Arthur one of our newer guides just returned from a South Africa Rainbow Route SAa17 with some great stories to tell, one of them was an interesting afternoon in Mkhuzi Game Reserve and this is the story to share with you... The evening drive at Mkhuzi game reserve was absolute magic. It started when we arrived at the hide to see which bush creatures were coming down to the dam for a drink. On entering the hide (very quietly of course), we caught a glimpse of a young white rhino cow and her calf. This alone is already a feast to watch, but, we had better to come.

 

Seemingly out of nowhere the cow and calf was joined by a fairly big old bull who obviously fancied the young cow. This did not however go down well with mother or calf and we were treated to a rare display of vocal calls from the bull trying his best to win their trust. While this was going on I decided to check what’s happening on the other side. Low and behold another 4 rhinos approaching the dam from the opposite directions.

 

These seemed to be younger bulls forming their own little crash. I quickly pointed the new arrivals out to the guests, explaining how lucky we are to have this sighting of 7 rhinos at one watering hole. We were treated to a fascinating dominance display by the big fellow as he immediately turned his attention to the four new arrivals, grunting, charging kicking up dust to show who the boss is. And it was just then that I thought “this cannot get any better” that I got proven wrong by Mother Nature once again. I saw some movement in the bushes opposite on the opposite side of the dam, but with it being sunset and the sun in my eyes I was not 100% certain until I saw the figure of a young male Lion appearing from behind the bush. We sat there for a while eyes fixed on the Lion who made a half hearted attempt at stalking the rhino calf but was quickly discovered and gave up his attempt. Instead he simply walked down the water’s edge looked straight at the hide and roared, what a magic moment!!!!
Unfortunately that is where we ran out of time as daylight started fading fast and we had to head back to camp for dinner around the campfire. What a end to awesome day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!