As we were late to bed last night we are allowed an extra half an hour in bed. This allows me to see daybreak from my bed and very beautiful it is too. The camp fire is lit and fruit is beautifully arranged on a platter. We enjoy the bird song and calls and are amused by the flapperty lark that literally flaps its wings and makes a very distinct sound.

This morning’s plan is to head off along the river. However, we see lion, leopard and serval tracks on the road so turn in the opposite direction from the river to see if we can locate them. This turns out to be an abortive mission but we do actually see a lot of game. However, it is, on the whole, fairly distant and likes to run away from us. We do spot a serval but it is too quick for us to capture a shot.

Giraffes pose for us briefly and then run away.

We locate a herd of buffalo in the distance. They look like they are heading towards a small muddy pool for a mud bath. We decide to stake it out while we drink our morning coffee. They are not in co-operative mood and turn around and disappear into the bushes.

So far this is turning into a slightly frustrating morning though nonetheless enjoyable. This is the thing about safari. There are no guarantees. Some days you need to work hard for the sightings and they are all the more special when located.

Impala leap through the open spaces
Male sable – much darker in colour than the females

The birds this morning are a little more helpful. We spot a black-chested snake eagle and manage to get fairly close. He is preening and fluffing up his plumage. A male ostrich trots by in the distance with red neck and pink legs. He is in mating mode.

In the afternoon the plan is to go to the hippo pool for sundowners. This does not happen as there is a dead hippo there that the Park Team are removing. Probably not what you want to look at whilst drinking your G&T. I get quite excited when I spot a swallow-tailed bee-eater. They are migratory and are now just arriving into Usangu. It is distant and fast but I do get a shot and he is really beautiful.

This afternoon the game is definitely in camouflage mode. Can you spot the vervet monkey in the tree or baby giraffe?

The sun is setting fast. It always does here. We head off to a sundowner spot where chairs have been set out for us and our chosen drinks poured. We sit and watch the sun go down and have a competition as to who can capture the best shot. The sky is wonderful with streaks of feathery clouds and the colours are continually changing. Yes – there is definitely something very special and magical about African sunsets.