The second day began with a sudden jolt. I was in a very deep sleep, partly because I was worn out from the previous day’s activities and partly because I had almost certainly spent too long in the bar the night before.
As my groggy senses slowly returned, my heart raced. I heard an unfamiliar sound – something wild and strange. Could it be a bird? Its cries grew louder. Panic set in; I was convinced the creature had made its way into the room. Sitting up abruptly in the dark, I strained to see. Then, reality struck – it wasn’t an animal at all. The sound was coming from a telephone across the room. My early morning wake-up call had arrived.
By 5:30 am I was ready for action and outside the ranger was waiting to escort me to the reception area. (We were not permitted to walk the grounds unescorted after dark)
We grabbed a quick coffee, then climbed into the 4×4 vehicles. Our first game drive had commenced.
I took lots of photos. I have only included a selection here and anyway there were many animals that I didn’t manage to photograph. But, unlike some of our colleagues in another vehicle, we didn’t see a lion – a fact they were all too happy to remind us about! They had the fortune of seeing a lioness strolling through an open area and even had video footage to prove it.
Boat Safari
We returned to the lodge for breakfast at about 9 am and then went back out for another cruise in the solar powered boats.
Elephants always seem to run for their drink, even though there is plenty for everyone.
Back at the lodge around midday for lunch, then a rest then afternoon tea.
Game Drive
After lunch, and afternoon tea we were back in the 4×4 safari vehicles for another game drive.
Our ranger, Emma, was keeping a lookout for animals or signs of animals, fresh tracks etc. Then suddenly, driving between some bushes, there it was…..
….our fist Lion. At least we could tell the others we had seen one. But they were quick to point out that their lion was awake and walking, ours was just sleeping.
With our instructions not to lean out of the vehicles in mind, you will probably appreciate that I was rather surprised when the ranger said ‘Ok we can get out now’ especially as the sleeping lion was only a short distance away, and that’s not to mention all its friends who might be wide awake and hungry!
But ok, ‘go with the flow’ I thought and in any case William, the tours manager, makes an excellent gin and tonic.
So, below is one of me looking a little nervous as, after all, there could be a lion behind that bush on the left. But after a couple of ‘William Specials’ I didn’t care anyway.
As the sun fell below the horizon, we headed back to the lodge, then later, after enjoying a superb evening meal under the stars by candlelight, another fantastic day came to a close.
Our third and final day at the lodge was to follow, and indeed there were more treats yet to come.
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