For the second part of our sisters vacation, we drove from Maputo into South Africa. Crossing the border was a different experience for me, involving a lot different steps on both sides. We got through easily though and were on our way before too long. We had a fairly long day of driving ahead of us as our first stop was in the more northern part of the park. We were driving up to the Hamilton Tented Camps which are on private concessions so they are a little more isolated. I had been lucky enough to go on safari once before when I was a teenager, it was very cool but we didn’t see too many of the Big Five, so I was excited for another try.
Things started very well as we saw hippos floating in the river as we crossed into the park. This was quickly followed by giraffes, zebras and plenty of antelope. The drive got more exciting when we had to stop for a train of elephants crossing the road in front of us, including some adorably tiny babies! However, time started getting tight. We wanted to be at the resort in time for the afternoon safari, so we decided we couldn’t keep stopping for every animal near the road. Our decision was put to the test when we saw several cars pulled over, and they told us there was a lion near by. Shaking our heads we had to keep going. And then it seemed that around every corner there was an elephant in the road. You just can’t rush an elephant that wants to take the easy path!
Our grit paid off, we arrived just as the guests were gathering for the safari. We had enough time to introduce ourselves and drop our bags in the lobby and join the tour. It was a great start to the safari, with more elephants and plenty more antelope. So many colourful birds, and we saw a male lion relaxing under the shade of a bush. We stopped for a sundowner at sunset. It was something different to be served a Gin and Tonic in a crystal glass while standing in the middle of a clearing in Africa. We then cruised back to the hotel for dinner.
During the safari my sister had been chatting with a single traveller. She was a doctor that had come on safari after a conference in South Africa. A lovely woman and interesting to talk to, when we saw the tables were set to have her sitting alone, we invited her to join us. The dining area was a gorgeous open air spot overlooking the riverbank the camp was built along. As it was the dry season the water levels were quite low.
After an amazing dinner, we were escorted to our cabin. There was a slightly elevated walk way, and we were told not to go out alone at night as the camp is open to the animals. It was an absolutely stunning room, with a gorgeous deck, a deep old bathtub and an outdoor shower. The cabins were all nicely spaced for privacy and we had a small carafe of sherry waiting for us. Everything was decorated with a colonial era feel. Which was beautiful, with old trunks and binoculars, but slightly unsettling with the knowledge of the history of colonialism. We still had a small toast with sherry for our vacation of course.
Safari vacations are not for people who don’t like mornings. We woke up much too early to get a good start to see the animals before the heat of mid day. There was a very light breakfast for us to have before loading the safari vehicles. As we were a touch crowded yesterday, there were two vehicles for everyone today. My sister, our new friend and I were assigned to one. This was a treat as they are three tier vehicles so we each got a row to ourselves to scoot back and forth depending on where the animals appeared.
For the morning safari, we went down to where there was a large watering hole. By the time we got there we had been driving for a bit we had our morning coffee break there. It was just incredible because we had followed a herd of wildebeests to get there, and shortly after a large herd of elephants arrived too. They were followed by a massive group of zebras. The smaller animals all stood back and waited for the elephants to finish. So I got to sip a nice mug of tea and just watch all of these amazing animals milling about. It was just a fantastic morning.
When we got back to the hotel, we had a late lunch. Then it was a few hours to relax before lunch and the afternoon safari. My sister and I spent the time cooling off in the small pool and reading our books before going to get dressed for the afternoon. Sis wanted to spend a little more time in the room but I decided to go back to the main lodge to see what could be seen from the deck. When I started the walk back I got the absolute surprise of my life!
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