South Africa and Mauritius

Andy Gilhooly on 15 June 2015
On arrival in Joburg we split our luggage up as we could only take 20kg in total onto our small light aircraft for our short flight up to Madikwe Game Reserve. Brilliant flight up to the Game Reserve and even had a lovely light lunch. We were me by the staff from our first night at the Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge. Did not have much time to relax as we then had the afternoon game drive. The highlight of this drive was meeting the two local lions who are brothers. They were asleep but we were about 10 metres away. We watched them for about 30 minutes in which time they were up checking on the noises etc. Really special moment. We also had time for a small picnic in the bush with a few beers. After taking in more elephants, giraffe and other animals it was back to the lodge for dinner. The drive lasted about 3-4 hours so we were ready for dinner. There is no such thing as getting all cleaned and glammed up for dinner, it was right into the Dining Room. This night it was outside overlooking the pond area. After a stunning dinner and a few drinks most of the crowd went to bed. I stayed up for a night cap and was glad I did as a huge buffalo came drinking to the pond. Three of the Big 5 on Day 1. That concluded Day 1, amazing. Even the weather was superb and very hot.

Day 2 started with an early rise at 5:30am. After coffee in the lounge we were off for the early morning Game Drive. It was a little cold but no worries there were blankets etc to keep you warm. We were in search of rhino today and we did not have to wait long. They are not great for standing still and letting you take photos but we did manage to get some. We were taken to a meeting point where we were met by our next hosts, the Tuningi Safari Lodge. After an hour's drive we arrived at our next home at Tuningi and once again were met by the very friendly staff with cold towels and a welcome drink. Rooms were allocated and once again I had my very own luxury lodge with a superb viewing balcony and already the elephants were walking past about 15 yards from the balcony. Then it was down for a tremendous lunch which included a walk down to their amazing viewing area where again the elephants entertained us over a cold beer. Then it was off on the afternoon game drive. The weather was really hot so no need for the blankets this time. On our way back to camp we stumbled over a large white rhino with her small calf so it all worked out great. Back to camp and right in for dinner. Another great meal and superb entertainment by the staff. Had a few more drinks after the entertainment and off to bed for the early start the next day.

Day 3 started with an early rise again. It was raining quite heavy so the drive was delayed until 0700hrs. Off we went and because of the rain it was not as dusty so pretty pleasant. Very quickly we were made aware of a kill by a pack of five wild dogs. Apparently there are only the five on the reserve so this was a rare experience so off Cornelius went in pursuit. We were not disappointed as we found the dogs devouring a poor impala. We got about 10 metres away from them but they did not care and we got some amazing photos. What an experience. We watched them for ages. After a tour of the camp we said our goodbyes as our next hosts had arrived for us from the Thukadu River Camp. Patience was our new guide and she knew that the leopard was top of our list. It took about two hours to get to the camp but we were stopping at loads of great sightings. Once again we were met by the very friendly staff with cold towels and drinks. We were allocated our rooms and it was a sharing experience as it was large substantial tents that were were in. Then it was all aboard as there was a possible sighting of the leopard. Well we did not imagine our luck. It was pitch black and we found a leopard up a tree with its kill. We managed to get some light on the tree and witnessed this amazing creature devouring its dinner. Once again we were about 10 metres away. After about 15 minutes when it had finished eating it came down. It was about five metres away, had a look at us and then walked away for some rest. That was it, big celebrations we nailed the Big 5. But we were not finished. We stumbled apon a white rhino and her calf and then a large hippo. Incredible experience and on our way back to camp we had another puncture but Patience sorted it and we arrived back for a great dinner in the Boma which is an outside BBQ. Had a great night but everyone was exhausted so it was off to bed early.

Day 4 started early at 0530am with coffee in the lodge. This was our last game drive and had to be short as we were getting picked up for our drive to Johannesburg. It was freezing, the temperatures had really dropped. They supplied hot water bottles and blankets and off we went. Very uneventful so we returned to the camp for breakfast before saying goodbye to the lovely staff and monkeys.

We drove about four hours to the Dehoek Country House in Magaliesberg for a site visit and lunch. Beautiful Hotel on the outskirts of Johannesburg. We then drove to our home for the next two days The Fire and Ice Hotel at Marble Arch.

Day 5 started with breakfast at 0730hrs and then it was off to the Apartheid Museum. Very emotional walking around and witnessing this amazing museum. Then it was off to Soweto for a cycle tour around the township stopping at Mandela's home and other amazing places. Then it was off to the Four Seasons Hotel for a site visit and lunch. Day 6 started early as we had our flight to catch to Mauritius. Short drive to the airport and caught the morning Air Mauritius flight. On arrival we were met by our ground handlers Ina and Jimmy from Mautourco and taken the short trip to The Shandrani Resort. We all had our own rooms in Mauritius which was very kind of our hosts. We got checked in and then had a lovely lunch followed by some free time in the afternoon. At night we had a hosted dinner with senior management at the resort and a lovely evening.

Over the next 6 days we visited the Denarobin, Paradis, Le Victoria, Le Mauricia, Le Cannoiner, Trou Aux Biches and the 6 star Royal Palm and had similar visits and hosted meals. Amazing experience!