We arrived in the evening, dumped bags in our little luxury chalets, admired the ‘lit for only us’ waterhole and headed out immediately on a game drive... the wild was a calling, and we roared in response.

Bearing our spotlights, with our expert driver and host Gareth in charge, we explored the night life. One evening found us peering at a couple of lions that were devouring the remains of a poor buffalo a mere thirty metres from us. The stench filled our noses and the sound of ripping flesh, our ears.

 

They have a radio system whereby good spotting is called in and the first three vehicles to respond are allowed access to the sight - quite a change from dear old Kruger where it’s a bit more of a free for all.

We definitely had landed with our bums in the butter, the full cream and choc-a-block full of salt kind.

 

At the crack of sparrows, we rose from our deep slumber – sleep like this has been a long time stranger to me – with everyone commenting on the depths thereof. Click here to check out the cool gallery.

 

Apparently it’s a regular phenomenon out here where there is little distraction. It was not too hard to crawl out of bed when you know that coffee and rusks are already laid out and the animals are a stirring... a combination created for fabulousness and happy hearts.

 Our next sightings included waterbok, fish eagles, impala, hippos, hyenas, Kudu, duiker… blah blah – for any South African, you know the list.

 

But our most exciting moment came when a leopard was spotted at our waterhole in the late afternoon – madness ensued as all were shaken from our daily siestas and piled into the truck, shoes and beanies, or not, we were out leopard hunting (and in the good sense of the word).

 

He had moved on from the waterhole but our trusty Gareth knew where to go and we circled the area, bumping our way over rocks and thorn bushes – nothing was going to stand in our way!

And then, there he lay, dangling himself in a tree. I have never seen a tree made to look more comfortable. And there he continued to rest, occasionally peering at us as we moved to within about 30m of the tree.

 

He was just like Hobbes and I wanted to snuggle with the guy, but apparently this is sadly not encouraged. Heartbroken I was but was soon distracted as our leopard was on the move. After a while of posing for some photos, the guy stirred and padded his way towards us tickling himself on bushes as he passed - about 10m from us! I had forgotten just how thrilling this was.

 

Was Gareth sure we were safe in this open top vehicle, that we really appeared as a large animal and not dinner to our dear Hobbes?

It has been about four years since I was last in the bush. My heart rate thumped as reality set in. We were no longer in Kansas, or like Gold Reef City. We were in the bush!

 

Oh yeah, we also saw fighting rhinos. It just goes on and on. The guy who invited us told us they once spotted the big 5 in 1 hour. I mean, c’mon, that’s just silly.

 

Anyway, as you can see, I think game reserves rock. I hadn’t been in that area since I was a lightie. We do the obligatory trip as a kid, but I can tell you, it’s worth another visit.

And how! This is one of the things that makes living in South Africa so worth it. We have access to all this stuff, and within a weekend. Whether you’re in Cape Town (a kulula flight away), Durbs (a dusty drive away) or just in Joburg, it’s time to make those buddies overseas jealous again.

 

Believe me, I’ll be sending out these pics to the guys showing them just what it is they are missing out on.

 

 

Want to see 'Hobbes' for yourself, check out these bush package deals