South Africa… First Impressions

We left Texas with lowering temperatures and autumn just around the corner to travel half-way around the world to the origins of man, eighteen hours later arriving in Johannesburg in the evening. We both were dreading the flight almost as much as the excitement for arriving at the first of three resorts. I was surprised I slept but having sleeping pods probably helped me in doing so. Everything went smoothly until we got to the passport check. But, if this was the worst of our time, we had it made. An hour later, we were in our hotel room for some much needed rest and insomnia due to the time difference and jet lag. We were able to finally catch a few hours of shuteye. The morning was an easy transition as we didn’t meet the driver until 10 AM for a three-hour bus (minivan) drive to the resort. Seeing the jacaranda trees in full bloom were proof of Spring and also explained why I was getting stuffy. The drive was beautiful and then we left the road for an 8km drive into the bush to reach the Royal Marubisi Founders Lodge within the Ka’ingo private game reserve.

Noticing the electric wire fence around the facility and on the ground as you drive up the ramp to be greeted by the staff, welcoming you to your home for the next few days, gave you notice of the dangers that are lurking. The wood, thatched roofs, a fifteen-foot stuff crocodile, and those wires reminded you this isn’t a drive through an East Texas safari business to feed the animals from a bucket on your lap. Nope, you are fully knowledgeable that you are part of the prey and attention to what and how you do things have consequences here. Walking to our room named for the Impala; all of the rooms are named for an animal within the reserve. Animals seem to be everywhere with different species grazing and watering together in harmony. In fact, as I write this, I’m distracted by a herd of impala, warthog’s doing the downward dog to eat, and the massive and curled horns of the Greater Kudu.  It is truly a scene straight out of the movies I’ve seen about Africa. Peace and tranquility surround me from the massive leather couches under the cool breeze on the main veranda. The aromas are unlike anything I have ever smelled. Earthy, but with a fragrance that would be amazing to bottle and release back into our house when we return. Magic!

There are only accommodation for twenty-three people, but there are only two groups here, one that had arrived previous with seven and ours with only six, a mother and daughter (Jacqueline and Jocelyn) from Toronto, a retired couple (Tom and Fran) from outside of Chicago, and two Texa-rodians (us). Our safari mates for the next 8 days and boy did we draw an inside straight as they are all funny, outgoing, and we get along as if we had all done this before.  Our driver, Thabo, and our guide, Zandile, are constantly near us to ensure we want for nothing. The chefs aren’t happy until you are pleased with your meal. We have been to numerous resorts where they tout service, but they all pale in comparison to the service and personal touch you receive from the owner down to the gardener. There are many tour agencies available and too many private reserves to counts, but for the money, you won’t go wrong with Go Touchdown Travel and Tours.

The first safari was within hours of arriving. We gathered for a snack and cocktails and loaded up and off we went. Numerous variants of antelope and deer, but none of the big five, however we saw two of the ugly five, warthogs and Wildebeests. The highlight was parking by the river in a canyon while we enjoyed the sunset with beer and cocktails. I hadn’t felt any anxiety of lion encounters or leopards, but when our guide pulled out the spotting scope and told us to sound off if we saw red eyes on the 20-minute drive to the lodge, I have to admit that I was nervous and the heart was getting a little workout. We moved at a pace of about 15 KM, a speed in which either cat (lion or leopard) could overcome easily. My mind was racing with scenarios of attacks and what I’d do in such an encounter. A change of underwear certainly, but visions of future bionic arms and legs kept darting through my consciousness as I would surely offer my arm as payment for letting us all live. Preferably the right one as it is in pain most of the time. A thrill I am ready to experience again! Upon arrival to camp, I was ready for a cold something and hungry from my thrill ride in the night light.

Brunch was a gourmet hamburger and I’m not sure what kind of meat. I was afraid to ask but it was good. Supper on the boma with pork chops smoked over an open grill and a fire pit burning in the middle. The accompaniments were amazing and even asking for them to pronounce twice, I still can’t say them correctly. However, I know one was butternut squash, with tomato and peppers over polenta, new potatoes, and some chicken stew with a brown gravy. Dessert always follows with the need for heartburn pills due to portions of food.

I look forward to the upcoming safari drives to see animals we’ve grown seeing in captivity at zoos in our world but now being witness to them in their environment. I am thrilled to be here, and my excitement is hard to contain. I pray we can somehow find sleep tonight as I’m on fumes and I know I’ll need a good rest to stay attentive and alert in the bushveld.