Surfin' Safari

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

The day started out with us meeting up with Jazz and Dan from Volk Bikes so that Geoff could buy a hat.  He found one that he liked. They were all pretty cool.  Chatted for a bit then we bid each goodbye.  I wish them great success in their endeavor.  They are a great couple with a ton of energy.

Gathered our stuff together, said farewell to Sandy and Janet and we were on the road again. The drive to Shamwari didn't look all that long so we took a detour to take a peek at Jeffrey's Bay. The town wasn't much but further down the coast is Supertubes Beach - a surfing mecca.  No surf this morning, however, low tide.  We walked the boardwalk for a bit then it was back in the car.

We talked about taking another scenic route but decided we should head straight for the lodge.  Check-in was at two and it looked like we would get there a bit after one - fine.  We stopped to have lunch at a great truck stop - A Taste of Africa.  The food was fabulous.  Back in the bus and at this point, I finally took out the written directions which were a bit different than the gps.  Oops! Plus check-in is actually 1pm - it was now 1:30. They wanted you there for lunch so you don't miss the afternoon game drive.  After a few u-turns along the highway, we were headed for the right turn-off. Seven kms down a dirt bumpy road - well it was starting to feel like Africa at least.

We arrived at the gate a bit after two just as another family was also checking in.  We are staying at this lodge for only one night then moving to the further one up north.  This lodge is the family (meaning children) lodge.  We could not get three nights at the lodge we wanted so they put us here. Here, turns out to be unbelievably luxurious. Our room is big enough for a family of four.  There are only two other families here - and one is leaving tomorrow.  They each have only one kid so it is pretty quiet.  I have a feeling the other lodge will be more populated.

Anyway, we left our cars at registration and got transferred to the lodge.  "Would you like some lunch". Darn I knew it!!  Geoff ate and I picked.  Got out of the dining room as soon as possible and jumped into the amazing pool.  Boy that felt good after the long hot drive.  Got about 30 minutes relax time and it was off to see the animals.

We were in a jeep with one of the families. Unfortunately, they
were the Germans and not the nice people from Montreal.  Based on what we have seen so far, this is no Serengeti, but we did get some good moments: a female lion resting after a baby giraffe kill, two baby giraffes with their moms, a lonely young male lion, and the feature of the afternoon - two brother male lions hanging out.  They were beautiful.  We are hoping for more in the morning. 

Got back to the lodge at after 7 and dinner was at 8.  We are finally in our beds enjoying the massive room and plushy linens.  5:30 wake-up call.  Time to speed sleep!

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Next time... Back in the jeep