Flying to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We said. Goodbye to Sabie river bush Lodge and made our way back to Skukuza airport, still stopping on the way to spot more animals. Skukuza airport is actually set in the National park and after heavy rains we had to cross a narrow bridge where the river was washing over the bridge in parts, we drove over it VERY slowly.

 





Skukuza airport a lovely, small airport, modern with an African feel. It barely has any walls, a thatched roof and beautifully kept gardens and waterfalls. When we arrived we were the only two people in the departure lounge, there are no departure boards or tannoy announcements. When its time to board, a guy walks out and shouts "All aboard". We then took a very smooth forty minute flight back to Johannesburg.










The following day we returned to Johannesburg Airport. We boarded a British Airways B737-400 bound for Zimbabwe, excited to finally see the legendary falls. The flight was smooth, and before we knew it, we were airborne for just over an hour and a half, watching the landscapes change below us.

As we began our descent into Victoria Falls Airport, the excitement grew. The views were stunning—endless bushland and the mighty Zambezi River snaking its way through the land. The airport itself was small but charming, with a warm African atmosphere greeting us upon arrival. After disembarking, we felt the rush of warm air and the anticipation of what was to come

We landed at the new Victoria falls international airport that was only completed last year, immigration took 55 minutes and cost us 55 US dollars. We were collected and taken to our accommodation, the Pamusha lodge, we had a quick drink, unpacked and prepared for our first excursion.

At around 4 p.m., we were driven to a jetty on the riverbank, where we boarded a boat for our evening cruise. The atmosphere was serene—nothing but the sound of the water as we gently drifted along, sipping a crisp glass of white wine. The warmth of the sun and the golden light made everything feel even more magical.

As we cruised along, a commotion near the bank caught our attention. A group of hippos had gathered in the shallow water, and we were lucky enough to witness them in action—those huge jaws opening wide, showing off their sheer size and power. We managed to get some fantastic shots as they lounged in the water, completely at ease in their natural habitat. It was incredible to see these magnificent creatures up close, their massive forms half-submerged as the sun started to dip lower into the sky.

The whole experience was so peaceful, yet full of excitement. Watching the colors of the sunset reflecting off the river while wildlife roamed around was a perfect ending to our day at Victoria Falls. We both felt completely immersed in the beauty of the African wilderness.

We spent a couple of hours cruising up river while the captain gave us some very interesting information about the river as we turned for home we could see in the distance the huge clouds of spray that are caused by Victoria falls, but that’s for another day.

Day 20 - Skukuza - South Africa

We said. Goodbye to Sabie river bush Lodge and made our way back to Skukuza airport, still stopping on the way to spot more animals. Skukuza airport is actually set in the National park and  after heavy rains we had to cross a narrow bridge where the river was washing over the bridge in parts, we drove over it VERY slowly. 

Skukuza airport is a lovely, small airport, modern with an African feel.  It barely has any walls, a thatched roof and beautifully kept gardens and waterfalls.

When we arrived we were the only two people in the departure lounge, there are no departure boards or tannoy announcements. When its time to board, a guy walks out and shouts "All aboard".

We the took a very smooth forty minute flight back to Johannesburg.                   

A rainy day in Kruger

A heavy storm blew in last night from Mozambique, hammering rain onto our tent all night long. It was impossible to sleep through the relentless downpour, but there was something oddly soothing about the sound, even as it shook the canvas walls. By mid-morning, the storm had eased, and we finally had a chance to sit out on the deck, sipping coffee as the lazy Sabie River flowed steadily by, swollen from the night's rain. The air was fresh, and the sky still carried the weight of the storm clouds, but there was a peacefulness in the aftermath.

In the afternoon, we set off on another safari in Kruger with our guide, Bernard. This time, it was just us and two vets from London, which made for an intimate and informative experience. The vets had an impressive depth of knowledge about the wildlife, and their enthusiasm was contagious. Bernard guided us expertly through the park, pointing out game at close quarters.

We were lucky enough to spot a variety of animals—majestic rhinos lumbering through the bush, giraffes gracefully nibbling at the treetops, and waterbucks standing watchful by the waterholes. Impalas darted through the grasslands, their sleek bodies moving like whispers, while a lone hyena skulked in the shadows, watching us pass by with its intelligent eyes. The air was alive with the sound and color of birds—vivid flashes of plumage flitting through the trees, adding splashes of vibrancy to the otherwise muted landscape. Each sighting was a thrill, making us appreciate the raw beauty of Kruger even more.

 

Our trip to Kruger Park was an unforgettable experience, filled with moments of awe and excitement. But by far the best part of the trip was the incredible encounter we had with a small group of elephants.

We had been out on a safari with our guide, Bernard, in the afternoon. The air was still heavy from the rain that had thundered down all night, but the skies had cleared, and we were keen to see what Kruger had in store for us. We had already been lucky enough to spot rhino, giraffe, and hyena, but what happened next took our breath away.

As we drove along a dusty trail, we saw them—a small herd of elephants, majestic and calm, moving towards us in perfect harmony. Bernard slowed the jeep to a stop, and we watched in awe as they approached, growing larger with each step. The lead elephant, a grand matriarch, came within 10 meters of our vehicle and stopped. The others followed, and soon, we were surrounded.

They were feeding on marula fruit, their trunks gracefully reaching up to pluck the ripe fruit from the trees. Their massive ears flapped gently, catching the breeze, while their trunks swayed rhythmically, as if they were communicating in some ancient, silent language. The sound of their breathing, the soft rustling of their movements—it was mesmerizing.

For what felt like a long time, they simply stood there, comfortable in our presence. We barely dared to breathe, afraid of breaking the spell. I remember Mandy squeezing my hand, and we exchanged a look that said everything—what a sight this was.

Then, to our surprise, a baby elephant walked out of the troupe, stood right in front of us, and began to perform a little dance. It was like he was putting on a show just for us, twisting and turning in a way that was both adorable and hilarious. Luckily, we had our camera ready and managed to capture that precious moment on film. Every time we watch it, we can’t help but smile and relive the joy of that experience.

As we drove back to camp, the sky began to change. The sunset over Kruger National Park was nothing short of spectacular, painting the horizon in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. We took a moment to soak it all in, the beauty of nature reminding us of how lucky we were to witness such incredible sights. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with adventure and wonder.

On Safari in Kruger national park

Our second game drive in Kruger was an early morning adventure. It was still dark when we set off, the air cool and a light drizzle coming down. Our guide, aptly named “Lucky,” seemed unfazed by the weather. He assured us that early morning is often the best time to see the animals, as they're usually more active before the heat of the day sets in.

At first, things were slow. The drizzle had seemingly kept most of the wildlife sheltered, and apart from a few impalas grazing in the distance, we hadn't seen much. Mandy and I exchanged glances, silently hoping the weather wouldn't spoil our chances of spotting something special. But Lucky was confident, keeping his eyes sharp and his hands firmly on the wheel as we trundled along the bumpy track.

 

Then, as if the rain itself had sent us a sign, Lucky suddenly stopped the vehicle and pointed to the ground. "Lion tracks," he said, his voice low but filled with excitement. He jumped out of the vehicle to examine them more closely. "Fresh," he said with a smile, "very fresh."

The atmosphere changed immediately. Our anticipation grew as Lucky hopped back into the driver’s seat and we began following the tracks, moving slowly and scanning the surrounding bush. The rain had started to ease, and the first light of dawn was creeping in. We could feel something big was about to happen.

After about 10 minutes, Lucky motioned for us to look ahead into the bush. At first, we couldn't see anything, but then, there he was – a massive male lion sitting about 300 meters away. He was partly hidden among the tall grass, but there was no mistaking his presence. This was a big cat, his golden mane slightly wet from the drizzle, yet he sat there proudly, surveying his territory like the king of the savannah.

We all sat in awe, watching him in silence. He didn't seem to mind our presence, just sitting there, completely at ease in his domain. The quiet was only broken by the occasional chirp of birds waking up with the dawn, and the soft rumble of our engine as we stayed still, taking in every moment.

We were now driving through the park, the weather having turned wet and windy, but the lodge had equipped us with fleece-lined ponchos, which kept us dry and surprisingly warm. The rain didn’t dampen our spirits—if anything, it added to the adventure.

After some time scanning the bush and soaking in the landscape, our patience was rewarded with an incredible sighting—a leopard moving stealthily through the short grasses. It was only a brief glimpse, but those few moments made all the waiting worth it. Seeing such a magnificent predator in its natural habitat was breathtaking, even if it was just for a short while.

The excitement didn’t stop there. The game sightings seemed to keep coming one after another. Not long after the leopard, we spotted a superb pair of rhinos, their imposing frames silhouetted against the rugged terrain. And then, as if to top it all, a large troupe of elephants appeared in the distance, moving gracefully despite their size. They passed right in front of us, so close we could hear their footsteps on the damp ground and see the younger ones tucked between the adults.

We couldn’t believe our luck when, shortly after, a buffalo lumbered into view, completing our list of the “Big Five.” There was a sense of satisfaction knowing we’d seen them all, but more than that, it was the feeling of being part of this wild world, even if only for a little while.

As we returned to camp, tired but exhilarated, we realized just how lucky we'd been. The memories of the leopard, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo stayed with us long after we left Kruger, adding to our growing collection of wildlife encounters across the world.

Flying to Kruger National Park, South Africa

On a bright and sunny morning, Mandy and I found ourselves back at Johannesburg Airport, excited for the next leg of our adventure. We had an early start, so the warm glow of the morning sun was just starting to fill the sky as we navigated through the terminal, passing the hustle and bustle of other travelers.

Once we boarded the small jet, we settled into our seats, ready for the short 40-minute flight to Kruger National Park Airport. The aircraft was cozy, and as we took off, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful patchwork of fields and landscapes below us. The city quickly faded from view, and soon we were flying over the vast, untamed wilderness that South Africa is known for.

The airport at Skukuza is quite unique, it small with a thatched room and open outside walls. Baggage reclaim is small stage where your cases are personally handed to you.

Our first game drive in Kruger National Park was a sunset drive, and I remember the excitement and anticipation as we set off with our guide, Douglas. It was around 4:30 p.m., and the air was warm, with a slight breeze rustling through the bush. As soon as we left the camp, it didn’t take long before we encountered our first wildlife — a massive bull elephant. He was feeding calmly in the thick bush, completely unbothered by our presence. His sheer size was breathtaking, and it felt surreal to be so close to such a magnificent creature.

Not long after, we spotted a couple of giraffes, their long necks gracefully stretching up to feed from the higher branches. They were so elegant, moving slowly and deliberately as they munched on the foliage. The quietness of the first part of the drive felt peaceful, allowing us to really take in the surroundings, with the fading light casting golden hues over the landscape.

Then, after about twenty minutes of driving, it was as though the bush came to life. Suddenly, the sightings started to pour in. First, we came across a small pack of hyenas, scavenging near the road. Their unmistakable cackles sent a chill through the air. They seemed alert and restless, always on the move. Not far from them, we spotted a herd of kudu — the males with their impressive spiral horns, standing proudly among the trees. They were keeping a close watch on the surroundings, always aware of potential danger.

As we continued, we came across a few antelope grazing peacefully, and then, as we approached a waterhole, we were thrilled to see a group of hippos lounging in the water. Their enormous heads and ears barely visible above the surface as they wallowed, occasionally flicking their ears or letting out a snort. The whole experience felt like a dream, with the sun setting behind us, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink.

It was an unforgettable introduction to the wildlife of Kruger, and by the time we returned to camp that evening, Mandy and I were buzzing with excitement, already eager for the next day’s adventures.

In evening, after an exhilarating day of game drives, we returned to our camp, which was nestled near the banks of the Sabie River. It was the perfect spot to unwind and take in the beauty of the African bush. We made ourselves a cup of coffee and sat outside on the decking, which was just 30 meters from the river.

The late afternoon sun was casting a golden glow over the water, and everything felt so peaceful. As we sat there, sipping our coffee, we suddenly spotted movement in the river. To our amazement, three hippopotamuses were swimming by, their huge bodies effortlessly cutting through the water. We watched in awe as they moved gracefully, their heads bobbing up and down, the quiet splashes the only sounds breaking the silence.

As night began to fall, we turned on the spotlights, shining them over the Sabie River. The light reflected off the water, creating shimmering patterns on the surface. And then, in the beam of light, we spotted another incredible sight—a crocodile. It was gliding silently through the water, just below the surface, its eyes barely visible as it hunted for prey. It felt like we were in the middle of a nature documentary, witnessing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Flying Capetown to Johannesburg

On a beautiful day we left left Cape Town and flew to Johannesburg, 

Our  flight, on a British Airways plane, was short but comfortable. Once the aircraft took off, we were treated to aerial views of the sprawling city of Cape Town, with Table Mountain standing proudly in the distance. The coastline shimmered as the plane banked and turned inland, soon soaring over the diverse South African landscape.

This was only a one night transit stop, we arrived in Johannesburg in the middle of a huge electrical storm that the locals told had blown in from Mozambique

  We checked into our guesthouse, the Sunrock, which is a lovely place with an honesty bar and good home cooked food. The evening brought torrential rain but inside the Sunrock they served up a lovely meal. 

Cape of Good Hope - South Africa

Up bright and early in the morning, we joined the “Baz Bus” tour of the Cape of Good Hope, excited for the adventures that lay ahead. The day promised stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences, and we couldn’t wait to explore this iconic region.

As we boarded the bus, the energy was palpable. Other travelers from around the world shared their stories, and we quickly bonded over our mutual excitement. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the city and highlighting the majestic Table Mountain in the distance.

Our first stop was at Hout Bay, where we marveled at the picturesque harbor and the surrounding cliffs. We even had a chance to take a boat ride to see the famous seal colony on Duiker Island. The sight of the seals basking in the sun and playfully splashing in the water was delightful and set the tone for our day.

We moved on up to Chapman’s point with Spectacular views over the bay. Next stop was Boulders beach to visit the Cape penguins, there were hundreds of these little fellas on the beach and the boardwalks allowed you get up close and to the new born chicks as well as the adult penguins who marching around the beach with their funny little walk.

 One of the highlights was our adventure in the Cape of Good Hope National Park. As we entered the park, the excitement was palpable. We unloaded our bicycles and set off, riding about 7 kilometers to our lunch spot. The scenery was stunning, with rugged cliffs and sweeping ocean views that made the ride exhilarating.

After a delightful lunch, we made our way to the Tip of the Cape. We hopped onto the funicular, which took us up to the lighthouse. The views from the top were nothing short of dramatic, overlooking False Bay and the shimmering ocean. It felt like we were on the edge of the world.

We then embarked on a 4-kilometer walk along the cliff's edge, taking in the breathtaking sights. Along the way, we encountered several large Cape baboons, casually making their own way through the park, and a couple of wild ostriches, which added to the sense of adventure.

As we approached the very end of the Cape, we couldn’t resist stopping to capture some photos at the famous sign. Standing there, with the wind in our hair and the vast ocean stretching out before us, it felt like a truly special moment before returning to Cape Town.

In the evening we had dinner at a lovely local restaurant in Seapoint’s and Rob tried roast Springbok for the first time, its absolutely delicious.