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So now that I am back from probably one of the best weeks of my life, I thought I'd share with you all what we got up to while we were away.
We, me Nadine Ed and Dirk (the vols at the project by us), left Botlokwa on Monday 23rd at 12:00pm to travel to the airport by combi taxi which in itself is an experience. if you've ever been in a combi you'll understand what i mean. Fitting our luggage in the taxi along with 10 other passengers proved difficult but its nothing the locals are not used to. The first obstacle to overcome happened when we picked up our hire car and got approx 8km down the road. The car bonnet had smoke coming out of it and we thought that was it, we're not making it to Kruger!
Despite this Herz eventually drove another car to us and off we went to pick up the remaining 4 (Lewis, Fraser, Beth and Katie). We we're stupidly excited to see our brothers from another mother Lewis and Fraser after living a life of isolation in Botlokwa (nothing ever happens here).
The journey was great although rather stressful working out directions to Komatipoort where we were staying. There were times that we were laughing so much we were nearly crying whether it was Nadine's 'American tourist ankle basher wide body' photo or Dirk's Dutch accent the laughs were certainly brought to the table.
A journey that Ed swore took only 3 hours actually took us 7 after being pulled over by the police numerous times (this is protocol dont worry) and nearly driving into Mozambique. But we eventually arrived at 12am several hours later than planned.
Driving around the park was absolutely amazing. We saw most of the animals on the first evening we went in but let's be honest who could get enough of seeing herds of elephants cross the grasslands with the blazing red sunset as the backdrop? We saw an elephant take a bath and all of the big 5, even a pack of wild dogs which are apparently very rare (lucky us).
On the final day we went to kwa madwala a nearby private game reserve. Where we played games with, fed and rode an elephant. Need I say this was the best experience of my life! For sore hips and a wet face after the elephant sprayed us with water it was definitely worth it. Although you'd have to ask Lewis who's foot got squashed between the elephant and the platform- we genuinely thought we were going to have to take a trip to the hospital by the look on his face.
As Saturday came we were extremely sad to leave. Most of us because of the pool, the weather and the amazing wildlife however me and Nadine were gutted because we'd be leaving behind something we had grown very close to over the holiday; the shower- a luxury we do not have at our project. In fact we don't even have a bath. We're pretty sure we smell but aren't quite sure.
So on that note, I'm off to have a wash. Bye for now.
- comments
G.T.Nash It must have been a wonderful experience for yourself and your friends. Wild animals should be in a natural environment. and not locked in a cage. I am sure it was thrill to feed the elephant. We hope your friends foot is okay. Make sure you wash your feet, they are the basis of your journey. Love and best wishes to you and your friends. Sheila+George
Mum What a great experience riding on the back of an elephant and seeing all those animals in their natural habitat. Bring on the next "road trip" over the Christmas holidays with the Kruger Crew and the rest of PT!
John Everson Great to see that you are seeing some of Africa. Linda and I went to Kruger when we visited S Africa - a truly wonderful experience. Stay safe and clean. Best wishes Linda and John from No. 19