Animal Kingdom II

South Africa

Endangered Species Centre,

Drakensberg Mountains, Blyde River Canyon 

March 3, 2018 - March 21, 2018

We found the elusive leopard, the last of the Big Five, hanging out at the Endangered Species Centre.

If you look closely at the first photo you will see her licking her lips. We were under no illusions, she would have hunted us down given half a chance.

Lip-smacking good tucker out there.

Intense concentration. Come just a little closer ....

The Cheetahs were a bit more laid back. They are the most docile of the big cats.

One was on the prowl but not interested in visitors.
Cheetah numbers have declined dramatically in recent year, leading to inbreeding and all the inherent problems when that occurs. The ESC is running a controlled breeding program. Restricted hanky-panky.

Two white rhinos who were brought to the centre as orphans after their mothers were killed by poachers. Note their horns have been cut to reduce the risk of poachers targeting them.

Poaching continues to be a huge problem in South Africa, with three rhinos being killed every day.

New orphan Edna playing with her bear.

Another orphan: Phoebe

Two Uglies together: Marabau storks and vultures.
 There are several reasons why vultures have become endangered in Africa but in Kruger it has a lot to do with poachers shooting and poisoning them because their presence will warn rangers of a killing. 

Off to the mountains, the Drakensberg Mountains which constitute the eastern part of the Great Escarpment that spans South Africa from east to west. Stunning views along the Panorama Route. 

Looking down the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world and the greenest. 

Enough already Jennifer, says Gazman.

Bourke's (No) Luck Pot Holes. Hopes of finding gold came to naught.

The upper reaches of the Blyde River.

Waterfalls, waterfalls....

... how I love waterfalls.

God's Window: Looking across to Kruger NP.

Cheeky Vervet Monkeys. 

Traffic on the road ...

... and off the road.

Ostrich attempting to hitch a ride.

Even the critters had amazing designs.

The Blyde River Wilderness Lodge was a delight. We felt quite at home with peacocks and impala roaming the grounds.

The lodge is located on the upper reaches of the Blyde River, a perfect place for a quiet aperitif.

I do love a selfie.

The genisis of this trip was son Tim's stint as senior publicist for Channel 10's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here which was filmed in the Blyde River Canyon. We were invited to watch the filming of the final episode. Fans of the show will see some familiar faces.

Woo Hoo: We've passed muster to go on set.

Winner Fiona O'Loughlin flanked by runners-up Shannon Noll and Danny Green

Star struck Garry.

Some familiar faces?

After the filming we wandered off to check out the canyon and guess where we ended up?

Going in ...

... to Celebrity base camp.

Fiona and Shannon's log seat was still warm. Who's star struck now?

 Blyde River Canyon 

That's it for now.
One more blog to come of Cape Town and Johannesburg ... with minimal animal appearances.