Blogs from Mpumalanga , South Africa, Africa - page 39

I insisted on sitting in the front of the land rover for the journey back down to Safari Lodge. No way was I clambouring into the back of the Puma with my long dress and heels! Once back here more champagne was opened and we sat in the lounge area with Kim and Dane. All the guests were out on a drive and it felt that this beautiful impressive place was all ours. It was nice to just chill and relax. Our dinner with in the wine cellar, and it had been decorated beautifully for the occasion. The meal was great, you couldn't fault it and PJ the Chef certainly delivered. We had 6 courses in all including scallops, Springbok and a chocolate dessert to die for. When the others came back from the drive we ... read more

Wednesday was filled with excellent food and great company again. Animalwise we were within spitting distance of a huge 50 year old male elephant, with one tusk. He was amazing just ripping throught the trees and crunching the branches like they were made of candy. Got some great photos again, I hope. The other great find of the day were a group of zebras. I always think they are so elegant. In the evening we saw a male lion trying to seduce a female. He was being very attentive, tried licking her and purring at her. Nothing seemed to be working. He farted next to her and that didn't work either! We drove away to watch another male and could then hear the original pair mating. So maybe that farting thing worked after all. We were ... read more

Woke up at 430 this morning, way before the alarm call so getting used to these early starts! Heard a rumbling noise in the distance and after checking it wasn't Trev's belly I realised it was a lion. What a way to be woken up! Whilst having a cup of tea waiting for the group to assemble we saw 2 males wandering not far from the veranda. they just seemed so close. The 7 of us (me, Trev, Julie, Mark, Callum, Greg (the ranger) and Dan (the tracker) then headed off at about 530. Within what was no more than a couple of minutes we found the male and female that we'd been watching on Weds night. The sun was just coming up and the light was just right for some great photos. We sat and ... read more

Just a little bit about the game drives. We're in Land Rover Pumas. They are great vehicles for this terrain. They take 7 passengers and have one of those seats on the bonnet for the tracker. They've taken us over some varied terrain and we've felt safe all the time, if not always comfortable! The tracker often goes off on his own and follows tracks. Armed with just a walkie talkie! A couple of times the guide has also gone off, with the tracker, and the rifle and left us all in the vehicle. Part of me wanting something dangerous to happen so I can get in the drivers seat (I'm sat nearest) and take off at high speed (they leave the keys in it!) When we go for drives in the morning we stop for ... read more

Thought I'd try to explain what the facilties and people are like here. The staff are amazing. They remember every one's name, what they are drinking every day, and sound like they are genuinely interested in the stories of what we've seen. The facilities are very good. We received a room upgrade as part of our wedding package. I've priced up the difference for the length of time we're staying and I reckon it's worth 4500 STG ! The bar is always open, and if no stafff are around you just help yourself! No options, everything is poured, and there's just able every drink imaginable. After the drives you come back for breakfast and you sit on a table with your Guide and the guys in your group. Cooked breakfast to order, or omelettes, or smoked ... read more