Safari Blog

12 September 2007

After a 2 hour flight, we arrived at O.R Tambo International Airport and headed off to the Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo Province in South Africa.

As we drove to Shibula, we notice that the area was very dry and hot. We soon learned that the area is going through a bit of a drought. We arrived at Shibula Lodge and Bush Spa, where we were greeted with a traditional dance performed by some of the local inhabitants – what a lovely feeling, it made us feel really welcome! Kiki showed us around the lodge and informed us that they are planning on doing some renovations and building on. The decor throughout the lodge is pretty unique; with lace and crystal subtly blending in with the authentic African culture, giving you a classic ethnic feel. One may also relax and enjoy the rejuvenating treatments in their newly renovated Bush Spa. After having a look around, we sat down to lunch. Unfortunately we were unable to see any of the rooms as they were full. Still in the Welgevonden Game Reserve, we were picked up by Glen and we headed off to Makweti Safari Lodge, where we were met by Marieza and Jacques who showed us to our secluded and private chalet. Our suite was beautifully decorated and had luxurious furnishings. Amenities included an indoor and outdoor shower, Victorian bathtub, log fire and a private deck with breathtaking views of the bushveld. Dinner took place on the dining room deck, where a superb 3 course meal was enjoyed. After dinner we headed to the Indaba deck where we came across a White Rhino feeding just 5 metres away!

13 September 2007

We awoke to the sound of birds chirping away and after morning tea while heading to the vehicle, we noticed some activity at the same waterhole. Zebra, baboons and warthogs were feeding off some shrubs at the dried out waterhole. Shortly after that we headed out into the reserve for a game drive, expertly guided by Jacques. We came across rhino, giraffes, kudu, impala, waterbuck, baboons and various birds. When we got back a scrumptious breakfast was enjoyed.

If you value personalized service, superb cuisine and diverse game viewing, then Makweti is the place for you! The Welgevonden Game Reserve is very under rated; it is only a 2.5 to 3 hour drive north of Johannesburg on excellent tarred roads and it is malaria free. The quality of game viewing, although not as prolific as the Kruger, is still of a very high standard. With plans to drop the fences between the Welgevonden and Marakele, a huge 130,000 hectare reserve will be created. Makweti Safari Lodge is an excellent safari destination for guests looking for a quality safari experience, with the added bonus of a malaria free environment and quick, easy access from Johannesburg. Our thanks to Helen from Makweti and Celeste and Caroline from Classic Retreats for giving the SUNSAFARIS team the opportunity to experience Makweti first hand!

Our next stop was at The Coach House near Tzaneen in Limpopo. A five star hotel set in the friendly ambience of a gracious country estate with luxurious comfort and scenic tranquillity.

Dinner and a good night’s rest were enjoyed.

14 September 2007

Following a delicious breakfast we headed off on the road to our next destination. We arrived at Josmacs Bush Pub situated in the Greater Kruger where we were met by Ingrid Safaris and were introduced to the group of guests that will be joining us. A bush lunch was enjoyed and we then climbed into an open top Land Cruiser and headed off into the bush where we would begin the “4 Day Walking Safari”. We arrived at “Tusker Bush Camp” where we unpacked and settled in. A few minutes later we headed out on a game drive. A few metres away from camp we came across a group of elephants feeding where we managed to get some great photos. We also were sadly informed that a bull elephant had to be shot due to a broken leg that had not healed. So we drove to the decomposing carcass in the hope to see some action, and all we saw was vultures. After our sun downer we headed back to camp for Dinner. Lanterns throughout the camp lit our way as there is no electricity, but only solar panels. A delicious Supper was enjoyed. We then all sat around the camp fire socialising and getting to know one-another. We then all headed off into our individual tents where we fell asleep in the dead silence.

15 September 2007

Awoke at the crack of dawn, enjoyed a light breakfast and headed out on a 4 hour walk. We learned many interesting facts along the way. After a four hour walk, we arrived back at camp where we enjoyed a hearty breakfast. After breakfast it was Siesta, also known as leisure time. After relaxing for 4 hours, we gathered for lunch and then headed out on a game drive. We stopped after an hour drive and we all got out and began following lion tracks. With butterflies in my tummy, I was praying so hard! After walking for an hour we thankfully never came across any. We then got back to the vehicle and drove a little along the way where we stopped and enjoyed a sundowner. We then drove in the night with the tracker in front shining a spot light looking for wild animals. Needless to say we came across more elephants, and many species of Buck, as well as a porcupine, and many serval cats. We got back to camp where dinner was waiting. We then all sat around the camp fire and learned about the wild life from our very informative ranger Conrad. We then heard a mighty roar, which sounded pretty close so; all excited we hopped into the 4x4 and headed off in search of the lion. After a few minutes’ drive, we came across a lonely male lion just strolling alongside the road. After a few snap shots the engine was switched off and there we sat in the dark. Then we heard him roar, a real amazing, yet scary feeling at the same time. We then headed back to camp where we were informed that the lion might be visiting our camp and that we must stay in our tents.

So we got back and with everyone totally bushed, we headed off to sleep.

16 September 2007

Awoken by the sound of Roaring lions and Hyena’s early in the morning, and the active baboons in the tree above our tent, I could not get back to sleep. So I lay awake waiting for our wake up call. Eventually the time came and we received our wake up call. During breakfast we were informed that that same lion was just 80 meters away from camp when we heard him. We all were amazed. We then headed off into the reserve on the game vehicle where we stopped at a water hole and headed off on foot. After an enjoyable walk we came across a Giraffe and some wildebeest in the distance, which we just could not get close to as they sprinted the minute we moved closer. Soon after that we headed back to the vehicle and drove around where we spotted more buck, warthogs and many species of birds. Arrived back at camp and enjoyed breakfast. By this time the temperature must have been well over 35 degrees, so for Siesta, we tried to lie down, but just could not. It was too hot to read or to even think. After an ice cold refreshing shower, I sat with a few other guests while talking and enjoying the scenery. After lunch we headed out on the vehicle and while on the lookout for Rhino, we came across 3 lionesses. We followed them until we were informed that they were probably going to stalk the young giraffe we had previously seen. So we pulled to the side of the road keeping in view with the giraffes, and we watched as the 3 lionesses strategically positioned themselves to catch this giraffe. Unfortunately the giraffes had spotted the lions, so they ran off. We then decided to head back to camp. On our way back we had a quick glimpse of a leopard, but soon disappeared into the bush. We stuck around in the hope that he would return but did not. So we headed back to camp. By now the wind had come up tremendously whereby we had to have dinner in the kitchen. We sat and chatted for a long time, until eventually the tiredness got the better of all of us. So we headed back to our tents to sleep. The wind was howling and it felt as if our tent was going to blow away.

17 September 2007

After having survived the scary night, and again waking up to lions roaring and hyena’s calling, I went through to get some tea, and heard that the lion had been right outside the ranger’s tent earlier that morning. There were tracks proving it. We all headed out in the vehicle for one last game drive. Not even a kilometre away we came across a pangolin. We were amazed as this was unusual as they are nocturnal. So we all got out and had a good look at it. It then rolled into a tight ball. It was great seeing it. When we got back, we all sat down at the dinner table to enjoy breakfast. Knowing it was our last meal together, we really took our time. We packed up and headed back to Josmacs where we said our good-byes.

It was such an awesome experience; it’s not every day you get the opportunity to wake up to the sounds of lions roaring! We will surely miss the fantastic staff and the amazing experiences we had.

A big thank you must go to Ingrid for arranging a fantastic walking safari, Conrad, for his excellent guiding skills and the Kitchen staff for the delicious cuisine. In addition, thanks to Inge at Shibula for arranging our site inspection.