Going on safari, going to see a big one…

We drive to Entabeni to go on a Safari. We are stoked and listening to African music the entire way. Entabeni is the same game park that Marc went on safari nine years ago with his parents. It was really exciting to find their names in the guest book.

Entabeni has grown into a huge game reserve, resort, and golf course. The Legend Golf Course they are in the process of building has the longest par 3 in the world. You have to take a helicopter to the tee. Marc starts itching to play. Unfortunately we were a little too early.

Our room is stunning. It is a cabin to ourselves and we are knocked out with the view and the safari inspired decor.

We have four safari rides booked. As with most safari rides, they take place early morning and at dusk. We load in and see zebras, foxes, groundhogs, warthogs, monkeys, giraffes, cheetahs, elephants, and lions over the course of the safaris.

It is one thing to see a lion in a zoo, but to see one in the wild, hear him roar, and witness behavior that is identical to that of a domestic cat. Seeing a cheetah run full tilt is nothing short of freedom.

On our first day we were waiting on our safari jeep to arrive in the main lodge where breakfast had just been served. Marc came to a sudden halt and pointed. The room was full of monkeys. Yep–monkeys. They were stealing sugar packages from the coffee table and jumping through the rafters. These monkeys were so clever they had figured out how to get in, where the sugar was kept, how to open the sugar and escape–unusually unnoticed. I of course think this is absolute genius. We are both so impressed with their party tricks that I decide to help with the cause and leave sugar packages around the trees of the lodge.

Entabeni made us a big BBQ and we dined outside under stars that have seen no equal. It was breathtaking. The sky was lit up and South Africa is considered one of the best places for stargazing in the world.

More safaris are definitely on the books and future to-do lists.

Final game drive to viewing point:

More wildlife:

Long-legged giraffes walk with the limbs on one side of the body lifted at the same time. This gait is called a pace and allows a longer stride which saves steps and energy.

South Africa: