Day 19

Monday, October 6, 2008
After two nights at Berg-en-dal we pack up to move on to the next campground, Lower Sabie. Leaving at 6:45 a.m., we spend many delightful hours slowly negotiating the many dirt roads which have been constructed for animal viewing. The one rule is “Stay in your car!” We take a lot of pictures but don’t open the door to the car. At certain selected places you can get out for viewing points at your own risk. The Park is replete with stories of tourists and guides who do get out, are not careful, and are attached and killed by lions!! Not our idea of a good way to go.
The day supplies several exceptional experiences: a pair of male Impalas fighting, a nervous rhino running back and forth as well as toward the car (was he feeling trapped by the cars or just in rut? We have no idea), two giraffes coming from opposite directions to eat at the same tree, and at the last possible minute our first encounter with lions. Two females with five cubs crossing the road right in front of us! The first three events we captured on video.
We have only one night in Lower Sabie, in two huts or rondevals, again with all the amenities. Tonight we decide to have a Braii (South African for barbecue), fire up the wood we purchased at the camp store in the Braiistand which comes with every unit, put on the steaks, pull the corks on two bottles of South African wine and have our late evening meal.
Tomorrow holds the promise of another camp ground, more amazing animals and more colorful birds.
Bruce and Paula