At it like lions!

So today we left, to our delight, a very miserable Cape Town. You couldn't see the mountains the mist was that thick but luckily we were on our way to sunny Hoedspruit anyway. After a short flight in a very small plane, to a very very small airport, we were soon on our way in an open top jeep to Shumbalala lodge.

Within five minutes we had ticked off one of the 'Big five':

Buffalo - check

Then one of the 'Ugly five':

Warthog - check

Soon followed by a herd? pack? tower of giraffes having a good old scratch against a tree. Then a herd of very shy wildebeest.

We arrived at the lodge, got shown our luxury hut, how to lock all doors and windows to prevent baboon trespassers and how to use the emergency siren (in case a lion happens to fall asleep on your door step). We went on our deck and saw a group of nyalas.

"This place is going to be amazing"

Around 3pm, full on afternoon tea we boarded the jeep along with just a nice American lady, the ranger and his tracker.

Within about fifteen minutes the tracker noticed something in the distance. Two lions lying in the sand. We approached slowly and turned off the engine right in front of them. They soon got up and ran straight towards the jeep (pictured, I don't have a zoom lens, it was that close!). I have never seen the boy so scared. But they weren't bothered by us, they were mating. After a few seconds they were done. The female lay on her back to aid conception while the male turned away and fell asleep. The ranger explained that lions mate for four days solid and every fifteen minutes. That's why they look so thin, no time to hunt! And so in fifteen minutes the male lifted his head the female again made a run for it and we sat and watched, and took photos!

Lion - check

Driving further we spotting mongoose and termite hills. As the sun set we jumped off the jeep, deep in bush, had nibbles, g&t and for me the scariest wee I have ever had. Baring my bum to the SA bush.

Later back at the ranch we visited the wine cellar, picked our wine, and ate ostrich carpaccio followed by impala stew and malva pudding whist we listened to the amazing stories from the American lady who had spent her last six weeks working in a township school.

We were walked back to our lodge by a member of staff by torchlight!

A truly amazing day. Can't wait till tomorrow.