Safari!

Today was an exciting and active day...we left our hotel by 9 am for the drive to the Gauteng Lion Park.  We had two adventures at the park.  First, we took an hour-long trip through several large lion preserves, each inhabited by a specific family unit.  Our guide, Christopher, explained the age and gender of the lions and shared the research and breeding practices of the park.  This was, in fact, the place where an American tourist was mauled in early June when she drove through the park with her windows down: lion attack.  Needless to say, we were glad to be protected in an enclosed vehicle with a mesh cage. After our driving tour, we had the opportunity to get up close and personal with some lion cubs that were approximately 4-6 months old.  The cub was adorable and didn't mind attention.  We had a casual lunch at the park (Peri-Peri chicken) and then we were off for the two hour drive to Sun City and the Pilanesberg National Park.  Some of you might remember that the resort at Sun City was created by the forced relocation of local people and was off limits to black Africans under Apartheid, and the subject of boycotts by artists and celebrities. There was even a song written: Sun City Song.  We loaded in a jeep-like vehicle for a three hour tour through the park reserve. Here, we saw animals in a more natural setting and we were on the lookout for the "Big Five":  rhinos, lions, elephants, leopards and buffalos.  We several rhinos, dozens of elephants, small buffalos and many other mammals, but the lions and leopards remained elusive.  As the sun set, it got extremely cold (mid-30s) and we all curled up under big blankets.  The trip was truly a "bucket list" experience and I had a wonderful day. We grabbed a quick and casual dinner and then loaded back in the bus for the long drive back to our hotel.  After a warm shower and cup of tea, I'm sorting through 200-plus photos to find the best to share!

On the tour vehicle with Christopher at the Lion Park

Up close and personal with this cute guy!