We departed Sandton around 9am and arrived at the Mthethusmula Game Reserve at 2 pm where a representative from the Bongani Mountain Lodge met us at the bottom of the mountain with his 10-seater open-top Land Rover Defender.
We then took a 7km off-road journey up to our lodge under the 37 deg c scorching
sun.
We have finally arrived!
After grabbing a quick lunch, we were given a little orientation about the lodge.
Basically, we weren’t allowed to walk around at night because there’s a high chance that wild animals could be roaming around the area. We were to call a ranger to escort us at any time we want to get to another place. We were then given
45 mins to go to our room to prepare for our sunset safari adventure.
As we headed back to the main reception, we saw a Nyala eating from a tree just outside our cottage.
At 4 pm, high tea was served. A selection of scrumptious cookies and cakes were served with coffee, tea and juices.
After 20 mins, we were ushered into a room to meet our ranger and trekker, and also for an orientation of the do’s and don’ts during the safari trip.
After that, our ranger, Simeon, and our trekker, Sunnyboy led the way.
Just to let you know about the seriousness of this trip, Simeon was equipped with a loaded hunting rifle for any unforeseen emergencies. He also reminded everybody again not to talk loudly, make any sudden movements, or to stand while inside the jeep because if you do this, it will break the silhouette of the vehicle which the animals recognizes as one unit, and you will stand out as a potential prey.
And then...off we went!
Not long after we left, a radio call came in from another group of trekkers about lion sightings. Simeon re-routed us to a path that led us 2 meters away from 3 lion
cubs.
They seem very alert about everything around them. They scanned each person very carefully with their watchful eyes.
Again Simeon turned his head around slowly to remind us about keeping our excitement down to a minimum.
About 100 meters away from the lion cubs, our vehicle suddenly stalled. Simeon tried to start the vehicle several times but to no avail. It just wouldn’t work. So they had no choice but to open the hood….this would mean Simeon and Sunnyboy getting off and breaking the silhouette of the vehicle. As one person fixed the vehicle, the other one held the rifle ready and kept a very watchful eye at the cubs and the mother who was somewhere close in the area!
It was a very tense moment for us…even Simeon looked worried. They were able to start the vehicle just enough for it to roll down the hill and away from the lions and then it died again for good. That’s when Simeon finally called for backup, which came about half an hour later. So while in the second car, we were able to see a herd of impalas preparing for the night, some wild buffalos and giraffes, and a little rabbit.
It was already dark by then and it had also started to rain. And then our vehicle broke down again the second time. While waiting for the 3rd vehicle in the middle of nowhere, we had some drinks and snacks that the lodge had prepared for us.
When we got back to the lodge, management offered us a complimentary sunset safari tomorrow to make up for the fiasco that happened earlier. Dinner tonight was the best so far. We had a traditional African dinner consisting of venison, ox tail, and chicken all cooked by the local natives. They also had the best brownie I’ve ever had in my life and I’m hoping they will give me the recipe so I can share it with you guys too!
