Speed merchants return to Ngala

We made our way to the southern parts of the reserve in the hope of finding some cheetah that had been seen there the previous day. As we drove along we were continually being halted, firstly by a Marsh terrapin making it way down the road (no doubt in search of a watering hole), and then 3 White rhinos who were grazing along the side. After a couple more stops to view a journey of giraffe and some new-born impala, we finally got to the area where the 4 cheetah had been seen. Normally cheetah don’t spend too much time in one area due to the presence of lions, leopard and hyena who are all above them in the predator hierarchy. Strangely enough, today they were in very close proximity to their last position. When one of them stood up it was clear why they hadn’t gone too far as his belly was well-rounded. The other 3 males soon followed and allowed us to join them on their stroll through the bush. As the clouds rolled in and the lightening flared in the distance, we decided to start heading back to the camp. It poured with rain and we were well soaked by the time we arrived at camp, but not even that could dampen our spirits. It was good to see cheetah back on Ngala, and hopefully they’ll return again sometime soon.

Posted: Ngala by Ray Hume, Date: 27 November 2009