We’re often asked about our scariest moment on safari. Scary is not really the right word. Exhilarating, breath-taking and humbling suit better. But sometimes….
I was on a drive in a private Rhino reserve in Swaziland, with the Head Ranger as we looked out for the animals. Coming round a corner in a fairly well run-in Land Rover we came face to face with a large and rather angry-looking Black Rhino. After a minute or so of sitting watching each other, with a fair amount of head tossing and foot-stamping going on (the rhino, not me) it decided to charge.
The first impact on the Land Rover was impressive. We were out of gear and without brakes and jolted backwards a fair jump. The Rhino decided that the bumper was rather hard and came around the side of the vehicle to look for a softer spot. I was delighted when it chose my side. A short run and ram, its horn came through the side panel of the door and appeared a few centimetres from my leg. The vehicle was lifted off its left-hand tyres and we waved around a bit. It withdrew its horn and retreated a short distance, possibly preparing for a new charge, but we were in reverse and off round the corner. Fortunately it didn’t follow.
A colleague was at the reserve later and informed me that the door, complete with hole, is now mounted over the lodge fireplace. Fortunately, my leg is not pinned to it. It made me realise the strength of the rhino and its speed.
