We arrived in Johannesburg after an 8 hour flight from Dubai and were met by our Go Touch Down representative (tour operator) who brought us to the Seasons Sports and Spa for a pre-safari accommodation.
We travelled next for about 3 hours to Dunkeld Country Estate. Our safari guide was Tabo, very vibrant and amiable and with lots of African humour in him. We were in a group of 7 and 5 of us are Canadians so we felt comfortable and secure.
We briefly stopped at the "garage", (gasoline station) for nature break and was struck by some "African humor" inside the women' s toilet. A drawing of a man in suit facing you as you sit in the bowl. A glimpse of what is in store for us for the next few days was a must see mini zoo. Antelopes, Buffalos, Zebras and various big animals were roaming by the tiny lake unmindful of people at a distance.
The Dunkeld estate is beautiful. The lodges open up into the pond where the restaurant is located and where you can actually do fly fishing and horseback riding in the woods. All the facilities are within reach and the place was so peaceful and naturally quiet and relaxing. February is the tail end of the African summer but the rains have not stopped since we set foot in Johannesburg. Still raining but in a cozy room with a fireplace...just great. The weather is expected to be less rain and may even be sunny tomorrow.
A "Braii" (barbecue" ) welcome dinner was arranged for the various groups. The food was sumptuous and wine was overflowing and in the house. We were entertained with an African indoor dance presentation and more of it in the days to come with bonfire and their authentic native costumes. What was special tonight was the audience participation. Butch and I were egged on to join them, so unmindful of all the laughs, we danced our hearts out in a pinoy African style. We were completely exhausted as we called in for the night after the long flight and the day's activities but we will be sleeping with smiles on our faces and excitement looking forward to the Safari days ahead !
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