TIA #7

3/11//2013

To avoid having boring things to tell you about, because really I don’t do too much craziness during the week anymore, I’m going to jump straight into this weekend…particularly my superb Saturday!!!! It all started waking up at 7a.m. when I woke up to ready myself for the great game adventure!!!First we went to Addo National Elephant Park…which is a third of the size of the Netherlands! When we first spotted an elephant it was such a crazy feeling, we had to stay quiet in the car and not make any sudden movements, because believe it or not, they can be quiet aggressive! And we are, of course, in their territory. We came close to some zebras, different types of antelope, one buffalo, warthogs, and then a few other creatures I don’t remember the name of! They had a wonderful gift shop too!

After that, went stopped for a lovely picnic lunch! Our tour guide prepared us a delicious African meal! Spiced up chicken, salad, baked beans, watermelon, and pasta salad- all African style!

Next was my absolute favorite park! Adjacent to Addo, was Schotia Game Reserve!!! This was such an adventure and made this day my favorite day since I’ve been here!  Our rangers drove us on a ‘gator-type-truck’ for a guided game drive. We didn’t have to ride around long until we spotted some action. First it was just variations of antelope, zebras….then, we shall LIONS!!! Seeing them outside a TV screen was so much more than I thought it would be. Apparently a group of them had killed a zebra the night before and we got to see them chowing down on some left overs! This was nasty/ reality. I asked one of the rangers, and no, they can’t/won’t help an injured animal because they literally do not interfere with the wildlife at the reserve. Then we got a coffee and tea break! Interestingly enough right when we were done we spotted rhinos right outside by a water hole!!!!...Just in the front yard of the official game keeper’s house! Who stays there in case a poacher comes on the reserve and he literally is supposed to shot to kill! On the very front of the car was a seat, we took turns one at time taking in the wildlife on edge!  When I was up there we stumbled upon wild horses!!! Then we rode around some more trying to spot nocturnal animals. ….By now its dinner time! And this place was gorgeous! It looked like we were at an adventurous outdoorsy resort! All candles, rather tiki-lit! Dinner, dessert, tea, and coffee was yummmmyyyyy! Right when we finished dinner a very loud and territorial roar started ringing through our ears. Mufassa was literally 20 yards away from us calling for his pride. The guide said he was over 600 pounds!!!...