Safari Baby!

Posted by Kristina

We woke up Saturday morning with 3 games of soccer per day, as well as 6 live soccer games under our belts and decided, “Maybe we should do something else.” So we did!

Sunday morning we left for a town called Hluhluwe, and if you don’t know, the “hl” is pronounced like this, “chl”. We had a one night stay at a lodge and planned on doing a safari Monday morning. We arrived around 10:30am at Ubizane Tree Lodge.

We went through the gate and were greeted by non other than…

and…

We went to check in and were given two wine glasses with fresh juice and asked to sign some papers stating that they aren’t responsible if we get eaten. We were escorted to our room, which was stunning, we were not expecting this.

We or should I say, Patrick, soon discovered that there was no TV and he didn’t bring a book, guess all that was left was a nap or a walk around the park. We spoke to the front desk and they were adamant about ONLY walking on the main roads! So we put on our best hiking gear (we weren’t prepared) and headed out.

At least we weren’t really hiking, more like a stroll through the bush…

where we ran into these guys!

We walked for about 20 minutes and we told that a great place to kill some time is the Hluhluwe Reserve. There is where we’ll see more animals up close and personal. Hluhluwe Reserve was about 20 minutes away from where we were staying. This would mean, we would get there around 12:30pm, this would give us 5.5 hours. We were instructed to be OUT of the park by 6pm, otherwise the gates close and you sleep in the park. No thank you! Time to get started in case we got lost!

We entered the park, purchased two tickets at about $15 each and registered the car. We were off, but not before reading the signs!

We were off and it was a beautiful day. Just a note, the pictures you’re going to see, we barely zoomed in, they were just that close.

You’re about to see the rarest photo. A large group of Asians, stopped and taking pictures, we couldn’t help ourselves, but to take a picture! HEY, its a stereotype that happens to be true, just like American are loud and obnoxious!

We drove on, taking pictures where we could and taking in all the beauty of the reserve.

For the picture below, there is a little story. At the entrance we were told not to get out of the car for any reason, unless at a parking area or overlook. We saw this awesome tree and thought this would be a cool picture. Patrick kept telling me, “hurry up, because this is where lions hang out.” I’m smiling, but there is absolute fear behind my smile!!!!

We exited around 4pm, and we didn’t even see half of the reserve. We could have driven for 2 days. We headed back to the lodge to nap and prepare for dinner. We were walking back to the room and noticed all these Vervet monkeys running around the grass below the trees. The second they noticed us, they all started running towards us. We didn’t know if they just wanted to look, or if they wanted a taste! I ran inside and Patrick took a video.

I went back inside and was greeted by this little guy.

We were later told that if these guys get into your room, and they WILL get into your room, even if you leave the door open a crack, they will destroy your everything, eat the sugar packets for the coffee and take anything they can get their hands on. Apparently they hastle the kitchen, taking eggs and fruit, making a mess of everything!

The monkeys went on their way and we got ready for dinner. It was a very cold night, we weren’t sure what to expect, because there were no enclosed areas, only a covered dining area with a fireplace…or so we thought. We followed the lights and the sounds to a clearing where dinner had been prepared. Patrick and I both decided it was the most beautiful dinner we have ever had. Five dinner tables had been set up in a clearing with two large fires burning for warmth. Each table had a candle on it and the buffet tables were beautiful! Totally indescribable. You have to go! We had some of the most tender beef and lamb we have ever had!

The following morning at 5:30am we went on our safari with a guide. IT WAS THE COLDEST I HAVE EVER BEEN! I wore every article of clothing I brought with me and we had blankets on the truck. I wish I had a picture of Patrick, he looked like an old woman, blanket over his lap and one over his head, he was hunched over trying to keep warm. It was foggy, wet and windy. We arrived at the gate and unfortunately, we didn’t realize we were going back to Hluhluwe Reserve. However, it was nice to go with a guide who knew what he was doing, what he was looking for and where to go. It was really interesting watching him check out the poop on the side of the road, announce which animal is was then drive around trying to find it. Sometimes we found it and sometimes we didn’t. Here are some of the animals we ran into…

We made a pit stop to thaw and warm up a little. This was our view, it was amazing at around 7am.

On our way out of the park, a herd of elephants was crossing the street, there were quite a few babies, which means they’re aggressive and watch out. You can see in the picture the momma elephant was ready to rock that little white car!

We returned back to the lodge to a warm breakfast near a wood burning fire. It was beautiful! Couldn’t stay long, “someone” had to get back and work…ewwy, the real world is calling!

One Response to “Safari Baby!”

1. Aunt Peg says:

   June 29, 2010 at 8:05 pm

   Just love hearing about your great adventure!
   Times you will always treasure………..