We'd expected to be greeted by managers Graeme and Candy who we've known for 8 years but it would seem they've moved on. Never mind we were still warmly welcomed, Tent 1 was ready and waiting for us and I'm so pleased I requested it as the couple with us had been allocated Tent 18 which is a jolly long trek from the main areas. We settled in and headed up for lunch around 1 o'clock and were delighted to find out that Chris, another face from the past, was our waiter and he remembered us instantly.
First out this afternoon we met this small herd happily digging up plants - watch how they kick at the base of the plants to uproot the them.
This gorgeous baby entertained us royally .
Then he/she was suddenly overcome with shyness.
Ostrich m. and f.
First zebra
One of the downsides to sharing a truck is of course compromising on what you see or attempt to see, but at an extra US$350 a day for our own truck it's not an option. My view is always that I'd rather look at something - anything - than drive round aimlessly looking for a needle in a haystack which is unfortunately what we did for the rest of the afternoon. Simon got word of lion and asked if his Zebras wanted to go and find them as they were on the far side of the conservancy. The newbies were naturally very keen so off we set and over the course of the next 3/4 hour or so we passed lots of things I'd loved to have photographed, Ostrich with 9-10 young being one. Eventually we did find a few lions, well hidden in the thick bushes except for this one who showed herself quite well.
She was definitely showing interest in something so we followed her for a while.
Heading back to camp in failing light we had a nice herd of elephant.
As always at Tortilis, we dine alone but while we were enjoying a pre dinner drink in the bar we were joined by the lady from Chicago and so of course we invited her to join our table. The food here has always been delicious and today has been no exception, the flavours are just fabulous but for me the portion sizes are just too large so I need to remember to ask for half size when I'm eating 3 meals a day.