Taking the city girl into the Bushveld was a huge success. Mission accomplished. I will even consider going back. Given certain conditions are met:
1. no camping
2. running water
3. en-suite bathroom
4. mosquito nets
So, basically taking the “bush” out of the Bushveld,  if you know what I mean.

Getting there was an adventure by itself. First time  ever that I landed on a dirt-strip. Flying in a new but retrofitted aircraft, it felt like I’m playing a character in “Out of Africa”.  Picture perfect start for a weekend in the Bushveld.

I have done a couple of game viewings since I moved to Johannesburg.  So far only the one-day safaris just outside Jozi. This time we went to Royal Malewane Game Reserve which is adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Part of Royal Malewane is the so-called Africa House. A moroccan style riad in the middle of the Bush… I agree, it might sound surreal but it blended in beautifully! Equipped with 6 beautiful suits, it’s the perfect get-away for a small group of people.

This trip also marked another mile stone in my wildlife experience: viewing the Big 5 in one go! I have seen them before, but only in bits and pieces.  This time, I have managed to see all 5 in one trip.

Buffaloes:

Leopard: usually extremely shy, wouldn’t even move when we drove close.

Lucky to have spotted a leopard

Elephants:  our vehicle was surrounded by a herd. I got quite scared at some stage

That’s how close they came

Rhino: subject to Asian superstition.