Game Reserve

Karula Camp. Kapama.

This is the kind of experience that does not exist in our world. Everything, down to the tiniest detail, was so well taken care of.

We made wonderful memories with our ranger, Ruan, and our amazing tracker, Nicholas. A fantastic team they should be proud of.

Thank you!

… and now we go back to the real world. Sigh.

Our last morning drive.

All morning we were looking for the elusive leopard but with no luck. After we all agreed that it seems to be a lost cause, we started heading back. And that was when we found them…

Two female lions and 5 cubs eating. We were driven right next to them (about 6 feet) which was kinda scary. Luckily they ignored us and just kept eating.

The circle of life. Up close.

So many great experiences. At some point we were surrounded by a huge herd of elephants waking through the trees. It was truly magical.

You know it was an evening drive because the lion was sleeping. And he was so close to the vehicle he was barely a whim away.

Our afternoon drive started out with a very special lunch in the middle of the reserve somewhere.

This was done specially as a birthday treat, and it was definitely a rare treat!

On Gaby’s birthday we all met up again the next day for the Elephant Interaction.

These are all rescues that can not be reintroduced into the wild.

It was a truly humbling experience to interact with these gentle giants.

Celebrated Gaby's last evening in the 50's.

It was a spectacular night!

After The Rhino Incident, we had sundowners and watched a stunning sunset under African skies.

And then we came across the Rhinos.

A little family of Mom, Dad and a youngster. They were just waking along and got really close to the vehicle. All good so far since we are all sitting really still. As instructed.

Next moment we just hear the tracker say to the ranger, camly but with great urgency, “MOVE!”

We did. Quickly.

What happened was as they were grazing around us, we ended up between the male, and the female and youngster. Males are very protective and he started towards us as if he was ready to charge.

Exhilarating, to say the least!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinoceros

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_rhinoceros

Our evening drive started off very well.

We see two lionesses, more buffalo, an elephant and zebra.

Or first morning drive definitely did not disappoint. Lots of animals really close.

But the best part was the Watering Hole experience. We stopped at an empty watering hole to look at a Maribu stork when suddenly a Cape Buffalo appeared coming towards us. Then another. And then one more. Suddenly we were surrounded by these huge beasts.

So we stopped and had our morning coffee. Very quietly. After all, they are considered very dangerous!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_buffalo