16 – Cheetahs II

The next morning we got up at the crack of dawn (actually slightly before it), and made our way down to the camp fire to warm up. As we had our first cup of tea and continental breakfast, we noticed that we were not the only hungry ones: other visitors also like their boiled eggs...

...and toast with butter and jam

This red-billed hornbill is trying to decide between a banana and the porridge of the day

It got to 7.00 and we were about to set off on our morning drive, when we noticed that two of our party were missing. They had obviously overslept. There was much tut-tutting, as we boasted proudly how we had braved the morning frost (I exaggerate, but barely) to get to breakfast on time. Someone went to wake them up, while we huddled round the fire drinking more tea and trying to get warm. Our sensational guide Peter was getting slightly upset, because we were missing the best time of the day to find big cats, but we were assured that the errant guests would arrive soon. They did, and as they scrambled to have a quick bite before we set off, there was only a little righteous looking at watches. As the late-comers rushed to finish their meagre breakfast, somebody said "Look!" The waterbuck and impala that had been drinking at the watering-hole moments before, had fled. And arriving, in a nice parade right in front of us, was the cheetah family from the previous day

They too were looking for breakfast, but the antelope had gone. So the cats had to forgo their equivalent of toast, and make do with just tea

And this was happening maybe a hundred yards (90m) from us - a wonderful way to be entertained at breakfast. Notice how some stay alert while others drink

Notice also that for once I can take a good photo, with the animals' reflection in the water

After they had drunk enough, they went off in search of food

The watering hole was suddenly completely quiet again. Just think: we wouldn't have seen these wonderful animals if that couple hadn't slept in. Yes, we did thank them!