At Five Weeks in Africa!
Trip Start
Jan 09, 2008
1
4
7
Trip End
Mar 21, 2008
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Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve,
South Africa
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
We're at the 5 week point in our South Africa journey. Due to the issues in Kenya, we may be changing our itinerary a bit after the expedition is over in late March. We'll keep you all posted as to where we're headed.
Recently, we had an African BBQ (a braai) out on a dry riverbank under the stars near our camp. The stars here are amazing! We even got to see the Southern Cross and several shooting stars - an incredible night sky. Next week we're to spend the night sleeping outside - should be exciting!
This week we had a tour of the De Beers Diamond Mine which is next door to our Venetia Game Reserve
Baby Bushbuck
. This is one of their largest mines and each year produces over 8 million carats of diamonds! Wow! LOTS of intense security, but so interesting. And unfortunately, no, we weren't allowed to bring out any samples. :-( We're still doing daily scouts for the lions (found 3 new baby cubs, just 2 weeks old!), African Wild Dogs (tough to get good pics of), Black Backed Jackals (a lot cuter than I would have thought), and Brown Hyena (haven't seen him yet). Still having lots of elephant encounters, too. Amazing stuff!
We're starting our second 5 weeks at a new reserve called Karongwe. Their focus animals are leopards, cheetah, and lions. But we did see a giant Hippo on our first drive into the park! On our 4 day off holiday, we spent time at Kruger National Park -- the largest park in South Africa. Lots more animals to see. It's been such a thrill to see these so close! Hope everyone is doing well. Wish you all could be here to experience this awesome place!!
Take care!
Cheryl and Lisa
Comments
wow!
Once again, I'm stating my jealousy for you two! It looks like y'all are having so much fun. And those pictures! How close are you getting?