We had quite a few 'run-in's' with elephant at Savuti, including a large herd blocking the trail, as outlined in my trip report. I was always extremely wary of elephants. Your experience with the birds was very much like mine--I never considered myself a 'birder' at all, but the birds of Africa are magnificent!!

Leopards are getting to be very rare, unfortunately, so it doesn't surprise me that your guides knew this particular leopard. They are stunningly beautiful creatures..