Safari

I’ve been wanting to do a safari for over 20 years and it didn’t disappoint in the least. Our lodge, Simbambili, in the Sabi Sands area was so beautiful. We arrived at 3:30 and by 4:00 were off on our first game drive. Each morning we wake up at 5:30 throw on some clothes, have a sip of coffee and by 6am as the sun is coming up you are off for a 3 hour drive. Back for breakfast then a well earned lounge on our amazing, private veranda. Took some great naps on a huge comfortable bed on a shady part as the occasional impala wanders by. Lunch and by 4:00 you are back out for another 3 hour ride this one including sunsets and a sky full of stars. 

Dinner is different each night. One night just us two, another we sat with our Jeep group and guide, a 3rd out in the bush under the stars. 

A portion of a perfect safari is luck. You are with the same  ranger\guide and tracker for the whole visit. Ours, Justin and Willis, were incredible. Our first 2 rides we were alone but were then joined by 2 other couples. Luckily, the 6 of us adored each other, and had a fantastic time together. Our weather was also great. Cool in the mornings, perfect for a coat and blanket, mid day we layer out in shorts and tea shirts and cool again after sunset. 

The landscape is breathtaking. The trees unlike anything I’ve seen and the light, especially at sunset and sunrise, has to be seen. I kept wishing I could scoop up all my artist friends and bring them here to see it. And the stars! They have different constellations than at home. I saw the Southern Cross! And Venus. 

And the animals...I’m sure you’ve all seen the pictures but it’s hard to comprehend how majestic they are and how close you get. Again, luck. We were the only ones in our Jeep who saw elephants; a huge herd that walked right in front of us. Plus giraffes, zebras, a pack of wild dogs, and so many leopards and lions including 3 males. We saw a pride of females with cubs take down and tear apart a warthog.  And a leopard rip open a newly killed gazelle. The sounds and smells are unforgettable. 

It’s easy to see why people fall in love with Africa and want to return.

cindy-follow on twitter@css1222 or cindy-randomthinking.blogspot.com