Karongwe Afternoon

Karongwe Afternoon

Some of the days, lunch was forced to blend right into tea time.  We are a very congenial and talkative group.  One afternoon, Bonnie, Phil, Iva, Susie and I walked to the sister lodge tented camp, Chisome.  Passing their swimming pool we were greeted by a Kudu grazing.  None of the bigger animals seem to graze in exactly the same way our cows do.  These animals seem to eat small trees and shrubs.  No one has a vegetable garden, flowers, or much lawn.

We stopped to swing in some old tree swings and to watch the little monkeys play.  We checked out the tents of the resort were really fancy as was the tented lodge and dining room.  There were even shops.  This and our lodge are considered four star.  Everything seems first class to me so maybe in the five star places they bring the animals right to your room!

We sat for a while and just chatted and exchanged life stories.  It is so much fun to meet new people and find quickly that you become friends.  That is definitely one of the great rewards of travel.

We wandered slowly back to our cabins past the orange blooming aloe and watched the Warthogs who were grazing on our front lawn.  I think they are like the clowns in this circus.  When you disturb them, they run toward you, heads lowered, charging.  Just before they reach you they swerve off to the right and seemingly suffer instant memory loss and begin grazing again!

One afternoon, Susie and I were sitting on our deck overlooking the Limpopo and heard noise.  Looking around for it since we already knew where the Baboons were, we saw the Elephants crossing the shallow river, one behind the other.  The little ones playfully splashing.  Before this trip I did not know that because of their size and the fact that they are not ruminants, Elephants need to eat for about 22 hours a day!  So a little water fun is a real treat.

After our 3:00 tea break which featured white tablecloths, quiche, and a sweet treat along with iced lemonade, tea or hot drinks, we would set out at 3:30 for the afternoon drive.  

The animal life is very different at this time of day.  The grazers are heading for the watering holes and keep their eyes open for the predators who have been resting and are now beginning to think about the dinner menu.  Always interesting but the afternoon we made our way to the largest watering hole on the site we saw Hippos and Baboons interacting until pretty soon the Hippos headed for the water and the Baboons turned the attention as Masters of the beach to the nearby bird nests, causing the winged parents to dive bomb the wickedly playful troublemakers.

Another time at a different spot, smaller and more secluded, Mama Rhino was tenderly cleaning off the baby and nursing before making her way back to the bush.  

Our favorite scene so far was one we stumbled into when we came around a slight curve and saw a family of Zebra at the watering hole.  I will say nothing more but let you enjoy!

Another lucky sighting was the Lion.  The Preserve has only the one male.  You might be able to see a fence in the background but will note that the lion and we are on the same side.  The preserve is fully fenced as it is privately owned.  The Lion was making sure that his counterpart on the other side of the road did not get the idea to come get our man’s ladies!  It was all very exciting to sit in an open vehicle so closely next to a roaring male lion, although, I must admit, some of his roars were more like a cat coughing up a large fur ball as he worked his way up to the real warning!

When we returned well after dark from the drive we were greeted by Risette or Jonathan, our hosts. Warm cloths were given us to wipe the dust from our faces and hands.  As we stood around the central reception table in the dim light we shared our adventures while enjoying a Sherry, or a delightful aperitif of Crème de Menth and Marula!  Marula is made from a local tree.  It does not have any particularly alcoholic properties but locals harvest the fruit, allow it to ferment, and it is very tasty and popular.  That might be the preferred souvenir!

Dinner were served in a fine dining style.  Main course choices were requested at lunchtime by the chef and plated very nicely.  Two nights we had Brai in the Boma.  Susie and I sat up late every night by the great stone fireplace in the lounge and then talked and laughed some more when we returned to our cabins.  Days were long and filled with enchantment and nights were short and filled with pleasant dreams.