South Africa: Sabie Sands Friday (23Nov12)

It was a 4:30 start this morning. I got picked up at 5am looking all bleary eyed so Gavin decided to poke fun at me. The two German ladies who were also staying at the lodge were quite awake, but then I guess they have been here four days already and have got used to the early starts. We just had time for a cup of coffee or tea and a rusk at the camp before heading out on the land rover to Sabie Sands Game reserve with Jacqui the other game ranger and another reddy faced South African guy. This guy was walking around with a shot gun on his shoulder, a precaution measure as it was our bush walk morning. As the reserve has predators like lion they must have an armed guard with us but thankfully the gun wasn't needed. Apart from rhino there wasn't that much to see. I think all the animals were still sleeping and I don't blame them. We learnt about the different vegetation and the Marula tree which is famous because the fruit that it grows is used to make the Amarula liquor.

After the walk it was back to the lodge for the two German ladies, Sonia and her partner, and me. Debbie did say she would be running a bit late and wouldn't pick us up until about at least 2:30. I was glad as I thought I might have a sleep but that never happened. Debbie ended up coming back for us nearer 4pm as her trip to town had taken her longer. At least I got to sunbathe for a little bit.

This evenings game drive was a lot more successful than this mornings bush walk. Debbie took us to a clearing where we saw Elephant, Giraffe and Warthog all together. The Red-Billed Oxpecker's were all over the giraffe.We then carried on to the river side and found Elephant and Hippo coming out of the water. I also got some pictures of some lovely birds. In another section we came across Impala, Zebra and Waterbuck before having our sun downer drinks.We then found a herd of old Buffalo bulls who had been kicked out of their herd. But I have to say that the best part about the drive though was the fact that I was allowed to sit on the trackers seat on the bonnet.

Back at camp tonight we had a traditional Afrikaans dinner of chicken in a cream sauce with creamed veggies. We then had a home made chocolate pudding for dessert. The food here is stunning. I met Vangie, Gavin's wife, and their two sons Tyron and Donovan. They all seemed really nice. Luckily fr me we were a bit earlier back to the lodge tonight.

Sabie Sands Bush Walk