Up early (again) for a ride into the bush and first thin out we spotted another LARGE male lion who the guides believe was just passing through the area

Then off intro the bush trying to find some cheetah (we didn’t) but we did spot these two baby giraffe just having fun

We decided to return to an area we spotted the day before where a leopard and stashed a small baboon in a tree to eat later.  Only the arms were left in the tree and then we spotted the beautiful female leopard who posed for a number of photos.  At one point Rhonda was so close she could have given it a pet

We continued in search of Cheetahs (still no luck) but our guide spotted a large male leopard up in a tree so we went in for a closer look. I wish I had a video of this pursuit and our guide Sky driving through thickets i would not have attempted with Mini Cooper let alone a 6,000+ pound Land Cruiser. Not only incredible driving skills but he kept going until the light was just right on the animals – amazing skill resulting in spectacular photos…

Then it was back to Chief’s Camp for lunch and to await our bluish flight to the Kalahari Desert

The flight from Chief’s camp to Camp Kalahari took about 90 minutes by bush plane.  At arrival we were greeted warmest staff yet.  After a brief orientation we were escorted to our tents.  These were true tents, no solid walls although they did have a shower inside.

After a brief stop to freshen up we were ready for a walk in the bush with real bushmen or, what the locals referred to as San Bushmen.  Actually, this group was paid by the government to preserve their native culture and language to share it with other groups.  From our talks we determined that all people of our parents age/generation (basically someone born in the 20s/30s) was born and raised in the desert.  Those our age were mixed having been likely raised with the desert culture but exposed to western culture.  Those our children’s age (30s/40’s) were taught english in schools.  Several tribe members which their children & grand children came along for our walk.

These people speak in the “click’ language, punctuating all of their words and phrases with a variety of clicking sounds.  Below is a video of their spokesperson educating us in the language and culture:

During our walk they stopped to dig up a scorpion.  The children use these as playthings, they do not eat them

Then it was off to the vast salt pans where another sundowner/ camp fire awaited us.  The showed us how they built fires by hand using Zebra dung and two sticks

Then the demonstrated a clapping/slapping game that resembled rock/[paper/scissors with music.  Another beautiful day..

I didn’t have the time/facilities to edit this video down so enjoy as much or little as you like.

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