This morning began with a wake-up knock on the door by a staff member at 5am. If you choose not to go on the morning game drive, you let them know the night before, and they will skip your cottage. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is served in the Summer House, but we wisely decided to pass on the offer, since the drive can last over three hours. There are no bush toilets.
Only two land rovers were used because the British couple were going home today, and had decided to sleep in. There were only three of us, which was nice. The gentleman sharing this vehicle is from South Africa, and is quite knowledable with the animals as well as the birds. It is seldom that we find guests that share our desire to see the variety of birds as well as the larger animals.
The sightings this morning began with the lone kudu, so many impalas we lost count, and one hippo, who was sharing his pond with three Cape buffalo. On the banks of this pond were Egyptian geese, very noisy ibis, and pretty little yellow weaver birds. They create the most interesting nests hanging from the branches of certain trees. Following that, we passed by three giraffes, a herd of Cape buffalo, and nine lazy lions. Our driver stayed the longest with these lions, some of which were males. Their behavior during the warm morning hours was to lay low, roll over and over on their backs, and pant heavily. It's not because they are hot, it is their way of digesting their food. We could not believe how close we got to these magnificent animals, while they did their thing….trying to sleep while batting the flies away. A fully grown male lion can sleep 20 hours a day.
Time to move to give others a chance to watch the lions, we spotted the cutest small mongooses, who paused, stood up on their haunches to see us, then fled into the thick grass. Gone in seconds, they literally disappeared. We were in for a treat with bird sightings…..guinea fowl with chicks, ground-racing francolins (like a big quail), European and lilac- breasted rollers, and young orange or red-beaked hornbills. Still no signs of leopards that Tinyiko keeps an eye out for.
We were back to the camp by 9am, and went to breakfast right afterwards. They serve an abundant breakfast, we might add. Starters were orange juice, yogurts, fruit toppings, granola, croissants, and preserves and coffee. Plates of assorted fresh fruit and slices of avocados, tomatoes, and prosciutto were on the side. This would have been plenty for us……but our orders were taken for either an omelet or eggs Benedict with toast. Yes, this would keep us until lunch at 2:30pm.
Two couples left the camp, and two or more people were arriving later. There is always a revolving door, and now….we can be the greeters. Bill opted for the hour and a half bush walk at 10:30am with our driver and the two young girls that are sisters from South Africa he learned. One of us stayed behind to catch up on reports and answer emails. The good news is that we do have wifi here, but it is temperamental and spotty at best.
While typing from the couch, a half dozen vervet monkeys peaked through the sliding glass doors, and actually tried to get inside the room. Good thing the doors are wood-framed and heavy. These monkeys are little rascals, and most amusing, except for when they storm the dining room stealing food. It happened this morning, making one guest scream. That's when one of the staff will come out with the air gun that shoots little plastic balls at them. The monkeys seem to know what this gun is and will scatter for a while. When the day heats up, these monkeys will disappear and go sleep somewhere.
Having some time to sit outside on the lounge chair, a large toad landed on my leg, scaring the devil out of me. Teaches me to check the chairs and the surrounding area before sitting down. At least, it wasn't a snake……
Lunch was served at 2:30pm, right after Bill took the second shower of the day. Today, it was Indian cuisine with a bowl of hot curried vegetables spooned over a bed of white rice. Bread, crackers, cheeses with watermelon and canteloupe slices and grapes were the dessert. There were three small bowls of food we did not recognize. In addition, a small jar of gummy bears are put on the table to share.
Our third game drive began at 4pm. Some new guests arrived. It is probably a good time to mention the weather. We have lucked out and have had mostly sunny skies with some clouds. It has been very warm and muggy, but no sign of rain yet.
Animals we saw were the one male hippo, who recently wandered into the area and never left. More Egyptian geese were in the pond, with the herd of impala nearby. Their numbers seemed to increase daily. Large animals we saw were elephants, giraffe, Cape buffalo, wildebeest, 8 lions (one was hiding), a nyala, one marshal eagle and a tawny eagle hawk. Lucky for us, Tinyiko keeps a Kruger Park bird book in the console. The prettiest are the bee eaters and rollers, which we also spotted.
A big event took place on the evening drive. That is the "braai" or the barbequed meats with cocktails in the bush. Just as the sun went down, our driver came into a camp where bonfires were burning and a table full of finger food was set. A full bar was available too. We asked for the beers – Castel and Back Label. Then Joseph, the head guide performed his bush talk accompanied by calls of the wild. He does it so well, we all watched our backs for the animals to come. The darkness of night added to the ambience as Joseph mimicked hyenas, jackals, lions, and other animals that come out at night. The stars overhead were brilliant. Nothing has changed with this feature since the first visit we had here.
We were all back to camp a bit later, and dinner was ready after 8pm. The meal began with a delicious tomato soup, and appetizers of avocado, asparagus and shrimp. The main dish was an oxtail stew, mashed potatoes, and assorted veggies. Dessert was the best…..creme Brulee with a shot glass full of Amarula. Barb would kill for this treat. The special chocolates arrived, as if we needed more. We took them back to the room just in case we get hungry, ha-ha. Both of us were sound asleep by 10:15pm.
Bill & Mary Ann
