Safari

When people asked me, “What part of the trip are you the most excited about?” I would always answer, “Safari”.  Now that it’s over, I can say…it didn’t disappoint!  Our guides told us they love doing safaris over and over because each day is never the same as the next no matter how long you’re here so it never gets boring. We saw everything from graceful, giant giraffes, to terribly ugly wart hogs, to the most colorful birds on Earth. Never knowing when you turn a corner (or your head for that matter) what will be on the other side.

We did two safaris in different parts of Africa so we could see different terrain and different types of animals. Our AWESOME tour guides http://www.flightoftheeagle.co.za  in South Africa customized a 6-day trip for us with a sampling of different “safaris”. We did two days in Kruger National Park seeing nature untouched by humans. When animals there are sick or out of water, they let nature take its course so you get a true out-in-the-wild experience.

Next they took us to a private game reserve where the accommodations are a little cushier and the animals are more “cared” for. They provide food when the drought has made the land bare, care for sick animals, etc. Here we were able to walk out in the felt and witness herds of animals grazing or making their way to the watering hole.  Our nights were spent eating around a traditional African fire pit and enjoying the stars far away from the city lights.

After two days there we were treated to a day drive through the panorama making stops at waterfalls, canyons and famous old gold rush towns. Our day ended at a swanky lodge with a terrace overlooking the savanna and a sunset to die for.

No matter where we were, we had amazing food, great conversation and learned so much! We had gotten so attached to Johan and Elize by the end of our trip it was hard to say goodbye. We felt like part of their family!

The next day we flew up to Zimbabwe for a four night safari. There we got to witness Victoria Falls water fall, a traditional Boma dinner (Africa’s version of a luau) and a cruise up the Zambezi river. Although we didn’t see much wildlife on that cruise, the views were breathtaking and the company was great.

The next day it was off to Chobe Safari Lodge in Botswana. This place was nice! On our morning game drive we finally had a good leopard sighting (the most elusive of the big 5) and were visited by a troop of baboons while stopped for a coffee break. That night we had an amazing cruise down the Chobe river seeing crockodile, heards of elephants (with their babies), and families of hippos swimming through the water.

By the end of our trip, we had all learned so much about wildlife, birds, vegetation and African history. Most importantly, we made memories we’ll never forget.