"Well ... off road minibus driving is something everyone should try! We're on the open road!
We set off from Umkhumbi on Thursday morning and after a short drive arrived at the Elephant interaction in blazing sun, everyone had the chance to get up close to Rambo (the 'Daddy') and Mum, Rachel, feeding Rachel copious amounts of horse nuts and feeling Rambo's tongue and tusks. A short journey then had us at the northern end of Abu Madi reserve, the bush camp took everyone by surprise with flushing toilets and paraffin shower! The group erected military style 3x5 canvas tents and then we headed out on an afternoon game walk with Dillion, Gareth and Ryan our new guides. Black rhino tracks were encountered but nothing seen, wildebeest, warthog and impala were enough to wet our appetite for one day.
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We set off from Umkhumbi on Thursday morning and after a short drive arrived at the Elephant interaction in blazing sun, everyone had the chance to get up close to Rambo (the 'Daddy') and Mum, Rachel, feeding Rachel copious amounts of horse nuts and feeling Rambo's tongue and tusks. A short journey then had us at the northern end of Abu Madi reserve, the bush camp took everyone by surprise with flushing toilets and paraffin shower! The group erected military style 3x5 canvas tents and then we headed out on an afternoon game walk with Dillion, Gareth and Ryan our new guides. Black rhino tracks were encountered but nothing seen, wildebeest, warthog and impala were enough to wet our appetite for one day.
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The evening started smoothly with a starry sky, at 0400 the heavens erupted into thunder, lightning and torrential rain, the tents stood up well and no one got wet but the night watch had to evacuate to the main veranda after the fire died and the watch tower turned into an outdoor shower. Friday stayed wet from morning onwards, however after a full day out on the reserve the groups had seen white rhino at a distance of 40m, mongoose, wildebeest, zebra, eagle owl and tracked numerous black rhino. Although very wet and muddy everyone was in high spirits and thoroughly enjoyed mountains of steak and homemade sausages round the camp fire. On Saturday a final walk produced a jackal and a few other small game but the black rhino remained elusive as ever however Dillon reckoned we were within feet at some points. After striking camp we set off towards the Pongola River* and the next leg of the adventure! " - Tom
Memorable moments include:
Memorable moments include:
- The girls creating a rain dance that proved very productive!
- Ellie P finally realised Africa is South of the UK
- Matt found the lightning a little scary and huddled up close to the other boys
- Danny was nearly flattened by a warthog living in an aardvark hole
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