May 30, 2015

Last night we went on an absolutely awesome evening/night Game Drive in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.  We got into the park before sunset and saw lots of animals on our way out to try and find (hopefully!) some leopards.  As soon as we got into the park, there was a pretty decent sized crocodile laying right on the bank of the river sunning itself.  We also saw some very cute baby elephants and a couple of baby zebras.

Ready for the Game Drive

Crocodile!

Elephant family

Tiny Baby Elephant

Baby Zebra

We continued to drive to the spot where we were planning to watch the sunset.  Right as we were getting to the stopping point, the driver spotted another vehicle and it turned out that they had found a leopard that was in the process of stalking some impala.  Unfortunately, we never saw it attack, but it was pretty cool to see that close!

First Leopard Sighting

Leopard

Leopard

Leopard

After about 30 minutes of watching the leopard, the sun was setting so we needed to get to our sunset viewing point.  It was definitely worth the stop…the sun was beautiful and the guide had brought popcorn and drinks for the viewing.  Maybe it’s because we haven’t had popcorn for so long, but it tasted awesome!

Sunset in South Luangwa

Sunset in South Luangwa

Once the sun was down, we continued out drive.  For a while, we were watching the first leopard again to see if he was going to catch an impala, but they were eventually spooked way by some trucks, so he missed out on his dinner and we decided to move on.  Boy, were we glad that we did…we found another leopard that was right out in an open field…perfect viewing spot!!  Theses pictures were all taken with our little Nikon point and shoot camera…no crazy zoom lens at all.  It was so cool that Hayden said, “I think I must be dreaming, because this is too awesome!”  He has become a big fan of cats!

Leopard at night

Leopard at night

Leopard at night

Leopard at night

Leopard at night

We got back to camp and we were so pooped that we barely even ate dinner before going to bed.  Hayden didn’t even eat, he was so tired.  I always know that he has had a good (and tiring) day when he asks to go to bed!  🙂

Today we will be leaving for Lake Malawi which should be a nice break since we will be hanging out at the beach.  Hayden is ready for some sand castles and swimming!