Maputo, Mozambique to Kruger National Park, South Africa
Safari day 1 of three – Warning Long Post Ahead
Before I even got out of bed this morning I smelled fire. I went outside on the balcony and the smell was even stronger. I watched the sun rise in the East as the full moon was setting in the west. It was an amazing sight to see. Last night we preordered room service for the first time. We were able to eat breakfast in our cabin while we finished getting up and ready for the Safari. Around 8:00am we headed to the Rolling Stone Lounge and waited for immigration to finish clearing us so we could get our passports back before getting off the ship. We loaded up into two separate vans to accommodate our group of 25. Our van had a trailer behind it with all our luggage in it. We had to drive about three hours to Kruger. We passed through three toll booths and paid a toll, but there are no EZ Pass lanes. Along our drive we saw hundreds of trucks hauling iron ore, coal and raw chrome to the port for export to China. Sadly, the driver told us there is not enough coal here to power the country, yet they export so much to other countries. They actually have mandatory power shut offs three times a day lasting a minimum of two hours each. Around 11:00 we came to the Mozambique/South Africa border. We had to get off the bus and get into line for passport inspection. We got stamped and got back into the bus. About a mile up the road we repeated the process again as we needed to go through immigration to get into South Africa. Quite a long process. But with the kindness and expertise of our driver we got through very smoothly. Ahhh. But did we? Unfortunately our HAL escort got stopped at the South African border. She did not have a visa and we had to leave her there. After an hour of failed negotiations, they are making transportation arrangements to get her back to the ship and we ventured forward. We stopped to pick up pre-boxed lunches and continued on and ate lunch in our bus. We were stopped three times along our drive by police offers looking for people not traveling with proper papers. We saw lots of agricultural land papayas, mango, banana, lemons and sugar which they use to make gin. As we crossed the bridge at Crocodile River just before entering the gates at Kruger Park, we saw crocodiles, impalas and hippopotamuses and we weren’t even in the park yet. We arrived at the Jock Safari house and were warmly greeting by so many staff that work here. We were given a quick tour of the property and then we were escorted to the dining hall where there was food and drinks waiting for us. There is a small community pool, two swinging chairs, and a beautiful view of the river below. There is an electrical fence surrounding the entire compound and security 24/7 to protect us. The lodge is so beautiful. We were given a quick talk on the itinerary, meeting times and places for the rest of the day. Next, we were escort to our suite where our luggage was already waiting for us. We have our own little piece of paradise right here in Africa. We have a small private plunge pool on our giant patio, an outdoor shower and an outdoor bathtub and a large screened in enclosure with a day bed. Inside our room is all the amenities you could need. Coffee maker and fridge a king size bed with mosquito netting, a huge double headed shower and two sinks. We also have a small sitting area. There was a lovely letter welcoming us to the lodge. We feel so pampered. There are 25 guests here and I think there are as many, if not more, employees as there is guests. We were given about 90 minutes to get settled in. We dipped our feet in the pool and took in the amazing view from our deck. Then it was time to get ready for our first game animal drive. We met up with our group and our Ranger Lazarus who will be our driver and guide for the duration of our stay here. He has worked in Kroger National Park for twenty one years. At 4:30 we were separated into four jeeps and away we went!
We saw so much I can’t hardly describe it all and I write a blog!!
Animals Seen Today: European Roller, Kudu, Helmeted Guinea Fowl, Peregrine Falcon, Giant Eagle Owl, Giraffe, Crocodiles, Elephants, Impalas, Hippopotamus, Gazelle, Cape Buffalo, Zebra, Lion, Leopard, White Rhinoceros, Spotted Hyenas, Ground Hornbill, Yellow Hornbill (aka Zazu), Lilac Breasted Roller, Kingfisher, Cardinal Woodpecker, Baboon and many other beautiful birds.
The Rhinoceros are in extreme danger here. Due to illegal poaching, the population in Kruger National Park has gone from over ten thousand to about nineteen hundred. About 3 years ago they started a program here where they humanely remove the coveted horn of the Rhinoceros to protect them from being killed by the poachers. They believe the horn will have to be recut in about four years time, but for now it seems to working to deter poaching.
About midway through our animal drive while we waited for the Lions to cross the fields so we could hopefully get a better view, our ranger brought out drinks and snack for us. We were offered beer, wine, sodas and water to drink. We also had Biltong beef jerky, crackers, and a nut trail mix. I couldn’t believe we were eating a snack in Africa as we watched a whole pride of lions cross over to what was to come right next to and in front of us. It was surreal seeing these majestic animals in their own habitat roaming wild, free from captivity. I had several moments where I thoughts to myself is this really happening, am I really here experiencing this?!? We watched the Lioness and one male Lion for about an hour as the sunset in the distance. It was a beautiful start to our adventure heres and we have already seen far more than I had anticipated. Today will be hard to top. For those who know Safari lingo, you will notice that we saw what is referred to as the “Big Five” already today. I could have only hoped to have seen them all by then end of our time here, but today is only day one and we saw them all!!
After our animal drive we arrived back at the Lodge and dropped off our things in our room and then headed to dinner. Dinner was set up for us on the beach below the main dining building. They moved large wooden table, chairs, everything to keep our food warm, plates, glasses, a bar and everything else we needed down the hill to the beach below. As we are out of the electrical fencing as well, there were two employees armed with rifles and spotlights watching the river for unwelcome dinner guests, mainly crocodiles and Hippopotamus. We were served a fantastic meal. The food tasted magnificent and there was more then we could possibly eat. The star dished fo the evening were Buffalo Sausage, Grilled Sirloin, Venison, Roasted Chicken, Polenta, Chickpea Soup, and Bread Pudding with an Amarula Sauce. Our tummies were so full. I have also fallen in love with Castle Lager which is a local beer and it tastes so good in this hot and humid weather. We headed to our cabin after dinner, our mosquito netting had been let down as part of our turn down service and we understand now why it is there. Our cabin has a thatched straw like roof that doesn’t quite keep all the bugs out. I also suspect the sink drains are not part of a closed pipe system and we had friends visiting us through the drain. We used the provided bug spray (should’ve been my first clue), took showers to wash off the days bug spray and bush dust and dirt, and climbed into a bed that smelled oh so heavenly. They use scented laundry detergent unlike the ship and it was almost like being at home. I haven’t smelled that lovely smell in over two months and it was the cherry on the top of most wonderful, amazing, overwhelming, breathtaking day. Lastly, today is day 64 of our cruise. We have completed half of journey around the world and from hence forward I am working my way back home to my loved ones both in time and geographically. We have much left to do and see. It is almost 10:00pm and the alarm goes off at 4:30am and I am almost too excited to sleep. We meet tomorrow at 5:15am for our second animal drive of this Safari. I suspect not much sleep over the time we are here and I also suspect it will WAY worth it. Until tomorrow….
*There are many photos posted below from day one. They are of our room here at the Jock Safari Lodge, many of the animals we saw today, the sun setting over the bush and the table set for dinner this evening. I have condensed my over 2000 photos from the two and a half days into a mere 99 of our favorites for you to see and enjoy. Hugs
Live Vicariously Through Debra 
Looks so perfectly done. Wish I wS there…enjoy and be safe!
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