Life On The Game Farm

What a weekend! The last two days have been like I have never experienced. Saturday morning we woke up at 4:45 AM (that was pretty awful I have to admit) and made our way to the Mabula Lodge and Game Resort. Here I got to meet Simone’s Aunt, Uncle and cousins who were visiting from Canada. It was definitely and international event! After settling in at thatch-roofed guest house, we took in the sights of the beautiful African wilderness [pictured above] as we grilled up (or braaied as South Africans refer to it) some boerewors (a very popular South African sausage made of chicken and pork) and some delicious lamb chops. In true South African style, all of the food was braaied over and open charcoal and wood fire. If this wasn’t a great enough experience, dining with us were some guest whom before this weekend I had only known from the Lion King. The entire time, there were countless horn-bill birds, warthogs and even a few monkeys [pictured below] that wandered around the area.

After lunch, we went to a hike around the park to take in the sun and the sights. Several of the walking trailed were closed off because the bull elephants were in heat and we were happy to follow such warnings which would prevent what would be a most unpleasant elephant stomping. As the day wore on, we packed up and moved to the Mabalingwe Game Resort about 20 km were our group would be saying for the night. At Mabalingwe, we were met by even more beautiful sights, accommodations, and wildlife, including impala and nyala. Here, the warthogs and monkeys were even more friendly…or bold if you would like to see it that way. One pesky monkey snuck through cracked open door and we had to chase it out of the house. Sadly before leaving, it pooped on Simone’s bed!

Sunday afternoon we made our way back to Johannesburg to start up the week and though we all had a great experience, I know it will be good to get back into the “normal routine.” Not to mention that I will probably sleep better if I am not woken in the middle of the night by the sound of a lions roaring (that was terrifying!).

Gelukige Maandag (Happy Monday!)