Elephant gatherings, lion roars, fresh animal tracks, and food to travel for. It was a safari of the senses and one I got to experience with some of my family during their first trip to South Africa.
It was a trip of many firsts, but the most anticipated activity on their holiday was experiencing Africa’s wildlife on safari at [highlight]Jaci’s Tree Lodge[/highlight] in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Their safari-meter was at 0 but their excitement-meter was at a definite 10. My safari-meter was at 5, as I’ve been spoiled to a few since my time at WildWeb, but my excitement-meter was also at 10, as I was looking forward to seeing my family’s expressions during our game drive outings.
For 3 safari-filled days we were elevated on wooden stilts at the tree lodge and converted into typical Tarzan and Jane characters.It was a telling experience and one that ignited all our senses:
Sight- Elephants and Fresh Leopard Tracks
2’clock every day we made our way to the lodge’s hideaway where we had a perfect view over the many water holes. It was the ultimate scouting place for elephants and they never disappointed us, arriving between 2-3pm. They were on a tight schedule, because herd #1 was shortly behind herd #2 and each herd wanted their own private mud bathing time. Is that too much to ask for?
Peter was our [highlight]expert field guide[/highlight] during our time on safari and he was always alert for signals of any wildlife nearby. He was a tracker and a good one at that. He found us very clear leopard tracks and from that point the tracking game was on! We all had our eyes peeled for the elusive leopard that was teasing us with signals of its presence just out of sight.
We didn’t end up finding the leopard, but the tracking game was enough to give our heartbeats a reason to quicken. For me, that is what makes a safari such a fascinating experience. It’s not always about the prize, but the chase.
Sound- The Lion’s Roar
The evening began with sundowners followed by a signature African sunset.
It was getting dark though, which was our sign to head back to camp. That was until we heard the lion’s roar. It was more like a deep growl but the sound came from close by. It was an eerie feeling being in complete darkness, except for Peter’s shining spotlight, looking for the big beast who was calling for a family member. Fast forward a couple more growls and a few reverses of the game vehicle and we found the pride by the side of the road! One male, one female, and two cubs. The noises didn’t stop though, because there was a brother in the distance looking to reunite. He came in towards the back of our vehicle making for a total 5 lions in our close view. Needless to say, there were mixed emotions for the first time safari-goers in the car!
Smell and Taste- Chef Meals by the Fire
One meal after the next we couldn’t believe how the chef’s outdid themselves. Oxtail potjie, chicken and lamb on the braai, phaphata bread, and fruity desserts all enjoyed in the wild outdoors around the campfire. It was also a chance to look up into the sky and marvel over the African stars. They were twinkling and Peter educated us about a few of the night sky tall tales.
My family is still raving about the many wonderful meals they enjoyed and continue to find ways to replicate them in the states. It was food art in every sense.
Our sights are remembered through photographs, the wildlife sounds engrained in our minds, and the tasty eats faint on the back of our taste buds. A stay at [highlight]Jaci’s Tree Lodge[/highlight] is a safari of the senses and a cherished gift from nature.
