The Safari

Welcome to Lion Sands
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(Nick's Story).  It was a fantastic 4 days with the family in Sabi Sabi.  Bill had done the research and chosen the Bush Lodge at Sabi Sabi and it is fair to see that it was slightly better standard than the backpackers and hostels that we have in our future!  I loved hanging out with Rebecca and Rachel and think that they are two wonderful people.

Anyway, the safari was my second after Botswana in 2001 and I enjoyed it just as much the second time.  Highlights were the lightning storm one night out on the drive, the lion marking its territory and letting everyone know it was there, and the first dinner at Lions Sand.  I have never, ever seen so many insects....millions of them, on the food, in the food, on me, around me....millions I tell you!

.....and then the lion roared!!

First evening safari
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I loved all the drives, even the ones at 6am and quickly got used to life in the bush.  The animals were fantastic and each day we saw something new. Obviously the lions and leapords were highlights aswell as the other big five but the walks were great too, as were the animals like owls, eagles, mongoose, impala and baboons.

Without doubt the best part of the safari was doing it with all my family....it was a really special few weeks and huge thanks to B&J for making it all happen.

Judith and I wine tasting on safari
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(Ronnie's Story)Day One:   We were picked up from Mala Mala Airport and drove in an open jeep to our first "camp" site, The Lion Sands Lodge. On the drive from the airport we saw numerous animals: impalas, giraffes, kudu, and my favorite- a family of wart hogs. We received a warm welcome, a fantastic lunch and then if was off for an evening safari from 600pm to 900pm. That was fantastic! The most memorable time at Lion Sands was the dinner served outside next to a huge bomb fire- to say there were a million and one different types of bugs would have been an understatement!

The cute family seen from our jeep
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Days Two, Three and Four: After our morning drive (wake-up at 530 and leaving at 600am) we moved to the ultra fabulous Sabi Sabi Lodge.  Did I mention there was an outdoor shower? Our ranger was Jason-  a very knowledgable guide and passionate about all aspects of life in the bush. The opportunities to see wildlife was amazing!   We saw all the "Big Five"- lions, buffalo, leopard, elephant and rhinoceros. Their name cames from being the most dangerous animals to hunt. I was the most excited to see and hear the lions. What a magnificent animal! You could feel the vibrations as the lion semi-roared. They came so close to the jeep that you could reach and touch them. As one lioness approached me, Nick said I held my breathe and did not blink for two minutes!The only animal we did not see was the hippopotamus; but I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities to meet up over the next year. We went on a few nature walks with Jason who taught us about the plants, trees and insects and pointed out the fresh tracks of lions, leopards and antelope.

Lunch time at Lion Sands
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A special mention has to go out to the food at Sabi Sabi. It was like we were on a cruise without the ocean liner or ocean. The meals,(breakfast, lunch and dinner) were phenomenal. Life on a safari is very tiring... lots of eating, siting in a jeep and watching life in the bush.