Monday April 7th, 2025 

The second safari excursion started at 4:00 PM with temperatures around 90 degrees and sunny.  As we exited the lodge, "Have a Popping Day' with fresh popcorn hanging from a tree as the afternoon snack.  When it is this warm, the wild animals either seek shade or a water source to cool down.  So, the first encounter was a feathered species know as the yellow-billed Hornbill - known for their yellow beaks and distinctive "calls".  Speaking of shade, water & mud, while searching for Cape Buffalo, we came across three white rhino's lounging.  However, two of the rhino's decided to test their strength by head-butting and pushing each other in the mud flats - these creatures have enormous strength and bulk.  Next, we encountered a large "bull" elephant that was seeking water on this hot afternoon.  He tasted the water multiple times, but it was not to his liking (stagnant water) and he ultimately moved-on in search of fresher water.  Again, being able to observe these wild animals in their environment so close that you can smell them is what makes Sabi Sabi so special.  As the afternoon progressed, we were treated to an exceptional sunset that lit up the sky with every color imaginable.  Just because the afternoon turns into evening darkness does not mean the search for wildlife is over - we happened upon the Southern Pride of lions again and watched as they "bedded-down" for the night, still with full bellies.  The "icing on the cake" experience for today was the last encounter - a male hippopotamus grazing in the grass just outside of Earth Lodge - checkout the size of this animal - this species is considered the most dangerous animal in Africa.  We kept our distance, but he did become agitated to have the spotlight shining on him which is why this sighting was relatively short.  The evening concluded with a fabulous dinner that included our new acquaintances from Madrid Spain - Sergio and Blanca plus, Jamiel our safari guide also joined us for dinner.  We are not sure how each safari experience keeps getting better, but Jamiel and Louis keep showing us things that make this trip unforgettable - hope you are each enjoying the images.  More to follow.