Got to play catch up been too busy to post. So much has happened so I will just mention the highlights.

We went to a whole new area in the morning and were treated to some things we had not seen yet. A very relaxed black backed jackel sunning who just sat there for us rather than running away as they usually do. Ostrich both females and males. Two young male rhinos being bullied by a larger rhino. A very young giraffe running who did not have control of his tail yet and it was going all over the place. It was so cute I have never seen that before.

Before the third afternoon game drive we were treated to a whole herd of elephant coming down to the river and crossing over and ending up right in front of our camp. There were lots of babies so much fun to watch. Then a second herd came down and joined the first herd. Elephants every where. We hated to leave and go on the drive.

We took a group picture at the same spot the lions were resting after their wild dog chase. These were four HUNKY rangers and all very nice. Figured we should post a picture of them for something else to anticipate for the ladies on Zebra next year.

That afternoon and the next morning we were treated to some good sightings.

We got to see the Manyaletti coalition of the four male lions. BIG BOYS! They have been covering a large area of the area over many different reserves busily befriending as many of the ladies as possible and getting rid of the other suitors. The four of them had killed a buffalo and one was busily feeding and crunching the bones. It is fascinating to watch. Finally he had enough and he dropped down panting and sleeping with his three brothers.

We also had a great sighting of both monkeys and baboons. They are fun to watch and always active. Giraffe are always wonderful, they are so graceful and we had some wonderful time watching them.

Then it was time to say farewell to Mala Mala and head off to Royal Malewane.

This is a very expensive lodge and the lodge experience is as good as it gets. After settling into our lovely rooms we headed into lunch. It was amazing. So much fantastic food. For a main course they had Beef Tenderlion or Kingklip ( a great fish) what a choice for lunch!

The afternoon game drive was quieter but a great sighting of a huge herd of cape buffalo at a watering hole and a little "hanky panky" going on as well.

Dinner a six course tasting. In order of presentation and accompanied by nice wines. Each person's menu was personalized with their name. How on earth did they learn us all so quickly. I did not help them identify the people!

Walnut and apricot bread.
Salmon
Duck breast and asparagus
Zucchini Soup
Mains - Norwegian Salmon or Rack of lamb
Chocolate pudding with orange and cream

Each course was extremely good. Probably one of the best meals I have ever had. Ken ordered an after dinner drink and it was warmed up by being rested on glass of hot water. The final classy touch. This was an amazing evening.

The next mornings game drive started out slow. Sometimes it seems there are no animals around. Then it heated up. We went to a hyena den and there were four and three month old puppies. This is one of my favorite sightings of all and I always hope to see wild dogs and a hyena den. They were so cute and standing on "point" then nursing. After that it was two big male lions one was mating with a female but we just missed that the female moved off. The two males started walking down the road and greeting each other by rubbing their heads together. Stunning animals and they walked right in front of our car only a few feet away. Not bothered by our presence at all. Then we see an elephant bull footprints. We followed he was moving quickly. Finally we caught up with this was one BIG elephant in heavy musk (ready to find a lady friend). We followed behind him for a LONG time. He knew we were there but had other things on his mind. We called the other vehicles and one of the other rangers joined us in checking out this big boy. We finally pulled away and went looking for the black rhino family, dad, mom and baby that one of other vehicles had tracked and found. Black rhinos are more aggressive than the very calm white rhinos.The male was not too happy to see us but we spent some time getting some good pictures particularly of the baby who was adorable. Finally it was the mother that started stomping and her nostrils flaring. So we took the hint and backed off to return to the lodge.

Breakfast was again amazing. The best fruit I think I have ever had. So many different fruits. I was going to just eat fruit but caved and had the eggs benedict as well. Who knows what is on the lunch menu!

Ken is working on pictures now so hopefully some will be posted at some point today.