarm calling and a big male kudu jumping to the road and jumping back.
– That was weird – “John” said – Kudus are always reliable animals. If they are alarm calling then something is there. And the fact that the kudu jumped in and out is weird – “John” said while turning to the right.
We drove slowly to the spot where we saw the kudu. As we approach we start hearing impalas also alarm calling. Something was definitely there. We arrive and we see the kudu bull on the right. Massive animal, standing still close to the road. We look to the right and we see a kudu female on the floor. Holding its neck is a delicate female leopard!
– Leopard! – we said.
– First leopard of the course – “John” said.
– And on a kill! – I said.
We started to photograph and film the leopard. She was still panting, so it was a very recent kill. A female kudu can weigh up to 210 kg. A big female leopard can weigh up to 50kg. So the size difference is enormous.
The female trying to find a way to start eating
The poor leopard couldn’t even drag the kudu to a hidden place. After deciding that we weren’t a threat he finally decided to start feeding on it. Because of the size of its prey, the leopard decided to start feeding from the anus, where she could penetrate the skin.
We stayed with her for a long time until we heard a car. We wanted to make sure the car was on our road and on our way. As you remember, the guest cars have priority at sightings. Now imagine when they hear that there is a leopard with a kill, 10 meters from the road?
So we waited and waited. Then we see the car. “John” quickly grabs the radio and says:
– Leopard with a kill on Snake Road. “John” at the sighting – he said.
There is a rule that if someone is on a sighting, you communicate with that car asking for permission to join the sighting. Until the car confirms you don’t approach.
The other car stops and we hear on the radio:
– “John” come in for Tom – he said.
– Standing by – “John” said.
– May we approach? – Tom asked.
– Give me 5 minutes and we will move on. There is little space for 2 cars – “John” replied. He then turned to us and said – Ok last photos.
After the last photos we moved on. While we were going to the camp we could hear the radio going crazy. Every car was on its way to the sighting. We had one guide that was 30 minutes away from the place and was already trying to “book” his spot before the other guides that were closer.
– This is something you should never do – said “John”- don’t try to “book” your spot while you are still far away. I bet you that guide is now speeding on the reserve just to get here.
In the next morning we decided to try and see if the leopard was still there. When we got there we couldn’t believe our eyes. The leopard had dragged the kill to a bush but he wasn’t there.
– Look at the car tracks – “John” pointed – the guides forced their way to probably trying to get closer and scared the leopard away!
– Idiots! – I said – I’m sorry but there is no excuse to drive an animal away from its kill! These guides should be fined by the reserve – I said angry.
– You are right! But sadly without proof of who did it, it will be impossible to fine the guide or guides responsible – “John” said.
We waited a little but on the road and then I say:
– There is something on the carcass…. it’s a leopard! – I said with a smile.
– Looks smaller – Lawrence said.
– It is – “John” said while scratching his head – There! – he pointed – it is a female!
– Amazing! – I said – we are so lucky! Two leopards in a carcass in two days? – I said with a massive smile!
– I’ve never seen something like this – “John” said.
Look how far the female dragged the carcass. Here is the male leopard enjoying the free meal
To conclude, 90% of the time the drive after the rain is terrible. But in those 10% of the time, something amazing will happen. I go out everyday hoping for those 10%.
