Our charter flight on Federal Air was a little confusing to find at JNB but once we were on the right path, it was a very nice way to travel. With approximately 1.5 staff people for each passenger this outfit knows how to get a luxury safari off on the right foot. We shared our little Raytheon turboprop with six other safari-goers on their way to various lodges in Sabi Sands. Our airstrip was the first stop and we soon found ourselves in a safari vehicle bouncing across dusty paths on our way to the Exeter River Lodge.
On that drive we came across Matt’s first big five sighting, a pair of white rhinoceros. Yeah, we weren't even to the lodge yet and were 1/5 of the way done! Much to safari-veteran Lisa’s surprise the driver jerked the wheel to the left and bounced over small trees and vegetation to get a better look at the animals. In Sabi Sands, a private reserve, the vehicle paths are apparently merely suggestions. The vehicles go to the game wherever they may be.
At the lodge we were greeted warmly, introduced to our ranger Craig, tracker Chris and butler Christopher and told to go relax until lunch at 2:30. We happily obliged. Lounging on our lodge’s deck overlooking the Sand river we were thrilled when an elephant appeared for a drink.
We were elated when a couple more showed up for same.
We were awestruck a little while later when a 10 or 11 elephants showed up.
We stared in wonder and amazement when an entire large herd of over 50 elephants including many baby elephants showed up and proceeded to eat and frolic and eat and drink and eat and have minor dominance skirmishes and eat and throw mud and eat. This show lasted through lunch and into the afternoon tea. It was simply incredible to behold. And more incredible still, Matt was up to two of the big five without even going on a game ride. It would have been an embarrassment of riches if we were the type to get embarrassed about riches. ;)
On that drive we came across Matt’s first big five sighting, a pair of white rhinoceros. Yeah, we weren't even to the lodge yet and were 1/5 of the way done! Much to safari-veteran Lisa’s surprise the driver jerked the wheel to the left and bounced over small trees and vegetation to get a better look at the animals. In Sabi Sands, a private reserve, the vehicle paths are apparently merely suggestions. The vehicles go to the game wherever they may be.
At the lodge we were greeted warmly, introduced to our ranger Craig, tracker Chris and butler Christopher and told to go relax until lunch at 2:30. We happily obliged. Lounging on our lodge’s deck overlooking the Sand river we were thrilled when an elephant appeared for a drink.
We were elated when a couple more showed up for same.
We were awestruck a little while later when a 10 or 11 elephants showed up.
We stared in wonder and amazement when an entire large herd of over 50 elephants including many baby elephants showed up and proceeded to eat and frolic and eat and drink and eat and have minor dominance skirmishes and eat and throw mud and eat. This show lasted through lunch and into the afternoon tea. It was simply incredible to behold. And more incredible still, Matt was up to two of the big five without even going on a game ride. It would have been an embarrassment of riches if we were the type to get embarrassed about riches. ;)
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