WALKING WITH RHINOS SAFARI

We surprised our sons on the night before, giving them all a "Save the Rhino" bead bracelet ,

a red rhino horn for their car/s and a  "Walking With Rhinos Safari" cap!

This was their first adventure in true safari style. 

Our gear loaded up, we locked our car and got into the safari jeep.
Off we headed to the camp.
The boys had no idea what was planned!

Plains Camp. 

Safari Tents

In true African style. 

"I say, old chap…see anything?"

"Badger. What is it chap?"

Camping in the African bush veld 

Happy parents!

The lads relaxing.

The view from the pool and tents.

Our first safari during our stay. A sunset trek.

With sundowners, of course!

Ranger Mark and Tracker 

Afternoon hike in search of wildlife.

Our afternoon trek had us finish at the treehouse camp.

Another braai with sundowners.
Life is good.

Rhinos, dead ahead!

Two! We had to stay "down wind"of them. At one stage the five
 of us were standing on top of a termite hill! The rhinos were that close to us!

It is a wonderful experience to be in a safari jeep driving through Kruger Park.

The experience goes to a whole new level when you are on foot, walking in the bush, and spotting the African wildlife just metres away from you! You can smell, as well as hear the animals up close and personal. The rangers and trackers are unbelievably gifted in their jobs. They have incredibly keen eyes and a wealth of knowledge.  This was an experience of a lifetime!

WALKING WITH RHINOS SAFARIS

KRUGER PARK, HERE WE COME!

As we drove into the park, we spotted rhinos straight away!

Then two more at a water hole. They looked like a
 "push-me-pull-you" out of "Doctor Dolittle".

On our first day we saw about a dozen rhinos!

After unloading our gear into our  accommodation, we headed
 to the waterhole to watch the animals at sunset.
It is a tradition  to have "sundowners" at this time.
We honoured that tradition in style!

Animals taking their turns to drink at the waterhole.

Hippos have big mouths and make a lot of noise grunting!

The African braai shuffle.

Cooking boerwors for dinner with chakalaka!

The next morning as we turned out of the camp gate,
we were met with a herd of elephants crossing the road!

And walking down the road!
When driving through the park, people must be careful not to get
 in the path of the elephant (especially a Mum and baby,
or a male in musth.) or they will charge the car!

These big male elephants walked in front of us on the road as
we were about to turn into the camp/cafe. They were metres behind us!

See how close they are to the boys? 

Funny baboons!

A hawk that had caught a wild hare.

We came across a "hide" next to  a waterhole.
When we entered we were so excited to see three big, male elephants directly in front of us!
Magical!

The one in the foreground was such a poser for the camera.
Whilst in the hide, people have to move very slowly and speak
in whispered voices, so as not to disturb the animals.

The we happened upon two cheetahs in the distance. They are below the tree.
Can you see them?

Tomorrow, we have a very special surprise for our sons! 

THE ROAD TRIP BEGINS!

Our trusty steed, THE BEAST, with it's Red Rhino Horn attached.
(Sales of these plastic horns raise awareness and money to stop rhino horn poaching.)

Happy Mum in between two sons!

The road trip begins with shenanigans and much laughter!

Road works delay for over an hour. The lads decide to quench
their thirst and stretch their legs.

Lunch at a favourite spot called THE DECK at Malelane.
The restaurant is right on the Crocodile River which borders
Kruger Park. Wildlife passes by right in front of you! 

Watching the African wildlife for the first time!

Let the African Adventure begin with….
AFRICAN SHIRTS!!!!

Proudly wearing their new shirts.
(I always get the sizing wrong!)

Fooling around!

Staying at the Pestana Hotel and enjoying the sunset over Kruger Park

Glorious sunset. 

Cute, but noisy hippos come out at sunset to graze all night long.
They return to the water in the morning at dawn.

Now….what will tomorrow bring?

OUR SONS ARRIVE!!!

Happy Mum and  Dad!

Doctor Liam
Whilst waiting for the brothers to arrive,
we did THE RED BUS TOUR of Johannesburg,
rode to the top of the towers in SOWETO and visited
MANDELA'S HOME.

Aron the Medical Student
With Liam and Aron, we visited
THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND where
the oldest human remains have been found! 

CRADLE OF HUMANKIND

Ryan the Mining Engineer and Court Jester

And so The O'Regans set off on their AFRICAN ADVENTURE!

LEARNING PORTUGUESE

One of my favourite activities was learning Portuguese with "Professor Arcenio" each week for two hours. We laughed a lot and I would be corrected for saying "how do you say?" or "so..." For 10 months, I persevered learning the language. I was determined to converse and understand the news on tv and the radio! I was so excited to be moving onto BOOK 2!!! Paulo often helped me as he drove me somewhere.

BUT... I had to leave without saying goodbye! Everyone at Escola Brumag were professional, friendly, diligent and encouraging, but there was no on who could top my teacher! I had so much fun with him. He even joined me on some cultural outings to explain the history and culture, and to help me converse with the locals. We sometimes had lunch after class to continue practising.

I still have some lessons to do because I want that second book! I hope that we can continue learning by internet. That or that he must come to Joburg and teach me.

I miss our lessons, our laughs, my faux pas  and your corrections, Arcenio! Thank you for everything! For teaching me AND for being my friend!

EVACUATION!!!!

Due to an increase in violence and kidnappings (involving AK47s) prior to the Mozambican elections, the company that Mr. O works for decided to evacuate all women and children. Many returned to their home countries. Many, sadly not being able to say goodbye to friends, employees and loved ones.

Thankfully, we were relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa, as Mr. O could work from there and we were expecting the arrival of our three adult sons for a month long holiday! I did not get to say goodbye to my friends and their children or the children I taught as it was a very quick decision.

Things could be worse. At least we are in Johannesburg, known by the locals as "Jozi" where good food, good wine, good golf and good times are abundant!