We drove into Samburu, which is dissected by a wide river with lush tropical vegetation and palm trees lining the banks. Away from the banks is dry open grasslands where Cheetah are often seen. We made our way to the river and stopped for a picnic breakfast fit for a king. As we sat eating, we looked around and spotted eagles, vultures, elephant, and various hoof stock. One elephant and calf came within 20 feet of our vehicle. The calf nursed and then lay down while mom watched over. A troop of 50 baboons visited us. While curious infants dangled from branches just above our heads, the adults watched nervously while never making eye contact with any one of us.

Soon after we departed our picnic spot, I was wondering whether the drivers ever got bored with their routine. I can't say I have ever been bored on the 13 safaris I've been fortunate to take, but I wondered how they felt. No sooner had I thought that when our driver spotted 2 leopard in a tree only 20 feet away. I heard the excitement in the driver's voice, so I new this was a thrill for him, and I had the answer to my silly previous pondering.

Our driver parked his car so that we faced the other vehicle, and we watched. I saw both drivers immediately scramble for their cameras under their seats which I had never seen previously. As we enjoyed this Kodak moment, it got even better. The leopard in the tree stood up, jumped from the tree and then both headed straight toward our vehicles. They were intently focused on something on the other side of our vehicles so we seemed to be invisible to them. Their gaze never left the items they focused upon as they went under our vehicle and used it for shade.

Soon, one leopard parked himself next to the driver's door and kept his gaze away from us. Our driver could have reached out and tapped him on the head. I was keenly aware of feeling the vibrations throughout my whole body from the leopard panting, as I sat within 5 feet of this magnificent animal. I was shaking with sheer excitement trying to get a picture but had to adjust the camera to fit him in the frame because he was so close. After 20 minutes or so, both leopards casually walked away disappearing into the tall grasses. Our heartbeats went back to normal, and we felt exhausted from the adrenaline rush.

Soon, we were off to check out the crocodiles in the river & watch the herds of elephants swim. We ate our picnic lunch under a massive "Sausage tree" so named for the seeds which resemble a gourd size sausage. We relaxed in the cool shade as we reminisced about our morning adventure. The day was only half over and we knew there was much more to see.

--Patty Pearthree, BFR Coordinator and Trip Leader