A few days with good friends

07 January 2021 - Leadwood Big Game Estate; Day 1

We checked out, packed the car and had a slow drive from Motswari Camp and out along the main tar road of the reserve, not seeing much else - however, the clouds did start dissipating. We stopped in Hoedspruit to pick up supplies and continued to Leadwood Big Game Estate where we would spend two-nights with our great friends, Simon and Jenny Price.

Simon met us inside the reserve and we followed his Land Rover to their stunning house on the river bank where we quickly unpacked the car, detouring around this Golden Orb Spider (or Banded Legged Nephilia) and settled into our room. 

Golden Orb Spider (Nephila senegalensis)

It had been quite some time since we last saw each other, so had much to catch-up on. We chilled on the patio with wine and snacks where the time passed very quickly. Around 3pm, we packed the cooler boxes and headed out for the afternoon drive. Simon knew where the Lions were, so that was our first stop. The pride was in thick bush, but that didn't deter from some great views once we were in position.

Lion (Panthera leo)

We departed from the Lions and drove some of the roads around the reserve, ending off at the dam, where we would enjoy sun downers, snacks and watch the sunset. At the dam, there were a pair of Red-billed Teal's which are uncommon in the reserve

Red-billed Teal (Anas erythrorhyncha)

Also present was a Three-banded Plover

Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris)

Whilst overhead I picked out a moulting Little Swift that was foraging on midges, as the sun set.

Little Swift (Apus affinis)

Speaking of the sun set, it was magnificent.

It was then back to their magnificent house, stopping for a recently introduced Black-backed Jackal after which festivities continued late into the night. 

Black-backed Jackal (Lupulella mesomelas)