One of the many advantages of a stay at a Private Game Reserve is that the guides know their environment very well. When viewing Elephants the knowledge of an individual bull enables great encounters. The Thanda guests on this drive enjoyed the close up and personal meeting with one of Thanda’s largest Elephant bulls, a very good natured individual.
Thanda’s new male Lion is settling well into his temporary home on the reserve. He is now quite relaxed about his new surroundings.
This beautiful and very large cat came to Thanda from Addo Elephant National Park. His father originated from Marakele Game Reserve in South Africa and his mother from Etosha National Park in Namibia.
At Thanda Private Game Reserve many special activities are available for guests. Today I took my guests to a “Hippo and Croc Cruise” on Lake St.Lucia. Great sightings of Hippos, Crocs and many birds. Another very enjoyable day as part of a 12 night stay agenda at Thanda.
African Fish Eagle
Nile Crocodile
Hippopotamus
Giant Kingfisher
Pied Kingfisher
With two guest from Germany – staying for 12 nights at Thanda – we planned some game drives in rather remote areas of the reserve. When we drove in a very hilly area we spotted a Black Rhino moving fast across the opposite site of a valley.
When we went off road down a slope to follow up we spotted one of Thanda’s pride of Lions lounging on the other side. We decided to lounge as well and my guests had some wine and snacks while watching the Lions. The Black Rhino had disappeared by this time into a very thick area – as they usually do. A very special game drive. Lions at sunset with a glass of red in your hands!
A new male Lion has arrived at Thanda. Today this magnificent animal was released into a large enclosure (called “boma”) where he will spend some time until he will “take over” a new section of Thanda as dominant male.
When the transport container was opened he jumped out, did a short speed run, gave a few deep growls and then slowly inspected his new temporary home!
This images shows the Thanda’s dominant male Lion enjoying the morning sunlight as the Thanda guest enjoyed watching him!
What a start for a great day!
This afternoon we had some winter rain. Despite the unusual wet weather for this season the Thanda guests enjoyed great game drives with Elephant bulls, a herd of Buffalo and this young Giraffe (in Zebra company).
We were the center of focus for this young male Lion when we watched him and his family feeding on a Wildebeest kill. The Thanda guests on my vehicle enjoyed the attention!
This morning we spotted Thanda’s herd of Elephants in a remote area of the reserve. We watched from top of a hill as they faded in and out of the trees. After the herd had gone by Thanda’s two largest Elephant bulls were making their way across the valley.
Not only the closeup sighting can be magnificent!
Thanda guests often have fabulous Lion sightings. This morning the North Pride was resting on the savanna before continuing their walk to a near waterhole. They came close up and personal to one of our game drive vehicles. A thrilling moment for any safari guest!
Christian Sperka Photography | Custom Luxury Tours 