Safari

Today was much more than the travel day I had expected. Yes, we had to take a plane from Cape Town to Nelspruit (a two-hour flight), and yes, we were met by a driver (Markham, an Afrikaner) who drove us the two hours plus to get to the Lodge. On the way, we passed plantations of bananas (we were told that they do not need to use fungicides in South Africa yet), macadamia nuts, mango, eucalyptus trees (the seedlings are from Australia, and the wood is used for pulp, as well as for mining tresses and some building), and pine trees (also used for pulp). But we got there in time for the afternoon drive to see animals. So the day was far from just travel.

The routine involves a "snack" at four o'clock, followed by a driving safari at 4:30, for three hours. Supper is at eight. As we walked to the area for snacks (not too shabby: raspberry juice, orange juice, cookies, small cakes, finger foods), there was a small group of elephants eating just off the balcony area (later identified by our guide as a mother and three daughters of varying ages). They casually ate some branches and some grass, before meandering off. And this was before we started the actual safari.

So we were off in the Land Rover, six passengers and a driver (Jabu) and a spotter(Isaac), to see the animals. We pretty quickly found some impalas, and soon after a zebra and some Cape Buffalo. There was a wonderful African sky, replete with dark clouds warning of storms, and distant thunder and lightning strikes on the horizon. We saw few animals at this point, but were interested in the storm, as it approached, and eventually rained on us.

As we headed back, satisfied, to our supper, we were thankful to be here right now. The place is not full, so we get a bit more attention than we might otherwise. Supper was very good, and bed was welcomed.


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Location:Sabi Sands Lodge, Kruger National Park