Page 122 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2025 GRAND VOYAGE
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Further along the road, we came the bush, its massive silhouette framed
across an astonishing sight—a mass of iri- against the golden horizon. Giraffes
descent green and blue grasshoppers, moved gracefully through the trees, pluck-
each one gleaming like a tiny jewel. Ashley ing leaves from acacia branches. Dozens
pointed out their brilliant colors warned of hulking white rhinos stood silhouetted in
predators that they were poisonous. the broad grasslands. Baboons and mon-
Clearly African wildlife was as much about keys chattered noisily, pausing only to eye
small wonders as it was about awe-inspir- us with mischievous curiosity.
ing giants. Among the antelopes, gazelles, and
But we were still eager to see the big other herbivores, one tiny critter stole our
guys. Just outside the park, we already hearts: the dik-dik. About the size of a
spotted a small herd of Cape buffalo. Ash- small dog, they darted through the under-
ley reminded us these fearsome animals brush, their delicate faces wide-eyed with
with their thick curved horns are among alertness. Ashley laughed: “The McNuggets
the most unpredictable in the wild. Once of the ecosystem.” We all chuckled, though
inside the park, the sightings came fast the truth was grim. Dik-diks are favored
and furious. A lone elephant emerged from prey for leopards.
122 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SPRING 2025
