Freezing! Unfortunately this is what I
remember most about the weekend. Not the wonderful animal sightings, which we
had, or the annoying guests, which there were, or the wonderful, spacious,
romantic room with a fireplace and sightseeing deck. Just the cold...
Other than that, it was an enjoyable, unique
adventure for us city-light creatures. No phones, no television, no radio
(unless you count the incessant two-way radio chats between the rangers, which
I suggested they syndicate out and sell as a full-time radio station), and no
civilisation for miles!
Makalali's location affords them seclusion and lush
plant and animal life, with each room nestled into its own little corner,
leaving you to feel completely private and one with nature. It is a 26Ha farm
which is very well run, and so far has escaped the Rhino poaching sprees in the
area. It also has a private landing strip, which was very convenient for us.
Since we arrived, it felt authentic Africa. From
the spacious luxury suites with a fireplace and no windows, to the
African cuisine in the boma. This is truly an overseas visitors dream. We had
two game drives per day, a bush walk and lots of meals in between. This made
for a very busy day, especially if you are not exactly a morning person.
Everybody in the camp eats together, whether it is
in the boma or on the deck. I don't like the group-thing, so we requested a
private lunch on our room's deck, which was easily organised and delicious.
The game rangers have no problem doing high speed
chases in the wild and destroying every tree that may be in their way, so we
were mostly ducking, diving and holding on for dear lives. They are very
skilled and trained though, and explained to us that they only drive over
"common" trees that can easily grow again. Because of that, we had
incredible sightings of the big 5, all within 5 meters of us. Once again, great
for overseas visitors.
Unfortunately we also enjoy the bird life, buck and
squirrels. No chance of stopping, or even slowing down, to see them. Our ranger
was a man with a mission.
Should you go there? Definitely, if safari is
your thing. The service was excellent, the venue spectacular and the experience
unique.
I just think I am not an
early-morning-freezing-shaking-holding-on-for-dear-life-safari kind of girl. So
I will not be going on a safari anytime soon again. I'd rather take a more
relaxing trip where there are no rigid times or schedules, and I can enjoy nature
at my own pace. Or book a ticket to Italy... (and yes, it will work out the
same money-wise!)
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