Tales of a Tracker – Themba
on Nov 07, 2023Sabi Sabi is home to many and held dear by all who get the opportunity to spend time in this breathtaking piece of wilderness. An ancient knowledge resides here encapsulated in the minds of a well-experienced team of Trackers. These men have an incredible ability and understanding which allows them to interpret their surroundings like no other. With highly acute senses and an inexplainable knack for being in the right place at the right time, these individuals have forged endless experiences with which they've kindly shared with countless people.
I am one of the more fortunate as I get the opportunity to spend many hours of my day in the company of these noblemen. Trust, diligence as well and enthusiasm have been the building blocks that support these incredible relationships, and I am privileged to be the voice through which these stories can come to light.
On this occasion, Themba shares an incredible experience he had while out on safari.
In the voice of Themba.
“On a cool winter’s morning, near to the end of our guests’ stay, I sat on the front of the vehicle as we drove steadily onwards in search of the most elusive big cat around. Keeping my attention fixed on the road, I noticed a slight disturbance in the soft sand beneath my feet. I gestured to the guide to stop the vehicle and scanned the surroundings making sure it was safe to hop off the vehicle. As I bent down to take a closer look, I noticed a distinctive paw print that could only belong to one animal, a leopard.
It wasn't exceptionally clear which meant I needed to take my time in interpreting the behaviour this animal was displaying. The tracks were large and definitely resembled a male leopard, but some questions need to be answered before continuing along its path. Was this animal actively hunting? Was it perusing a potential mate? Was it showing any signs of injury? If I blindly followed these tracks while it was showing anyone of these behaviours, I could find myself in an incredibly dangerous situation.
On this occasion he was moving at a steady pace, actively scent-making his territory as he went. I followed the tracks for around 40-50 meters before they seemed to disappear which meant I had to head back to where I found them and start afresh. The tracks ventured off the road and it became increasingly difficult to identify. I could not only focus on the ground in search of tracks, but I needed to place myself into the mind of the animal anticipating its movements through the ever-changing environment. True to the animal’s nature it began moving through some rather dense vegetation and the tracks all but disappeared in the long grass.
By now an hour had passed as I moved cautiously forward, paying such careful attention to the surrounding environment, when suddenly I heard the distress cry of a bird nearby. Standing still I focused my attention on the bird’s direction as it soon became quiet. Pushing aside the long grass, I moved onwards. Suddenly the grass ahead of me erupted.
The large male, who was lying low in the grass, rushed towards me with incredible speed all the while snarling and baring his teeth. I had crossed passed his comfort zone and he aimed to make that very clear. I stood dead still as all my experience and training kicked into action. He stopped a few meters ahead of me, tail flicking from side to side, with a gaze cold enough to freeze time itself. My heart sat in my throat as a wave of adrenaline moved over me but nevertheless, I knew that if I turned to run my chances were all but done for.
I took one step backwards and paused, he rushed again, and I froze. As he stopped and looked around, I tried again, just one step. Slowly he backed down giving me the opportunity to increase the distance between us, all the while keeping a close eye on him. With my heart racing I made my way back to the vehicle to share the news with the guests. Calmly I shared the news with them and watched as a wave of excitement swept over all in the vehicle. We moved into the area on the vehicle and there he sat, meticulously grooming himself as if our encounter had never happened.
With big smiles all around and plenty of wonderful pictures to share, we decided to stop for a hot cup of coffee and Amarula. With the sun warm on our backs, I recounted the story for our guests as they listened with complete concentration as to what eventually resulted in their first-ever sighting of this marvellous animal. My job was done.”
Blog by Macs Toich (Bush Lodge Ranger)
