Monday, Mar 6. Two viewing drives plus a fascinating visit to a rhino orphanage. They had five babies. The setup was interesting in that they didn’t advertise their existence over fear of poachers. The manager asked that we not place photos on social media that could reveal its location. I bought some souvenirs, partly to contribute. 

Driving down into the lower escarpment has quickly become tedious. Slow, with little to see.

In the afternoon we encountered several very friendly rhinos. One came right up to the truck to rub his horn against the step immediately below me. The truck shook. When another approached a wheel, the driver quickly backed us up. Punching a hole in tire was a real possibility.

The lake below our lodge was advertised to have hippos. Haven’t seen one; Also, the literature about this Reserve said the trucks would be able to drive off-road, which is not the case. My unhappiness about this situation is building. We saw lions at a great distance, including a very impressive-looking male, but couldn’t approach.