Safari 11: Crash on the Grass

Black Rhino a Short Distance from Camp

Our game drives at Ol Pejeta, where the Porini Rhino Camp is located, were very productive. The rhino, white and black, were abundant along with their young. But so too were the cape buffalo, zebra, impala, gazelles, birds, jackels and hyenas.

On this drive we found ourselves in the middle of a herd of cape buffalo, powerful beasts that look you straight in the eye. They were mostly interested in grazing but there were plenty of young to look after and watching them run about was fun.

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Making My Move

Then, as I was looking to the left I noticed a very busy bull trying to hook up with a female. She was not much interested and moved just as he did. You can see the result in these two pictures.

Above, he is making his approach. His target is facing left. His landing pad is facing right. Below you can see the result.

I Am So Embarrased

If that is a crash of one kind on the African grassland what follows is a true crash of another kind. A family, or crash, of white rhino we found after we left the buffalo herd proved equally entertaining.

Mother and Calf

To be specific, we came upon a male and female grazing together next to the dirt road that cut through the grassland. With them was a calf the guides estimated was no more than a few months old.

Ready to Charge

While she may have been small she showed no fear. As we watched, she faced us down and threatened to charge. Then she took off running around her mom and then over to her dad, running in circles around him. She stopped there briefly to graze with dad.

Father and Calf

Then it was back to mom as she headed away from the dirt road onto the open grassland. She followed her mom. briefly. Then she was off again.

This time she was after a bird, then a zebra and then a wart hog. Each chase was enthusiastic and bounding. After three short chases, it was back after the zebra for one more try.

All her targets easily avoided her charges but she was undeterred. It was like watching a puppy run in a park.

Chasing Zebra

She was surprisingly fast and agile. Running with abandon across the grass.

On the Run

She never actually caught up with anything, of course. But the racing was a joy to watch.

Chasing a Warthog

It was another great day on the African plain.
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All photos and text are copyright Clinton Richardson. The images are from the author's Safari Collection at Trekpic.com. If you like these posts, please tell your friends about the Venture Moola blog at Readjanus.com. Want to plan your own safari? If so, feel free to check out the outfitter we used at Porini.com.

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