Tuesday April 8, 2025     

This afternoon is hot and sunny - 91 degrees in the shade.  The search this day is for the final "Big 5" animal - the Cape buffalo.  These massive animals generally travel in herds and move throughout the preserve seeking fresh grass, mud and water.  As we started the afternoon safari, Jamiel and Louis noted lion tracks on the roadway leading into the dry river bed.  They both exited the vehicle and inspected the tracks to determine if they were still in the area.  While on safari, people are safe in the Land Cruiser vehicles, but if one sets out on-foot, a rifle is always needed, just as protection.  Of course, our guides found the Southern Pride Lions, but it required and off-road excursion through the thick bush to find them sleeping in the river bed where an old "dam" wall exists.  We sat for 30 minutes or so simply admiring these beautiful "lions" interacting with each other and simply just resting at peace - another incredible experience.

Once our time with the lions was complete, we restarted the search for the Cape buffalo - one last water/mud hole that we had not visited at all during our time in Sabi Sabi.  Again, our guides were successful in finding two Cape buffalo - slopping around in the mud.  We completed our goal to find and observe the Big 5 while at Sabi Sabi.  

We ended the safari day with a quick break for some refreshments as the sun began to set.  On the drive back to Earth Lodge, we found the lions again - Jamiel and Louis are truly "Lion King" trackers and they provided us with many unforgettable experiences with these beautiful lions.