Part 2
SAVANNAH GAME DRIVE
Safari Animals Continued
Waterberg Biosphere, North Limpopo Province
Morning game drives at Mabula start at o-dark-thirty, in the early predawn hours, BUT before the yawning eager guests gather for their hot coffee, tea & biscuits, their Game Rangers have been up & at it for some time. These Rangers were a bit taken back, but kind enough to engage me in conversation a good 45 minutes before they were obliged to roll out on the morning drive.
I learned these skilled wild life professionals maintain a arduous schedule, 21 days on & 7 off with days that begin before 5 a.m. & end after 8:30 p.m. I asked if they got an afternoon nap in. They gave one another one of those sly knowing coworker glances (we’ve all done that, right?), gave me a few smiles & some head shakes. Guess that’s ranger code for, man this lady from Nebraska asks too many questions!
Most got their career starts by programs of study at university with on the job interning, but our Frans had a more unorthodox path. Frans does have a Game Ranger uncle who instilled a love of animals as well as exposed him to the opportunities available in ecotourism, but Frans was once …. drum roll please…. a cheese purveyor. On an organic farm he made cheese & hosted tours with folks perfecting his language skills. More recently he spent several years counting lions in Tanzania then returned to Limpopo for work at Mabula to be closer to his family. A self made man, Frans speaks 3 languages in a country with 11 official languages.
His gentle narration & patience to teach us about the wild life as well as his courtesy to serve us, was endearing & key to our exceptional experience on safari. Attached are 2 videos, the first driving through some challenging terrain & the second he’s telling Dave a story.
Frans often slowed or stopped the Cruiser to inspect the sand for signs of recent animal activity. Here are several tracks … lions. The big hunt was for the elusive leopard, so any cat track was an important clue. We gave it our best, but never was able to capture a sighting of a leopard to make our “Big Five” complete. We did successfully see 4 of the 5… the lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, and white rhinoceros.
The rest of the story really is told in photos of the South African animals themselves. The story really tells itself… that being said, I did learn that my skills as a photographer have serious room for improvement (signed up for a class just yesterday). So before I get the spectacular photos rolling, I’d like to introduce you to my most consistent safari shot (actually most consistent animal shot… yup... added a camel photo from India just for giggles. Disclaimer & clarification: No, we didn’t see any camels in South Africa). I kept nothing back… only my best butt pictures. I’m really truly considering a new decor for one of my bathrooms… What do you think??!
Ok, so seriously (and thanks for playing along)…. I DID learn from some new friends that perhaps a better camera was in order to capture the perfect close up. As a result, with permission of one of these new friends who shared this journey with Dave & I, some of the photos will not be mine, but an exceptionally talented photographer who could easily be employed by the National Geographic. But, since he is a brilliantly world educated chemical engineer (post doctorate – wowzers!), I guess National Geographic will have to take a number because Eddie is previously engaged & in high demand!
So, as I was saying… The rest of the story really is told in photos of the South African animals … their spectacularness speaks for itself…. (and yes, I made up that word cuz these amazing special creatures demanded a vocabulary all their own!)
Each afternoon game drive included some brilliant sunsets & our consummate host, Frans, found unique gorgeous stopping point to take in an amazing view while serving our group refreshments.
Our “Sunsetter” moments had drinks, nuts & South Africa’s go to snack… biltong. Biltong is a spiced dried meat, almost a jerky in various forms; every chef has their own special recipe & bags of it are sold just about anywhere you’d pick up a soda or snack. What is served at Mabula was one of my favorites, a tender mild & moist fine shredded beef. Delicious! BTW, our favorite game biltong was made with zebra (I know, right?? surprising)… so sweet & tender!
The game drives also produced magnificent sunrises, picturesque sunsets & landscapes I will never forget.
The afternoon game drive always concluded after dark… and one rather late as we were diligently trying to track the ever elusive leopard. We gave it our best, but never was able to capture a sighting which would have made our “Big Five” complete. Coming back to the lodge after dark was charming, especially that first night when we had a rousing reception committee!
That evening there was also a special dinner under the stars around a blazing fire-pit & we were entertained by a thrilling native Zulu dance troupe. The drums, their movement… every bit the iconic tribal cultural experience. Such a fabulous experience in the open African air by the soft flickering light of the fire. Absolutely riveting.
Next South African Post…
TRIPPIN WITH NATALIE 
Awesome again!
Surprising to see another jeep at the road junction out in the jungle.
DEFINITELY a redo of the bathroom with your photos would be hilarious!
Btw, I’ve thought all along that your photos / camera have been plenty good.
Interesting to see how involved an entire community is with the dances and welcome parties.
Thanks again for sharing! Lee
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