Dirt Early!

We were getting up dirt early– this time at four-thirty in the dark! But again, how often do you get to go to Africa and safari? Sleep when you get home! And again, boy, what a time!

There were fifteen in our group from all parts of the world. In the first half hour, the ranger explained about elephants – their trunks - with two lips (and we each got to feed them); mouths, tongue and teeth - size of cement building blocks (just looked in for that); ears - front side rough, back side velvety (and we got to feel them) with a cooling system, and feet - the front hard the back like a soft cushion which helps them to walk so quietly (and we got to feel again). Incredible!!

Then came the safari. We climbed up stairs to a ramp. No cushioned seats in a box (like the one we’d ridden in Asia)! No sir, you straddle it just like you would a horse and put you feet in stirrups with a narrow strap for your hands to hang on to.
Sue and I were first and got the biggest elephant, named Sabakwe (after the African river). He was great! We had a ranger riding with us whose name was Quarter-past (since he was born at 6:15 in the morning) though his real name was Kudu.

We looked down on everyone - even the others on their elephants. Three of the mom elephants had their kids along, and they acted just like kids – lots of noise and trumpeting (sounded just like a Tarzan movie). Sabakwe liked to play and eat and broke off limbs of the thorn trees as we traveled, but Quarter-past always made sure we didn’t get hit when he broke off something to eat (though it seemed more like he was playing with his food).

Half way through the trip, I even started to play and put up my arms when we went down hills like on a rollercoaster. Sue was holding on so hard that she bruised her knuckles, but she made it and we loved the experience! Along the way with everything else going on, we did see some more animals. Outstanding!

If this had been our first stop, we probably would have cancelled out on all the other stuff and just stayed at Elandela lodge. But we’re glad it didn’t happen that way.

Now suddenly, it was all over! It seemed too early to be leaving. We had to pack our bags, saying good-bye to everyone; the girls from the staff sang to us as we headed out to the airport. Soon we were back in Johannesburg, at another 5-star hotel and casino, but no more six-course dinners. And then back on another plane heading west to Brazil.

It was an absolutely amazing African adventure! One we were sorry to see come to an end, but one we are so glad we didn’t miss! We can say we loved it!!