day 5 in our Big 5 experience

although we woke up a little tired after last night's good food and wine, and the good chat around the camp fire, we were anticipating that to day we are in for a special experience. we hopped onto the jeep and started out on our search for the last of the big cats, the Leopard. by lunch time we saw every thing but the elusive spotted cat, and some of the group have lowered their expectations because it all seemed futile. After lunch I decided we should as far as possible follow the Sabie River, because to spot an African fish eagle would be a good compensation for the leopard, and what a decision it was we saw African wild dogs on a hunt and actually saw the kill of an Impala close to the road. when the crowding got to much for us we drove down one of the lesser routes towards Pretorius Kop camp and this was where we found our Leopard standing in the middle of the roadway. we were alone with the leopard and perhaps that was the reason that he remained relaxed and when he eventually climbed into a Marula tree we were satisfied that our tour could not be better. a late afternoon nap to prepare for dinner and more stories was needed, so I obliged by arriving at out Lodge with plenty of daylight to spare. Tomorrow we have 400 km to travel to Johannesburg and the group had more than 10,000 km to fly. I would say that this was a fitting end to a great tour. Day six was an uneventful drive on the highway to Johannesburg.

Come Tour with me Day 2, 3 and 4

Our day started early because our day  would be consumed by many kilometers. Our first stop was in Modimole where everybody had the opportunity to buy a pick-nick lunch. We departed for Tzaneen where we stopped at the Mojajes kloof Baobab tree, a real giant as you can see from that attached photo, an interesting fact about this old tree is that it's trunk is hollowed-out, to be used first as a shelter, then a Goal, and for many years a Pub, not bad for a tree of  around 1500 years. After our pick-nick under the tree we departed for our lodge in Phalaborwa. Tonight we will be listening to the traditional dancers drumming on their drums. Our lodge is so close to Kruger national park that we could hear a lion roar
Wow ! a really good omen for tomorrow's game drive in the Park .
 day three started off with a ban we spotted the lions within 3 kilometers after entering into Kruger Park, they were still feasting on a Zebra kill, best of all right next to the road two hyenas did their best to be patient. within minutes we were crowded by every conceivable car,jeep and SUV wanting to have the best possible advantage to capture the spectacle. this brings me to a point I must comment on ! there were fools hanging from their car windows and one fool actually opened his door and climbed on top of his land rover's bonnet to take his video clip. Lions are the world's most opportunistic hunters and many unsuspecting person have met their end this way! Whatever you do never, never lean out or get out of your car, it is against the rules of the Park, but it is irresponsible and dangerous.We decided to continue with our day in the Park, using a birding book or two to help us spot birds (89 species on day one in the Park!). Our day was filled with sightings of Elephant, Impala and many more, oh what a day. we all slept well after a traditional braai.

Come tour with me day one

Today we will be touring the city of Pretoria before we depart to our lodge in Bela Bela (previously Warmbad).
Our first visit is to the Paul Kruger House Museum.  The museum in itself is much more than Paul Kruger's home.  This house tells the story of a amazing Statesman, who had struggled for support for his country and fellow citizens, during the time when the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek were at war with Britain, culminating in eventual banning to Hilversuim in Holland.  It is a visit well worth.  On our way to Bela Bela we make a brief stop at the Union Building, a Government Building with a checkered history  This building was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and used by the conquering  ruling Union Government after the Great South African War.  In 1961 when the Republic Of South Africa was founded, it was occupied by the much discussed "Apartheid" Government. Fortunately for us the current Government is still using it as the "Head Quarters" from where our Country is being governed.  After lunch we depart for Bela Bela where we will be staying at a Private Big 5 Nature Reserve. Our afternoon will be concluded with a game-drive on open Game Viewing vehicles, and dinner a traditional South African Braai "barbecue"

Look out tomorrow we will continue on our Tour towards Kruger Park.