Dawn Perkins is currently on a Solo Leap placement at Desert and Delta Camp in Botswana.

The view from Camp!

“Guests on this morning’s early morning game drive at Leroo La Tau were treated to a unique and exciting sighting. They had come across the only three white rhino in the Makgadikgadi National Park when their guide, Lance, spotted a feline shape slinking through the grass. At first he thought it was a lion, but as it emerged from the long grass its distinctive spots showed it to be a leopard. Initially relaxed, the leopard lay in full view of the vehicle until disturbed by the sound of a second vehicle approaching, when it got up and started walking in the direction of the rhino.

Despite its huge size advantage, the rhino was clearly on edge and moved threateningly towards the approaching leopard. The rhino lunged forwards and the cat scrambled for the safety of a nearby tree.

Unfortunately, the small acacia was not really up to the task of supporting the heavy leopard, which balanced precariously whilst the rhino waited patiently below. Unable to maintain its position for long in the flimsy branches, after a few minutes the leopard seized the opportunity to make its escape and it leapt down from the tree. The rhino was not letting it get away without a fright and charged at the fleeing leopard, which bolted away from the tree at high speed. Once at a safe distance, the leopard regained its composure and strolled off coolly into the bush.”