2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #17 - Livingstone

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

Livingstone

FLIGHT OF ANGELS | 25-30 MINUTE SCENIC HELICOPTER
Departure time 7:15AM
Please meet in the reception area of your accommodation
Recommended attire casual clothing

Activity inclusions - transfers to/from helicopter pad, headsets during flight, Zambian Aviation Fee Special notes - helicopter flights are subject to weather conditions, accommodates four to six passengers, and includes a middle seat, so window seating is not guaranteed. Seating arrangements are based on weight distribution and are determined by the crew. There are no age or weight restrictions.

See the world from a bird's-eye view as you fly over the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, and the surrounding gorges from the Livingstone side. Glide through the misty spray of the Falls, which can reach heights of up to 985 feet (300 meters). With a bit of luck, you'll navigate through rainbows and soft, billowing clouds. This excursion offers a deeper understanding of the zigzag gorge system and its formation, and complements a ground tour of the Falls and its lush rainforest. Return to Earth with your heart racing and your mind filled with unforgettable images from soaring through the sky.

TOUR OF THE FALLS
Departure time following your helicopter tour
Please meet in the reception area of your accommodation
Recommended attire casual clothing, comfortable shoes/sandals as this is a walking tour
Activity inclusions-guide, entrance fees
Special notes - You may get wet depending on season. From September-January, water levels on the Zambian side of the falls are diminished and may be dry.

Today, stand and marvel at one of the natural wonders of the world, The Victoria Falls. Locally known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" - The Smoke that Thunders - the waters of the Zambezi River plunge over the mile-wide (1700 meters) and 325 feet-deep (100 meters) chasm, creating a shower of spray and a deafening noise. Feel the mists fall on your skin and the 'thunder' vibrate through your core. From February to May each year, the Victoria Falls are in full flood with 132 million gallons (500 million liters) of water tumbling over the edge into a series of gorges each minute! After a briefing and explanation of the Falls, your guide accompanies you along the scenic pathways of the rainforest, stopping at numerous viewpoints to gaze at the Falls.

RIVER CRUISE & SANDBAR SUNDOWNERS
Departure time 4:30PM: Set off on your afternoon river cruise down the Zambezi river. There are great photographic opportunities of the Zambian landscape and wildlife during the day's golden hour as flocks of birds skim the waterline to collect insects, hippos wallow about in the cool water and elephants come to drink along the riverbanks. Stop off on your own private sand bar where you'll be treated to chilled drinks as the sun sets over the horizon. Afterwards make your way back to the lodge for dinner.

Up at 5:50 am, we had breakfast at 6:30 am. I had a very odd breakfast; Sweetcorn Pancake Stack [Stacked pancake served with ricotta, crispy bacon, grilled herbed tomato drizzled with basil pesto and balsamic reduction]. We were in the van leaving the lodge at 7:30 am.

The plan for the morning was a helicopter ride. The pilot was a former British military helicopter pilot named Grant. We started the tour by dropping down into the Zambezi River Gorge. It was definitely Mr. Toad's wild ride. Frpm there, we flew over Victoria Falls. We finished the helicopter tour flying over Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park spotting game.


Although the itinerary shows a hike after the helicopter ride, we did the hike on the previous day. The next stop was the Livingstone Museum. Tom had suggested it as a morning stop. I enjoyed the galleries of stuffed animals and life of David Livingstone. [Note to self], I need to read a biography of Livingstone.


Afte the musuem, we did a driving tour of the Maramba Market ij Livingstone. We are not in Kansas any more. This is the third world.

We spent the afternoon on Livingstone Island. While we were on Livingstone Island, Kevin went out and had his picture taken in the Devil’s Pool. Afterwards, we had a pretty nice lunch. During lunch, we were able to see people on the Zimbabwe side of the falls taking the same hike that we did yesterday.



We got back to the lodge a lot later than I thought we would. It was after 3:30 pm.

I rushed to finished the blog entry for Tuesday.

We had a very nice dinner at 7:30 pm. I had the spicy soup and a beef filet. Sharon also had the beef. They are moving us around to different spot for each meal. We were on a elevated platfrom this evening.

It was about 10:15 pm when Sharon and I crashed...

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #16 - Victoria Falls

A long travel day...

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

Livingstone

Livingstone is home to Victoria Falls which constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. The Local people call it "Mosi-oa-Tunya" -- the smoke that thunders. Victoria Falls is 1,708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. It drops between 90 meters and 107 meters into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of 550,000 cubic meters of water plummet over the edge every minute. The falls themselves are probably best viewed from the Zimbabwe side, although the dramatic footbridge access on the Zambian side is perhaps more exciting, especially during high water. White-water rafting is also arguably better on the Zambian side, starting closer to the base of the falls.

SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE-VICTORIA FALLS, AIR TRANSFER
Departure time will be advised locally by camp management the night before: Enjoy game viewing enroute as you transfer for your flight to Mpumalanga where you will clear customs and immigration before boarding your next flight to Victoria Falls.

Luggage departure time 6:00AM: Please have your luggage ready for it's separate road transfer to Mpumalanga.

ABI SANDS GAME RESERVE-MPUMALANGA
Federal Airlines 301 Departs 09:00 - Arrives 10:35

MPUMALANGA-VICTORIA FALLS
SA Airlink 4Z476 - Departs 11:35 - Arrives 13:25

TRANSFER
Today as you arrive in Victoria Falls we have arranged for a special meet & greet to assist you through customs, immigration and to collect your bags. Please note that direct assistance when disembarking the plane can be cancelled at this airport without warning, so if you do not see a representative as soon as you disembark, please make your way to the baggage claim and arrivals hall. Please look out for an airport representative with your name on a signboard. You will be assisted to meet with your driver for your private road transfer to lunch and touring before crossing the border to your accommodation.

VICTORIA FALLS LUNCH AT THE LOOKOUT CAFE
The Lookout Café is an iconic restaurant in Victoria Falls where casual dining is a decadent affair. Menus range from cocktails and canapés to diverse meal options for seated dinners. Delicious food, staggering views and exceptional service make the Lookout Café a must-try place to eat out in Victoria Falls. From the vantage point of The Lookout Café, guests can watch the bright rafts surge through the rapids below and witness adrenaline lovers soaring through the air on one of the exciting high wire activities.

TOUR OF THE FALLS
Recommended attire casual clothing, comfortable shoes/sandals as this is a walking tour Activity inclusions-guide, entrance fees, transfers to/from park gate

Special notes you may get wet depending on the season, raincoats are provided for when necessary. Tour duration is approximately 2 hours

Today, stand and marvel at one of the natural wonders of the world. The Victoria Falls. Locally known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" - The Smoke that Thunders - the waters of the Zambezi River plunge over the mile-wide (1700 meters) and 325 feet-deep (100 meters) chasm, creating a shower of spray and a deafening noise. Feel the mists fall on your skin and the 'thunder' vibrate through your core. From February to May each year, the Victoria Falls are in full flood with 132 million gallons (500 million liters) of water tumbling over the edge into a series of gorges each minute! After a briefing and explanation of the Falls, your guide accompanies you along the scenic pathways of the rainforest, including the Devil's Cataract, the Main Falls viewpoint and the Horseshoe Falls viewpoint. In addition to the falls, expect to see some local flora and fauna.

TONGABEZI LODGE
Set along the northern banks of the Zambezi River, just 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) upstream from the iconic Victoria Falls, Tongabezi Lodge invites you to a serene escape where luxury and nature harmoniously converge. Surrounded by Zambia's untouched beauty, this intimate retreat offers a perfect base for exploring one of Africa's most celebrated wonders.

Your accommodation is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness. Choose from five elegant River Cottages or six uniquely crafted Houses, each featuring open-plan layouts, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas that showcase breathtaking views of the river.

At the heart of the lodge, open-sided dining and lounge areas provide panoramic river vistas, while a rock-framed swimming pool and wellness facilities offer spaces for relaxation. Combining unmatched tranquility, exquisite design, and its proximity to Victoria Falls, Tongabezi Lodge promises an unforgettable riverside experience.

Activities:
Morning and afternoon boat cruise, canoeing, guided walks, fishing, Victoria Falls tour (Zambian side), game drive in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, walk in the gorge, local village and museum visit, mountain biking and shopping excursion. Note: activities are shared unless otherwise stated. Park fees excluded. Water activities are dependent on seasonal water levels.

We made a decision not to try and squeeze in another game drive in the morning before we left. Sharon and I slept hard until almost 6 am.

We finished packing up the room. They picked up the bags at our room at 7 am. The bags are going to transfered by truck to the Mpumalanga Airport.

We wandered down to breakfast at 7:30 am. Living up to its name, there was a leopard sitting in the entrance to the lodge. It was a 12 year male whose home territory includes the lodge. I had another omelet for breakfast.

Jonahn took us to the Sabi Sands airport about 8:40 am. We caught a Federal Airlines Charter flight. The flight made a stop somewhere in Kruger National Park to pick up two more couples. We got to the Mpumalanga Airport about 10:15 am. Our luggage was aleady there.

We caught an 11:35 am SA Airlink flight to the Victoria Falls airport. It landed about 1:15 pm. There wasn't an airport greeter before we got to immigration.

Once we got through passport control, the fun began. Over the course of the next five hours, we were passed between a number of people with each of them expecting a tip. Three (four?) different people handled our luggage at the airport by the time that it got to the car.

The driver took us to the Lookout Cafe for a late lunch. There was some confusion. A main and a dessert were should be included, but the staff said it wasn't. I ended up paying with a credit card. I sent a note to Rothschild Safari. I had a lamb wrap, while Sharon had a vegetable burger.

After lunch, a different driver and a guide picked us up. We did a guided two mile walking tour on the Zimbabwe side with great views of Victoria Falls. The trail had 16 different places to stop and look at the falls from different perspectives. The falls are at a lower water volume point this time of year, but it gives you a chance to see more of the rock. The guide did a nice job of leading the group.


After the walking tour, the driver and the guide took us to the nearby Zimbabwe border. We sent through passport control leaving the country. We then moved our bags from one van to another van with a new driver across the border in Zambia.

We drove a short distance. We got out and went through passport control to go into Zambia.

It was about 25 minutes to the Tongabezi Lodge.


We are spending three nights at the Tongabezi Lodge along the Zambezi River.

We had a late dinner. I had pasta, while Sharon had chicken. Sharon complimented the chief about the chicken when he stopped by the table.

We crashed just before 10 pm.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #15 - Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

Elephants, African Wild Dogs and Lions!

Up at 5:05 am, we met the group at 6 am. We were out on the game drive by 6:15 am.

It was a slow start to the morning. After some rain overnight, it seemed like the animals were bedded down. Eventually, we started to follow a couple of groups of elephnats. Johan's background is a zoologist and his master's theis was on elephant vision. He was very fond of the elephnats.

We watched the elephants pulling up trees to eat the roots. They were also stripping the bark off the trees to get to the cambium layer of the tree.

At some point, the guide got a call on the radio. We left the elephants. We ended getting a chance to see African Wild Dogs for a second time. The included 11 adults and 8 puppies.

African wild dogs (also known as painted dogs or painted wolves) are listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. For comparison, Cheetahs are classified as "Vulnerable." "Endangered" is a more severe conservation status. The global population of African wild dogs is significantly smaller than that of cheetahs.


As we were wrapping up a late breakfast, a young male hippo wandered towards the watering hole below the lodge. It is the first time that we have seen a hippo out of water! For breakfast, I had eggs on avocado ciabatta toast.

For the second day in a row, we skipped lunch. After updating my blog, I wandered down to the fitness center. I did a 10 minute Peloton core workout and then walked for 2 miles on the treadmill.

Sharon and I had a very cool experience in the afternoon. A large herd of elephants gathered at the watering hole behind our room. At one point, a young female came over and tried to drink out of the pool on our deck; her trunk wasn't long enough. A little while later, a larger elephant started towards the pool. Sharon got up to get into a better position to take a video. The elephant saw her, stopped and wagged its head back and forth. Our guide told us that this is an acknowledgment that they see you and that everything is cool.

Being able to watch the animals the watering hole made Sharon much happier about the room.

The evening game drive focused on a small pride of lions (1 males and 3 females). They were laying in the grass along the Sand River. There was some excitement when the guide attempted to park near the lions and the vehicle starting to tilting to one side.

The evening break was a beautiful spot overlooking the Sand River. It was one of the nicest sunsets that we have seen.


We had dinner in the BOMA again. I had a oxtail curry as my main course.

Tomorrow is a travel day. Packing up the room after dinner, it was almost 10 pm by the time that we crashed.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #14 - Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

TYPICAL DAY IN THE SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a private reserve sharing a border with the famous Kruger National Park with no fences separating the two renowned safari destinations, which makes it a fabulous game experience year-round. The area is known for its predators, attracted by the abundance of plains game.

A typical day will have you waking up early to head out with your guide in search of tracks and spoor leading to those coveted wildlife sightings either by vehicle or on foot, and often a combination of both. Back at the lodge the staff will pamper you with great service and big smiles whilst you relax in between activities. In the evening dine on delicious food and sit around the campfire listening to the nightly sounds of the bush.

GAME DRIVES
Professional and knowledgeable rangers conduct early morning and late afternoon/evening game drives daily in search of Africa's big game. The latest state-of-the-art, open game drive vehicles have individual bucket seats and centre consoles, ensuring optimum safety and comfort. Leopard Hills prides itself on some of the industry's finest rangers, and they offer a safari experience like no other, from sightings of big game in their natural surroundings to smaller fauna and flora.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
Those with a passion for wildlife photography will receive various tips from their experienced ranger on taking the perfect picture while on their game drive or walking safari. The rangers of Leopard Hills are passionate about photography, many of them having entered renowned local and international competitions with great results.

WALKING SAFARIS
Exploring the African wilderness on foot offers a real sense of immersion, allowing you to absorb every detail of the environment. Led by an experienced, fully qualified Trails Guide, each walking safari is tailored to match your interests and abilities. Trails can be adjusted based on your preferences, whether it's a shorter walk of 1-2 hours after a morning game drive or a longer trail that replaces the drive entirely. As you navigate the landscape, your senses heighten, revealing nature's hidden wonders, like a striking leopard tortoise, a fascinating rhino beetle, or the vibrant plumage of a lilac-breasted roller. These walking safaris provide an unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature up close.

Up at 5:05 am, we meet everyone in the lodge at 6 am. We were out on the game drive by 6:15 am.

The excitement for the morning was a female Cheetah and her three cubs. While cheetahs are only slightly less rare than the Wild African Dogs, the guide said that they only see Cheetahs about every two months.


The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists cheetahs as Vulnerable. While their population is also in decline and they inhabit only a fraction of their historical range, there are more of them than wild dogs. Population estimates vary, but recent figures suggest a global population of around 6,500 to 7,000.

As the cheetahs moved off from their kill, the white backed vultures moved in.

When we finally got back to the lodge, we had a late breakfast on teh lodge deck overlooking a watering hole. I had an omelet.

After breakfast, I worked on organizing my pictures and updating my blog. I am enjoying the wifi! It is better here than at the Makanyi Lodge.

Sharon and I took a short nap. Afterwards, I went to the fitness center. I did a 30 minute Peloton upper body strength workout and walked for 10 minutes on the treadmill.

We skipped lunch.

After getting cleaned up, Sharon and I spent the rest of the afternoon watching a variety of animals visit the watering hole behind our room. At first, Sharon wasn't happy with our room. As it turns out, it might be the best room at the lodge! Lots of different animals walked behind our deck over the course of the four days that we were here.

We met everyone back in the lodge at 3:15 pm for high tea and the evening game drive. One of the trackers from the lodge tracked a pair of mating leopards down in a dry sandy wash. All three trucks from the lodge spent an extended time with the leopards. While the female made a couple overtures towards mating, the guide said that they had only been together for a day and the male wasn't getting all of the right signals yet.


We took our evening break late. Watching lightning on the horizon, we made a dash for the lodge as the wind picked up. It looked like it was going to start raining hard, but it never did.

One note about the lodge. After dark, we can't walk outside your room without a security guard. There have been several leopard sightings between the rooms in recent months. Once we got back to the room after the evening game drive, we had someone escort us to our room. Then, we had to call to get someone to take us back to the lodge for dinner.

We had dinner with the guide (Johan) in the main lodge. Both Sharon and I had tomato soup and prawn pasta. The dinner conversation went off on a couple of tangents where I didn't participate.

We crashed really early. We were both in bed by 9 pm.

One footnote. At both lodges, our itinerary talks about taking bush walks. It turns out that you have to be under 60 years old in order to go on a bush walk!?! None of us qualify...

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #13 - Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE

The Sabi Sand Reserve is part of the Greater Kruger National Park. It is the oldest of all the park's private reserves and covers an area of 153,000 acres of savannah thornveld. The fenceless borders between the national park and private reserves allow the game to move freely through this enormous natural reserve.

Two rivers supply the game reserve with water. The Sand River flows through the reserve from northwest to southeast whilst the Sabie River flows on the southern boundary. These rivers ensure that the area enjoys one of the most bio-diverse wildlife populations of any area in Africa. Over two hundred different species live in abundance, whilst the ever changing bird life provides even the most experienced ornithologist with rare finds.

TIMBAVATI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE-SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE, AIR TRANSFER
Departure time 7:00AM: Enjoy a game viewing activity as you transfer to the Hoedspruit for your flight to Leopard Hills. Please note that your charter may include stops en-route. After settling in at camp, enjoy an afternoon activity. Your luggage will be transferred by road to Leopard Hills, so you only need to take a day bag on the plane.

TIMBAVATI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE-SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE
Federal Airlines 501 - Departs 09:00 - Arrives 15:00

LEOPARD HILLS

Leopard Hills, a five-star sanctuary in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and bordering Kruger National Park, offers a refined immersion in the heart of the African wilderness. Set against the untamed beauty of the reserve, this luxury lodge presents unparalleled opportunities to experience the bush.

Each of the eight glass-fronted, air-conditioned suites is a private retreat, designed with muted tones that blend effortlessly with the landscape. From your suite's plunge pool or shaded veranda with sun loungers, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the reserve's rich wildlife. Spacious bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers add to the luxury of your experience.

The main lodge, with its expansive deck overlooking a waterhole, offers inviting spaces to unwind, whether in the cozy lounge or quiet library stocked with books and journals. A large swimming pool and wellness spa are also available, ensuring complete relaxation in this exclusive setting.

Activities:
Morning and afternoon game drives and walking safaris. Note: activities are shared unless otherwise stated.
Walking is dependent on seasonal conditions.

The schedule for the day turned out to be very different than the one that we had in our itinerary.

Leaving the Makanyi Lodge at 12:15 pm, we had a ground transfer to the Hoedspuit Airport. It took about an hour and twenty minutes. The ride for the first half was rougher than I remembered when we arrived. I also didn't remember the much about the town around the airport; I was pretty under the weather when we got here...

We were at a much different part of the airport than we landed on Wednesday. We waited about an hour for our charter flight on Federal Airlines. It was a small fifteen seat twin prop plane.

The flight to the Sabi Sands Airport took about 20 minutes. The pilot described it as a low level flight. It was pretty bumpy.

The Leopard Hills lodge picked us up at the airport. It was about a ten minute drive to the lodge. We are spending the next three nights here.

Drew had asked me before the trip what I was looking forwards to the most. I had said this lodge. Unfortuantely, some things are not quite as advertised.

After getting settled in the room, we went out on an evening game drive. The highlight of the evening was a female leopard sitting in a tree above her kill of an impala.


I am enjoying the differnces in topography here versus at the Makanyi Lodge. There are rolling hills and some open plains. We stopped for the evening break along the Sand River with a group of elephants grazing in the distrance. A very nice setting.

We finished the day with dinner in the Boma. A boma is a fortified enclosure, stockade, or corral, often made of thorn bushes, branches, or stakes. They served a calamari stir fry with some oxen tail and lamb chops. I wasn't very happy with the wait staff service.

Sharon and I both crashed before 9 pm.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #13 - Makanyi Private Game Lodge

Wild Dogs and Leopards

A Moving Day. We packed our luggage the previous night. Our luggage is going to be picked up at 7 am and trucked to our next lodge.

I am still struggling with a head cold.

We were up and moving at 5:05 am. I screwed up. For some reason, I got it in my head that we were going on the morning safari at 7 am rather than 6 am. Just before 6 am, Sharon realized that we needed to be out by 6 am. We got to the truck about 6:02 am.

It was a great morning. We came upon a pack of Wild African Dogs (4 adults and 10 puppies) feeding on a bushbuck. Interestingly, the adults let the pups eat first. Once the pups had their fill, the adults moved in and tore the remaining carass to pieces. The dogs have a lot energy.

One of the other trucks found leopard tracks. We ended up following a male leopard as he patrolled his territory. I continue to be amazed that the cats don't pay any attention to the trucks.

On the way back to the lodge, I got photos of two new animals: a black backed jackal and a Kudu.

We had scrambled egg corn tacos for breakfast.

Kevin and I both tried to update our blogs, but the wifi was bad. It has been pretty good over the first three days, but we weren't able to get anything done!

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #12 - Makanyi Private Game Lodge

Lions!

We were up again at 5:05 am and out on the morning safari before 6 am.

After wandering for about twenty minutes, our guide Carl got a call that lions had been spotted crossing a main road. We ended up spenting the morning following a pride of lions (a male and four females). One of the females had a broken front left ankle. Kevin called her Lefty.

While we were on our morning break, the lions took down a juvenile Cape Buffalo. We went back and watched them feed on it. After the group fed for awhile, the male started fighting with the females and dragged the carcass under a bush.

With the females sitting around watching the male, a Cape buffalo stampede started on the hillside. We followed the females as they went to check out the commotion.

I was surprised that the lions didn't pay any attention to the trucks! When we were following them in the morning or sitting and watching them feed they just acted like we weren't there.

We saw a black rhino on the way back to the lodge. They are rare and very aggressive.

Back at the room, I worked on my blog.

Both Sharon and I picked at a beet salad for lunch.

Given that I am still struggling with my cold and getting enough sleep, I took a nap for about 45 minutes.

On the evening safari, I got a better crocodile photo. We checked on the sleeping lions and then raced to watch some African Wild Dogs harass a Kudu. On the way back to lddge in the dark, the tracker and guide spent time looking for leopards. All that we saw was a scopes owl and a chameleon.

For dinner, Sharon had a prawn salad and quail (an odd quail sausage), while I had carrot soup and pork loin. The dinner was not very good.

We crashed early. I was asleep just after 9 am.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #11 - Makanyi Private Game Lodge

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

TYPICAL DAY IN THE TIMBAVATI

Situated in the heart of the Greater Kruger region, your experience in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve immerses you in the wild beauty of the reserve. Throughout the year, this vibrant landscape teems with life, where the daily dramas of resident species like lions, hyenas, leopards, and jackals unfold alongside herds of elephants, zebras, gazelles, and giraffes. Timbavati Private Game Reserve is a haven for large herds of elephants and buffalo, along with a substantial lion population. Notably, it is home to the rare white lions, first spotted here in the mid-1970s.

Your safari includes early morning and late afternoon excursions to witness wildlife as they emerge. Spend leisurely afternoons enjoying sunset bush-drinks and dining under a sky filled with stars. You will also have the opportunity to connect with local communities, learning about their culture in meaningful ways. In the evening, savor gourmet meals and gather around the campfire to share stories with fellow travelers.

GAME DRIVES
Set out on twice-daily game drives-one at sunrise and another in the late afternoon-timed to coincide with the hours when wildlife is most active. This region is especially rich in animal life, with regular sightings of lions and leopards among the many highlights. While rhino and wild dogs are more elusive, each drive offers the chance to witness powerful moments and an impressive variety of species in their natural habitat.

BUSH WALKS
Venture into the bush alongside a highly skilled ranger, who will guide you in tracking animals, identifying fascinating plants, and spotting some of the region's smaller, often hidden wildlife. With a bit of luck, you may even find yourself quietly observing a rhino at close range. Walking safaris are available during the winter months only.

STARGAZING
Makanyi Lodge offers its guests the opportunity to learn a little more about the night sky with the use of an amazing telescope. The lack of light pollution in this wonderfully remote region allows one to see the beautiful constellations of the Southern Hemisphere and have an unspoilt view of the Milky Way, often with the odd passing satellite.

Up at 5:05 am, we were out on the morning safari at 6 am.

New animals that we saw that I was able to photograph included white rhinos, waterbucks, hippos, the nose of a crocodile, an African hare, wart hogs and steenboks. We also saw a grey duiker, a drawf mogoose and some vervet monkeys. Midway through the drive, we passed through the large herd of cape buffalo that we saw last night. I am hopeful that we will see some lions in the next two days! Apparently, in the area, lions are exclusively feeding on cape buffalo.


Back at the lodge, we had breakfast. I had an omelet.

After breakfast, I worked on my blog for the previous day. I appreciate having some down time to sort through photos and organize some thoughts. I am enjoying the Wifi. We weren't sure that it would be available. Additionally, there is pretty good cell coverage in different spots.

Still feeling under the weather, I took a half hour nap.

They served lunch at 1:30 pm. There is way too much food. I had part of a salmon salad.

After lunch, Donna, Kevin, Sharon and I sat by the pool for a while. We then relaxed in the room.

The evening safari took off at 4 pm. While we saw lots of animals, the only new photograph was a seven foot highly venomous black mamba. In the dark, we also saw a white tailed mongoose. I think that the guide and the tracker were trying to find the leopards. While we covered a lot of ground, we didn't see them. One of the other groups from the lodge caught a glimpse of one female leopards as they were coming bacxk to the lodge in the dark.

Back from the evening safari, the guests and the guides sat around a fire pit with a cocktail. We finished the day with a late barbecue buffet dinner that included lamb chops and ox tail.

Sharon and I crashed about 9:50 pm. With the early morning stats, I really to get to sleep earlier!