Week two update:

Been another great and very busy week here! I am trying my best to update the blog with pictures but they take ages to upload - hopefully you've had a giggle at some of the ones that have made it!

This week we have had a lot more animal sightings involving lions, buffalo and an incredible cheetah encounter. We have cheetahs on the reserve that are collared so we can monitor them - they are very tame though so when we find them we can actually get out the vehicle and 'walk' with them as such - got within a few metres of one - just incredible! On Wednesday we also visited Kruger National Park, the organisers knew someone who was carrying out a project on the telegraph poles there so we got to go on the 'no-access' roads and get involved with this whilst doing a mini safari ourselves! Got quite close to three lions who looked like they were going to hunt some buffalo… they gave up quite quickly though. Only animal of the big five yet to find is the leopard, which are notorious for being difficult to spot - all in all doing pretty well on the sightings I have seen J

This week we also did a night-time drive which was exciting. This gives us a chance to monitor the nocturnal animals such as honey badges, civits, genets, bushbabies etc - it's a bit hit and miss but we managed to get some good sightings. Next week we are doing a 'sleep-out' in the open, am looking forward to it although dreading just how cold it's going to be! The good news is the days are finally getting warmer - hit 25 degrees today which was amazing - but with that also comes clear nights so the chill factor is high. Lots of layers and blankets will be required - apparently the last sleep out they woke up with frost on their pillows :-S But they also woke up to find three lions watching them so it could be an eventful night anyway!

Friday night we went out for dinner which was good - had a South African steak and chips which have been raved about since I've been here… and in fairness it was amazing and for only 8 quid a bargain! You soon realise though that quick food service doesn't exist in SA, lunch on Monday took an hour before arriving (for a sandwich) and an hour and a half on Friday! Mental note not to arrive at the restaurant starving hungry - especially when in a group of 10! It was nice to get out though - you don't realise how 'cut-off' you are here until I receive all your emails and updates, news of Victoria Beckham's baby would take months to reach Pidwa (unless you get Catherine Gammon's latest news texts which I am much enjoying J )

Today (Sunday) has been my day off so managed to get some much needed sun-bathing and sleep in which was great. Looking forwards to another busy week ahead - can't believe I've been here two weeks already, time is flying by. Love to you all and look out for update 3 next week J xx