So what started out as a quick wedding weekend turned into an adventure of a lifetime. What’s shocking to me is that I had such low expectations to begin with. I blame my friend Tom Bassett who only ever described Africa to me as a “fun time.” When I pressed him, Tom would just shake his head and remark, “I can’t explain it, there’s just something about Africa. You’ll like it.” That’s not really much to go on.
And even when other people would recount to me their safari adventures, it never sounded like anything that spectacular. Just the usual “Lions, tigers and bears, oh my” sort of descriptions. I remember thinking to myself “Have these people never watched Animal Planet? Can’t you get the same experience from watching television?” Well, turns out the answer is no.
And now that I’ve been here, I finally understand. But also like Tom, I’m not sure I can describe it any better than he did. All I can say is to be in this wild, but pristine setting, and to see the animals in their true environment, smell the sweet hot scents, hear the mysterious jungle sounds…it all somehow heightens your own senses. It makes your heart quicken, and your whole self come alive.
It’s a country of extremes-lush and arid, wild and peaceful, beautiful and brutal all existing together in a land that really is as old as time. It’s so hard to explain, but even more impossible to forget. Handsome Steve tells me that once Africa gets in your blood, you will never be the same. He calls it safari fever. It’s true. It happened to me. Africa truly stays with you forever!
Cheers to you South Africa! And to Tom and Angela for helping us discover this amazing country! It’s one of the best places I have ever visited. And I forgive you Tom for being so stingy with your words, and just letting me discover it all on my own.
This is why mere words are not enough to adequately describe Africa. Every time you turn around, you see sights like this.
On our final night Handsome Steve and Shy Harold organized an outdoor cocktail party under the stars for us. They pulled out all the stops like this outdoor “powder room” complete with porcelain sinks and fresh towels.
Having a knowledgeable and entertaining guide is imperative to a good safari. If he also happens to be good looking, and can make a mean gin and tonic, all the better!
Even though our “cocktail party” consisted of nothing more than a few drinks, and simple snacks like freshly cooked South African sausages, homemade potato chips, and dried mango-it far surpassed any fancy 5th Avenue penthouse affair.
These lions were so close they actually touched our fender as they walked by. This is why Animal Planet cannot compete with the real thing.
And these funny water buffalo hip bumping one another made us laugh. The Abbott and Costello of the jungle.
We even saw the elusive leopard taking a leisurely nap in a tree. Don’t be fooled though, these animals are fierce predators.
They are also unbelievably smart and strong. See this carcass hanging from a tree? That’s the handiwork of the leopard. He kills his prey, then drags the body high into a tree so that other predators cannot steal his kill before he is finished eating it.
High powered binoculars are a must because we looked for not just big things but even tiny tiny animals like bush babies and minuscule birds.
We traveled in these high end fully kitted out land cruisers that can take on any kind of terrain.
Our guides spoiled us making “Ranger Specials” (hot coffee spiked with Amarula) every morning for us…and always with proper tablecloths too.
It wasn’t alway “Go, go, go!” At times we stopped just to enjoy the surrounding landscape and cool morning breezes.
Angela and I at the local watering hole in our matching safari hats. Even though the boys mocked us mercilessly, we were glad to have them. They are a must on safari.
Three days on safari and I fancy myself an expert tracker. Accompanied by my driver, Handsome Brian, I search for the Big Five.
After the morning game drive, we return to camp and relax in any of the beautifully decorated spaces to read or nap.
Angela and I even chilled out in the fabulous lodge pool one hot afternoon.
The pool is actually three pools each at a different temperature. And just like Goldilocks you can find one that is “just right” for you.
Then it’s time for lunch in the gorgeous dining room.
It’s really fun to meet other guests and trade stories with one another. Our friends, Thomas and Joan, from Scotland are in their 80’s and traveling the world. I hope this is Brian and me when we get to this age.
And then we get ready for another thrilling game drive. At over 36,000 acres, there is no way we can see it all or get bored here in Ngala.
And the sights are just unreal…like this huge lion who was just lying in the sun taking a nap right in front of us.
We go from the biggest animals to the smallest learning all kinds of wonderful things about them.
But it’s not just animals we see. Handsome Steve shows us the Marula nut from which my new favorite drink is made from. Angela and I even eat the Marula and love it. Brian thought it was terrible, and Tom would not even try it.
And we learn about herbs. This is called Bushman Fever Tea and is used as medicine. It is a wonderfully fragrant leaf that smells like a cross between lemon and eucalyptus.
We drive over anything…crossing through river beds, jungle, and steep cliffs.
And even when we don’t see any animals, it doesn’t matter. Just the unending vista before you takes your breath away.
So really, how do you adequately describe the African safari experience? I think for me, I will always remember Africa as the love of a shared experience…to a destination unknown…
…for an adventure beyond!