Magical Madikwe

Last weekend, I had a magical time in Madikwe, a game reserve just across the border in South Africa.  It is so close -- less than an hour and a half drive away, including time for the border crossing. I can't believe I had never been before !  

I accompanied Amanda, a WUSC Leave for Change volunteer wanting to have the safari experience, and we were joined by my friends John, Naki, and Tomek on Sunday. 

I found accommodations for Amanda and I at Motswiri Lodge, a 5-star luxury lodge, and we were not disappointed.  It is low season, now that the holiday rush has abated, and we had the whole lodge to ourselves ! We were thoroughly spoiled -- gourmet meals, game drives -- we didn't have to lift a finger.  And it didn't hurt that they charged us less than half the normal rate !

Can you blame me for planning to go back again this weekend ?  Yes, I am heading back tomorrow with Anaisa, my Portuguese house-mate. I have only 3 weekends left here, and I am thrilled to be able to spend another one in the bush.

Here is a taste of what we did and saw:

Amanda and John, in the Motswiri Lodge lounge.

Naki and Tomek.

The gang, at Jaci's Safari Lodge for lunch.

Amanda and I with our guide Andre.

Roughing it in the bush.

Our gorgeous room, with fireplace, spa tub, and outdoor shower over-looking the water hole.

Amanda's first safari experience !



Yup - We got this close !



Flat tire from following lions over the stony terrain.

Can't forget the little guys !

Hyena with remnants of wildebeest.



Rhino.

The kudu is my favourite antelope.  I love the curly horns!

Lunch time!

Wildebeest.

We followed this black maned lion for quite a while.   

He was looking for his pride, and would call out for them every now and then.

Eventually, he gave up and flopped down under a tree.

Have you got my best side ?

Chin rest.

Mom and babe.

This pride of two lionesses and nine cubs was feasting on a zebra.

Christmas Road Trip - Hluhluwe Game Reserve

We continued our journey to the coast via Hluhluwe Game Reserve, the oldest game reserve in Africa.  Fortunately, its resident rhino population is under tight surveillance and the reserve is known for its conservation efforts.  Rhino poaching is still a big problem in South Africa.  Hluhluwe is lush and green with rolling hills -- a refreshing change from the dry, desert environment I have become accustomed to in Botswana.

Christmas Road Trip - The Little Guys

I thought I would share some of the smaller creatures that graced my path on my recent travels.  Like all life's little treasures, they are easy to miss if you are too preoccupied with finding the bigger stuff.

The chameleon figures prominently in local folklore.

Agama tree lizard.

I don't know the name of this tree lizard.

Leopard Tortoise.

Saddle-billed stork.

This Red Bishop visited our breakfast area on Christmas morning.

This croc was a Christmas morning visitor, too.

Golden Orb Spider. I watched one of these, the size of my hand, weave a web of golden thread.  I didn't think it would show up on my camera, so I got this photo from the web (the other web).

I have also witnessed the migration of the African Caper White butterfly throughout my travels and in Gaborone.

Christmas Road Trip - Kruger National Park

Here are some pictures from in and around Kruger National Park.

Giraffe snack.

Elephant snack.  We watched this elephant strip the tree of its bark. 

We came across this beautiful female cheetah resting under a tree.

We watched her for a while as she stretched and then disappeared into the bushes.

It was  hot day, and this hyena decided to take a dip.

This elephant had the same thing in mind, but first had to bully us out of his way to the stream. We backed up rather quickly!

Ah !  Now that's better !

Chobe and the Delta, Revisited

I was happy to show my visiting friend, Lorraine, some of my favourite parts of Botswana.  This, of course, included the Chobe and Okavango Delta, spots I had visited earlier in the year.  It is a lot drier now, which means there is a greater concentration of wildlife near the riverside.

In Chobe, I was excited to spot my first leopards !  These beautiful cats had eluded me on all my previous safaris.

Our Delta days were hot and lazy, and we enjoyed going on walking safaris and cooling off in the channels' swimming holes.  Fortunately, the crocs and hippos left us alone !  The swimming hole near our campsite was a short walk away.  Directions ?  "Follow this path, and then take a left at the elephant."  Seriously - An elephant was on our path !

On one of our walks, we came across two bull elephants.  We stayed quiet and motionless as the elder statesman approached us to assess whether or not we were a threat.  Fortunately, he decided we were okay.  Our guide explained that he was the father to the adolescent male, and this was his time to teach his son "how to be a man".   I am not quite sure I know what that means, in elephant terms.

I also took Lorraine across to Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls.  With less spray and lower flow than I witnessed in April, I saw more of the expanse of the falls.

Why is it so hard to spot a leopard ?  Because they are already spotted !

This juvenile was waiting for us at the roadside.  It's mother was watching from the bushes, a safe distance away.

We later found this one in a tree.

The elephants did not disappoint !

What a croc !

This bell frog and his friends serenaded us at night.

Water lily.

Lazy Delta days !

Tia hitches a ride !

I found this humerus ! (haha)

I have a bone to pick with you !

Another beautiful Delta sunset !

We took a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls.

Can you see the people swimming on the edge of the falls ?  They are crazy ! (...but it does look like fun, doesn't it ?)

Leopard, frog, and sunset pictures courtesy of LD and her awesome camera.