We left that morning well rested and excited to be getting closer to the real start of our safari: the game drive. Before we would reach that point, we would continue our way through the Mpumalanga
Our next stop would be one of the more interesting we would see. Located in the
The formations are a result of the Sad and Happy Rivers coming together to create swirls that carve out the rock.
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| Blyde "Happy" River Falls |
This was also the site of our fifth waterfall in two days. At this point I should mention we were in Africa during the rainy season. I suspect we would have skipped most of these stops were it not the case. Although this aspect played well into this early part of the trip, it put as at a disadvantage later. I will explain when the time comes.
This was the first trip with our new D-SLR and I tried to make the most of it. Hence the reason you will see the photos of flowers and anything I could get good shots with high resolution.
Kate was called on most to be the subject of our photos. I probably drove her nuts constantly beckoning for her attention but she took it like a champ. This pic of Kate (here in Blyde River Canyon 
She did a great job when it was her turn to get behind the lens…
This was the view on our way out of the canyon. I had to include it because it reminds me of something I love…
From the canyon we made our way up the back of the “Escarpment.” As near as we could tell, this title referred to this series of cliffs that marked the end of the Highveld and the beginning of the Lowveld; essentially the border between the highlands and lowlands. The Escarpment makes up the left side of this photo.
It was at this stop that David also introduced us to an indigenous fruit referred to as lychee. I thought they were okay but my wife was not a fan. This would not be the first time David would introduce us to something new.
As we made our way down the Abel Erasmus pass, we traveled through the Strijdom Tunnel and stopped on the other side for some more roadside fruit. David bought some fresh mango and it was the best we have ever tasted.
Next stop would be Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge in the Balule Private Game Reserve. This is where the fun really begins.
The afternoon began with lunch on the lawn below. The entertainment was provided by some exotic birds and a troop of monkeys.
The manager was an affable chap named Tony. He was formerly an executive chef trained in France
On the left you see the entrance and on the right, our cabin to the left of the tree.
So after lunch and a little time relaxing, it was time. We were ready. Let’s get the show on the road. Break out all your khaki shirts and cargo pants. Put on your sun block, your twelve hour bug repellent, and make sure camera battery is fully charged. Where’s the Landrover? Where’s Kate? I’m running late?!?!? Impossible…
Landrover found. The seat mounted on the front is for the tracker and the ranger drives the vehicle. We would only have a ranger because his tracker was on holiday. I want to know where you go for vacation when you make a living as a safari tracker...
Rules of game driving:
1.) Do NOT at any point leave the vehicle. As a matter of fact, don’t even stand up. If you break the plane of the vehicle, the animals tend to take notice and flee.
2.) Do not feed the animals.
3.) DO NOT LEAVE THE VEHICLE.
This was it and we were stoked. They could have told us we weren’t allowed to wear pants and I’m sure we wouldn’t have argued. We were ready to go.
It's getting late. More tomorrow.
Even better!
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