Although the wedding is over, our African adventure is not. Since we’re already here, we decide to tag on an African safari in Kruger National Park to end our holiday. Remember when I said Africa is big. Well, it’s bigger than big. Just Kruger by itself is over two million acres. As a result, we have to fly, but this time we take a tiny charter plane. Am I scared? Yes! Do I need Dramamine? Definitely!
My first safari and I feel my Karen Blixen dreams turn to dust. Turns out no one on safari actually dresses like they are “Out of Africa”. Mostly everyone is in cargo shorts and trainers. It’s sad! I was so looking forward to re-creating that era of British Romanticism. But even though my naive vision is not even close to reality, the wonderment of South Africa is altogether real! It’s a singularly rare and beautiful country that cannot be recreated on television or anywhere else but here!
We arrive in Ngala, a private game reserve that borders Kruger National Park, safe, sound, and all in one piece. What a relief!
To get there we had to take this tiny PC -12 plane which barely seats a dozen people. I purposely ate almost nothing and swallowed a couple of Dramamine before getting on this baby.
Because Africa is so big, flying in private planes to get around is commonplace. This was my first time, so of course I was super excited…and nervous.
We land without incident, and our guide (Steve) was at the runway to meet us along with a very large herd of impala.
And we’re off-my first Safari!
The lodge where we are staying is lovely.
Right in the midst of the bush, is a magnificent British Colonial inspired hotel lodge.
I fell in love with all the traditional and romantic British details and decor.
Obviously Angela was blown away too.
Lunch is immediately served, and it is top notch.
Delicious offerings that are beautifully laid out tempt even the pickiest eater, which of course I am not.
Leg of lamb is perfectly roasted.
Locally grown fresh salads and vegetables accompany the main offering.
And of course antique silver and real China make everything taste better.
The entire dining area is open to nature, and look who comes to visit us!
Impala are indigenous deer and very abundant here. Personally these two are quite bold in my opinion, since I am told they are delicious.
And then we are escorted to our room which is decorated in that Romantic British campaign style. So gorgeous!
Here’s the bathroom! I actually squealed when I saw this.
It’s a completely private bath with glass walls and an outdoor shower in an enclosed garden.
And just like in England, at 4 pm, it’s time for tea. I love how everything is so traditional and civilized amongst the ruggedness of the land.
Our first official game drive and the weather cooperates with us. January is the wet season, so we are lucky for the dry sunny afternoon.
And our guide who I’ve taken to calling “Handsome Steve” and our tracker “Shy Harold.” They are with us every step of the way and know the area like the back of their hand.
Right off the bat, we see a giraffe calmly staring at us.
And zebras aplenty just going about their business.
This is actually rare, but we even find a lioness cooling in the shade.
And even more rare, we are swept up in a hunt with a pack of wild dogs running down their prey. We see the entire kill before our eyes. It’s gruesome and mesmerizing at the same time.
These dogs are the most successful hunters of all predatory animals, and kill the impala in less than six minutes. I don’t think I will ever forget seeing this “circle of life” scenario unfold before my eyes.
And in another nod to British civility, “Handsome Steve” takes us to a dry riverbed and makes cocktails for everyone while we watch the sun set. Notice the tablecloth and crystal tumblers.
“Shy Harold” who is an expert tracker tells us fascinating stories as we enjoy gin and tonics and watch the sun go down.
This is impala biltong-South African deer jerky. It’s quite spicy but delicious with drinks.
We watched the sun go down far away from these wild dogs, and then drove home for dinner.
Dinner is served in the Boma. A boma is usually a corral for cattle, but here they glam it up for us.
An African braii with local game like kudu (similar to venison), and other mouthwatering meats are grilled to order. Eating outdoors under candlelight and oil lamps make dinner seem extra special. What an incredible day!
“And Beyond” is the travel outfitter we used for this trip, and that name is so fitting because so far Africa has definitely been an adventure…& beyond!