SAMBURU, A HAVEN FOR LEOPARDS.

[PHALANX]

On safari in Samburu with all its specialised species, and with a good chance of seeing Leopard, we had one of our most memorable experiences.

Samburu is a beautiful park, and never disappoints. One Leopard in particular was very accommodating, and gave us wonderful photo opportunities.

The third time we found her she was resting up a tree, when suddenly she climbed down and set off at a pace. We followed her, keeping a respectful distance.

We got ahead of her and positioned ourselves for some more great photos. To our surprise she came strait towards us, and without breaking stride she lowered her body and disappeared under our vehicle. She re-appeared on the other side, her body hugging the ground, her shoulder blades working like pistons. It was then we noticed a Dik-dik behind the bush directly ahead of her. When only metres away she froze, time seemed to stand still, then suddenly she exploded forward. For a moment we lost sight of her amid the dirt & dust her powerful back legs through up as she launched her attack. The Dik-dik never knew what hit her. Seconds later she appeared from behind the bush with the Dik-dik clenched firmly between her teeth. Amazingly she repeated the feat the next day.

[Hads]

Well what a cracking start to a trip report.

Well done.

It's like putting down a hand of 4 aces and saying beat that .

Edited May 31, 2016 by Hads

[penolva]

Wow where did you stay?

[optig]

@@PHALANX Your photos of the Leopard kill are simply awesome.I'm glad that you enjoyed Samburu as much as I did.I feel that it's an outstanding National Park. I don't even feel that its small size is a disadvantage.

[kittykat23uk]

What a great sighting!!

[PHALANX]

On this occasion we stayed at Samburu lodge as Serena was closed due to the previous floods.

[PHALANX]

@@optig Samburu & Meru are two of my favourite parks, Both scenically beautiful and of course the unusual game to be found there. Also, both have phenomenal birdlife.

[Marks]

That is indeed an obliging leopard! Great sighting.

[Ben mosquito]

Really great shots.

 

@@optig Samburu & Meru are two of my favourite parks, Both scenically beautiful and of course the unusual game to be found there. Also, both have phenomenal birdlife.

 

I agree with you, I am never bored with these Parks.

[pomkiwi]

@@PHALANX Lovely sighting. I particularly like the concentration in the second picture.

[ellenhighwater]

Gorgeous shots. Samburu really doesn't disappoint, does it? Such an under rated park IMHO, between the rarities and the scenery. I used to lead trips from Cairo to Cape Town and Samburu was always the first big park we'd visit after weeks in the Sahara and Ethiopia. I'd always try to prep my customers with the expectation that big cats are difficult to find and we weren't guaranteed to see any of the three big cat species. Always, just to make a liar out of me, we'd see all three. Once within two hours of arrival to the park. Magical place. Looking forward to more photos of your trip.

[gagan]

Samburu is a place for famous Ewaso lion project for radio collaring the lion.Perhaps you could enjoy animal tracking and telemetry.

[Kitsafari]

@@PHALANX i'm late to this, but what an incredible sighting. and she did an encore for you the next day?! wow.

[Atravelynn]

Top notch sighting!