Thursday, September 14, 2023
This morning, we enjoyed an early light breakfast and coffee with Fikret who then escorted us to the EZ Shuttle pick-up location where our van was arriving just as we walked up. I introduced myself to the driver and before he started loading our bags, he handed me my Global Entry card that unbeknownst to me, I had dropped during our previous shuttle ride. I felt a mixture of relief and sheepishness as I endured the consternation of Jane’s gaze and the voice of my mother ringing through my mind, “John would forget his head if it weren’t tied on.” Nevertheless, we quickly said our thank-yous and good-byes to Fikret and were soon progressing back through Pretoria toward the Jo-burg airport.
The 45-minute drive to the airport went smoothly despite the busy freeways. After checking in at a kiosk and dropping off our bags, we enjoyed more coffee and croissants before heading through security and our departure gate. We were bused to our plane on the tarmac where we embarked. We enjoyed a smooth flight with nice views of the country. The area around the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport was notably a busy horticultural region with many greenhouses, covered crops, and orchards. After deplaning, we walked into the thatch-roofed arrivals building and claimed our luggage. Next, we met our hired Thula Seats driver, Chris, and soon we were in his car heading to Kruger National Park.
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| Our Transport to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport |
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| Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport |
Our driver, Chris, lives in a small town nearby, White River, so we quizzed him about the area. The air-conditioned ride was comfortable and before we knew it, we were at the Malelane Gate, our southern entrance to Kruger National Park. Chris parked the car and went into the office to take care of entry requirements while Jane and I walked around gawking. Then, shortly after we drove through the gate, Chris said “Now you may start seeing wildlife, though I can’t guarantee anything”. What an understatement! A few miles later we stopped along with other vehicles at a stream crossing to observe monkeys, a giraffe, impala, and zebras. Whoa! During the remaining portion of the drive to the lodge, we continued to make wildlife observation stops: a black rhinoceros, more zebras, and more giraffes. Chris narrated and it seemed that we had already been on safari when we arrived at the safari lodge where Chris dropped us off at the entrance.
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| Our Kruger National Park Entry Point |
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| Vervet Monkey |
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| Giraffe |
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| Impala and Zebras |
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| Black Rhinoceros |
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| Plains Zebra |
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| Look both Ways before Crossing |
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| Two Male Giraffes Sparring (Necking) |
We were warmly greeted by Loreto, a hostess for the Lukimbi Safari Lodge. She instructed us to leave our bags outside and we followed her into the lodge where we were seated and provided a fruit drink while we filled out a few forms. We were facing a large window overlooking a river where two African buffalos were laying about and a couple of elephants were refreshing themselves. Surreal! Next, our hostess showed us around the lodge and then to our room.
Lukimbi Safari Lodge is three stories including a registration desk, gift shop, library, workout room, a dining area, a bar, and a large socializing area affording an expansive view of the river, landscape, and any wildlife that wanders into view. There is also an outdoor swimming pool with a grand view of the river and landscape. Boardwalks extend east and west from the lodge providing access to the thatched-covered cottages. After our orientation, Loreto lead us down the boardwalk to our room, East 5.
The room was spacious and comfortably furnished, but we were instantly distracted by the view through the sliding glass door leading to the deck; an elephant was munching on vegetation directly across from our cottage, our welcome elephant. Loreto was pleased with our reaction and accommodated our lack of attention to her but finally resumed introducing us to our accommodations. The cottage included a king-sized bed with mosquito netting, air-conditioning, a separate den area with chairs and sofa, a viewing deck, a two-sink bathroom with a shower and large tub that was situated beside a picture window, an outdoor shower, a closet and drawers, an outdoor shower, and a water closet with the toilet facing a large window for viewing while attending to your business. We were embedded in luxury deep in the wilds of Africa.
After Loreto departed and we gawked about some more, we refreshed ourselves and headed to our 2:00 pm lunch. We dined outside with a great view. Lunch was a buffet and we mostly ate light. While eating, our drink orders for the safari and dinner order were taken. Then, we explored the grounds some before reporting for our three-hour-long 4:00 pm safari drive.
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| Jane with our Welcome Elephant |
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| A Tub with a View |
In front of the lodge, we were introduced to our guide, Marcel, and tracker, Monday. Our safari wheels has a top but was otherwise open. There were two seats up front for the driver and guide, then three rows of passenger seats that were each elevated like theatre seats. Marcel drove and sat on the right side (South Africans drive on the left side o the rode) while Monday had a special elevated chair on the left side of the hood for spotting animals. We selected the rear seats that were highest providing a nice view but exaggerated the bounces. We drove for awhile but then encountered several elephants munching on vegetation by the side of the road. Marcel parked our vehicle and began educating us about elephant behavior. Jane was very close to one of the elephants and it was certainly a rush to be so close to such large and awesome animals in the wild.
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| Guide Marcel discussing Elephants |
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| A Close Encounter with an Elephant |
After our quality time with the elephants, Marcel drove on for awhile until he had to stop due to a flat tire. No worries. We climbed out of our transport and Monday quickly began jacking it up to change the flat. Meanwhile, Marcel set up a small table, spread a table cloth over it and laid out snacks. Then from coolers, he began serving our drinks. I had a Hansa pilsner and Jane had a gin & tonic. After socializing awhile, Monday had the flat changed and we all climbed aboard to continue the safari. Just before we started moving, Monday handed me another beer for the road. It tasted good in the heat, but I quickly learned to only sip it during viewing stops.
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| Tracker Monday changing Flat Tire |
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| Meanwhile, Marcel serves Drinks |
We had more animal viewings as we continued including spotted hyenas and a white rhinoceros. The orange sunset over the African landscape added a special safari vibe. We continued driving in the dark with Monday sweeping the darkness with a hand-held spot light from his elevated chair. You would be surprised at all the scary creatures my imagination saw that Monday never spotted. Upon returning to the lodge, because it was dark, we were led back to our rooms to prepare for dinner by an armed escort.
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| Spotted Hyena |
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| White Rhinoceros |
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| African Sunset |
Dinner was a special affair served outdoors within a circular wall with a fire pit at the center. After an excellent meal, the staff women sang traditional songs accompanied by a male drummer. Then one-by-one some of the women danced around the fire. The dance involved kicking the legs as high as possible and then stomping it to the ground. After the staff danced, diners were invited to give it a go. Jane joined one of the guides, Brandon, and stomped around quite impressively. After the festivities, we were all escorted back to our rooms. Jane & I were stimulated but also tired by our first safari day and so rapidly headed to bed knowing that tomorrow’s wake-up call would come early.
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| Jane and Guide Brandon Stomping Around |