Hanni shared her experience of tracking and engaging the leopards at Karongwe and shared videos and photos of encounters with these animals. She shared facts on leopards as well as their anti-poaching and conservation efforts. “For tourists, leopards are the most sought-after cat for safaris,” Hanni explained.

At Karongwe a leopard project was launched during the Covid-19 lockdown to prevent the animals getting skittish due to a lack of vehicles in the reserve. This is when Hanni and the trackers at Karongwe started tracking leopards and in the process learned more about how the leopard at Karongwe behave and move through the reserve.

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“We got a special look into the life of leopards, into their routines and how they share the territory in Karongwe,” said Hanni. On behalf of the chamber, Rona McGaffin, a member of the executive committee, thanked Sandra Opperman and Tzaneen Country Lodge for sponsoring the event.

To join the Tzaneen Chamber of Commerce or to give feedback on the chamber’s activities and meetings, go to www.tzaneenchamber.org.za. The next luncheon will take place at Safari Pub and Grill on June 23. John Kirstein will share some of his knowledge on indigenous trees and hardwood species. Costs are R150 for members and R170 for non-members and a two-course lunch will be served. To book your seat go to www.tzaneenchamber.org.za or contact Renske Anderson at 083 280 9723.