Getting close :-)
If one would ask anyone who plans an African Safari what they would like to experience on their trip to the wild, most of the answers would include “getting close to the animals”.
For the Thanda guests on my vehicle that wish came true. Even more than expected!
This young Lioness was passing our vehicles in touching distance while staring at my passengers. One could hear a pin drop and breathing stopped for a little while as the predator silently went its way.
What a Thanda Safari experience!
Picture by Christian Sperka – Specialist Photography Guide and Resident Wildlife Photographer – Thanda Private Game Reserve
Our very first African Safari in 2009 was to Thanda – we met the big 5 on the first game drive!! As I was photographing a lioness outside the main lodge, the picture went out of focus. Without taking my eye off the viewfinder I asked my husband what was wrong with the camera. Silence. I looked up to check with him and froze … Said lioness was next to me … Eye to eye in touching distance! Unforgettable moment. We have done numerous safaris since. Thanda twice more. That first game drive set very high standards of expectation. Thanda will always be very special to us!
Thanks a lot for your comment and the exciting Lion encounter story. We hope to see you at Thanda again, soon.