Africa Wild

I sometimes feel the Park authorities have made viewing terribly easy for visitors at Satara, as many of the best routes have been tarred. A prime example is the H7 main tar road leading to Orpen. Although very busy with traffic, game is prolific. Heading west from Satara, the first few kilometres traverse open plains that abound with zebra, wildebeest, and very often lion. Surprisingly - because such open habitat is not usually ideal for an animal that prefers to hunt under thick cover - even leopard are seen here.

After travelling for about seven kilometres along the H7, you will reach Nsemani Dam - a very popular location, where visitors often park on the road where it crosses the dam wall. The view from here is far too distant for good photography, but game- and bird-watching with binoculars is rewarding. Even if big game is absent, there is always plenty to see.

From Nsemani Dam, I advise you to take the short, circular drive on the S40 and S12 roads that branch off the H7. Here Girivana water hole and the surrounding region are noted for regular lion sightings, as well as a host of other game. After rejoining the H7, this road traverses some interesting and very productive game areas. I have frequently encountered leopard while driving along this route - both in the early and later hours of the day. These magnificent cats seem to have become accustomed to the regular, heavy traffic here, and they are quite relaxed and easy to photograph. As you approach Orpen, there is a good chance of spotting cheetah.