We left Dunkeld today on our way to Songimvelo, another nature reserve. It took us more than 2 hours to reach the place on a better than yesterday's weather. No rain, just cloudy and warmer. As before, we had a brief stopover to buy more souvenirs. We even had a chocolate tasting of hand made Belgian chocolates. I stayed inside the vehicle very tired and did not notice Butch was nowhere to be found as we were about to go. Thabo looked for him quite awhile...until someone said.."here he comes...out from the leather store" .
We passed by a typical South African town and as we were passing the town, our guide Tabho related that the males in the tribe can marry as many as 5 women as long as they can afford it. He himself plans to get married but he needs to save at least 7 cows as dowry to the girl's parents. According to him, traditional beliefs of their ancestors are still observed in this kind of town like burying their dead in their own yards. As we get near the reserve, we stopped at a private banquet hall, with museum and a mini zoo. Yes, Butch took a photo of a monkey for our dear Braeden.
We will be spending 3 nights at the Humala River Lodge inside the 150,000 acres Songimvelo game reserve, by the flowing river in semi tented huts. One of the guests told me we are "glamping" this time. Glamping is glamorous camping as you still have all the amenities of a high end hotel but in an outdoor setting. The shower room was outside. It was like an open gazebo with a wrap-around dark green thick cloth with zippered windows. And for the next 4 days, Humala will have twelve Americans and Canadians.
Our first day in Humala was awesome. We were greeted with a welcome drink and song. I get to sit on the front ranger seat as we transferred to the open Safari vehicle. We were told to be quiet as we may encounter some animals on our way to the lodge.
Our 1st Sunset Safari before dusk was exciting as we got close with a herd of Zebras, Giraffes, Antelopes (Eland and Kudos), and a family of Rhinoceros plus many more. At sunset, we had cocktails on the bridge and over the river. This was a very unique experience as there were only twelve of us, guests in an immense area reserve surrounded by game animals.
Tomorrow, we will have our 1st of 2 Morning Safaris at 4:30 am and the 2nd of 2 Sunset Safaris starting at 4: 30 pm. The Monday Safari will be the most exciting as we get to see the "Big Five" of Safari "stars" namely: Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhinoceros, and the Leopard at the Kruger National Park.
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