Jobe's Leopard
JOBE’S LEOPARD
At one point we went years, and thousands of kilometres of dusty roads without a leopard sighting. Well, not true…we had glimpses of a tail, or a shadow but nothing that could be photographed.
Desperate to break the drought we turned to Jobe Sibanda a SANPARKS ranger and the resident Leopard spotter at Punda Maria camp in the far north of Kruger who promised us a sighting.
I REMEMBER THE DISCUSSION WE HAD AT THE TIME VERY WELL.
Me “ I heard a rumour you are the best leopard spotter in the camp. Is that true?”
Him “ Leopards..No problem… How close you want to get?”
Me thinking “Is this guy just talking or is he really as good as they say.”
Me “How close can you get me?”
Him “ You want an your face shot…you can have an in your face shot”
Me “OK…you are hired. But are you sure we will see a leopard?”
Him “No problem. See you tomorrow afternoon at 4.00pm”
The next day we showed up at the vehicle where Jobe was waiting and off we went.
Let’s just say this. We drove and we drove. For hours and back breaking hours. Nothing! Every spot Jobe claimed was a favourite Leopard sighting spot was barren. But the pressure was on. I kept reminding him that failure was not an option, and unless he wanted to avoid going down in wildlife photography history as one of those big talkers who couldn’t deliver we needed to see a leopard. Lions, buffalo, impala, rabbits, were not going to cut it.
Eventually by 9.00pm it started to dawn on us that despite Jobe’s best efforts it looked like there would be no leopards that night and we turned round to head back. Then it happened…
“Leopard”
“Where?”
“Over there”
“Where over there?” Flashlights were pointing, but I could see nothing.
Picking up the lens I pointed it into the spot the lights were concentrating, and sure enough there was a leopard about 30m away resting on top of an anthill. I took three photos. Only this one was a keeper. But what a shot and what an experience. It was a night to remember.
You know what they say about breaking your duck. Get that first shot in the camera and after that the second shot comes easy. It’s true. After Jobe got us that leopard, sighting those elusive cats got easier and we have photographed them on nearly every trip since then.
Thanks Jobe. Owe you big time!