Cheetahed. 5 April 2019

Our timing was a bit out today. On our way to Nossob, we saw a cheetah lying somewhat out of breath under a tree about 50m from the road. We heard from a fellow traveller that we had just missed an abortive hunt. Damn! Later, at Melkvlei picnic site, we ran into our physio, Michelle Swart, who’d been driving a little way behind us. She told us that they’d seen the same cheetah calling her cubs who had then come gamboling over the dune to join her. This must’ve happened just after we’d left.

We felt cheetahed.

Breakfast at Melkvlei: huevos rancheros

Apart from the cheetahs (2 sightings), we saw an enormous Cape cobra winding across the road. As we approached, it reared up and spread its hood to show it meant business. It was quite an intimidating experience. Later in the day when we were both feeling drowsy from the heat, we spotted an African wild cat who had the right idea. It was taking a siesta in the nook of a tree. It reminded me so much of a domestic cat that I attempted to strike up a conversation with it, much like I do with our pet cats back home. I was met with a look of disdain, both from the cat and my husband.

As I type, I can hear the jackals calling as the smells from the camp fires draw them closer. To me, this is the quintessential sound of the bush.