Bali, Britain, Spain & Safari

[andye]

After settling went for an evening game drive on the reserve. Have missed out on rhino on my 2 previous safaris but there they were within 20 minutes. Open jeeps so very easy to see. Had a hunt around for a leopard before and after drinks but you cant win them all

 

[kookaburra75]

After settling went for an evening game drive on the reserve. Have missed out on rhino on my 2 previous safaris but there they were within 20 minutes. Open jeeps so very easy to see. Had a hunt around for a leopard before and after drinks but you cant win them all
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I have to ask. What is with the seat out on the front of the bonnet? Is that to attract the leopards?

 

[Flyfrequently]

I have to ask. What is with the seat out on the front of the bonnet? Is that to attract the leopards?

Riding shotgun @kookaburra75 ?

 

[andye]

I have to ask. What is with the seat out on the front of the bonnet? Is that to attract the leopards?

Its tempting to say its like a stick for a marshmallow but its really for a spotter to give an extra pair of eyes to the driver. This one was particularly good

 

[andye]

Next day was into Kruger. We picked up our fellow travellers from the Radisson (looked pleasant enough but very glad we chose the lodge).

It was am interesting bunch and felt a bit like a set-up for a slasher film

1. Us, the doctor and nurse with a couple of teenage kids
2. The man from New York who looked like a cross between the English comedian Ronnie Corbett and Jerry Lewis. He was dressed full safari including a pith helmet. His job was selling continence pads¹ ., which is a noble profession, but boy was he an evangelist
3. The Canadian couple who owned a rifle export business. "I love Australia, and come to shoot kangaroos every year"
4. The best friends from school in London who spent the first half asleep as had been drinking all night in the hotel
5. The flamoyant Brazilian with a jaunty hat.

(My money would have been on mstrandye3 being the only survivor when credits rolled)

 

[RooFlyer]

(My money would have been on mstrandye3 being the only survivor when credits rolled)

Don't know about a slasher film - I'm thinking Agatha Christie.

Who'll be the first not to make it back into the vehicle after the first wildlife stop?

 

[kookaburra75]

Next day was into Kruger. We picked up our fellow travellers from the Radisson (looked pleasant enough but very glad we chose the lodge).

It was am interesting bunch and felt a bit like a set-up for a slasher film

1. Us, the doctor and nurse with a couple of teenage kids
2. The man from New York who looked like a cross between the English comedian Ronnie Corbett and Jerry Lewis. He was dressed full safari including a pith helmet. His job was selling continence pads¹ ., which is a noble profession, but boy was he an evangelist
3. The Canadian couple who owned a rifle export business. "I love Australia, and come to shoot kangaroos every year"
4. The best friends from school in London who spent the first half asleep as had been drinking all night in the hotel
5. The flamoyant Brazilian with a jaunty hat.

(My money would have been on mstrandye3 being the only survivor when credits rolled)

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But remember, you don't have to outrun them all when the lions charge, just don't be the slowest

 

[andye]

Kruger is a big park and full of game. You have to stick to the sealed roads. Open to private cars. You can stay on the Rest Camps for a pretty budget experience without long drives. We were in a jeep with very good visibility.

 

[andye]

 

[andye]

We didnt have much luck with cats but did see a (slightly dishevelled) leopard just as we were leaving

 

[andye]

Next day was allotted to a tour of various scenic spots aroind the Drakensberg Mountains. The Rondavels, various waterfalls and God's Window ( a scenic view Mozambique toward the Indian Ocean). It apprears on almost all the safaribookings tours as a Highlight. Pretty scenic but to be honest we would have preferred another day on game drives. The Canadian gunsmiths were with us and were really lovely people. But the weather came in, God's Window was frosted and the fog was so thick we were grateful to the driver for getting us back alive.

 

[andye]

The lodge put on a decent BBQ/braii that evening. Available pics dont to justice

 

[andye]

Next morning we had our last game drive. A smidge jealous of the Swedish couple wjo'd ticked off the Big 5 ay Kruger the previous day. Howver, all agreed we wanted lions.

It had been raining and not much to see, a 'rare' hornbill and eagle aside in the first
hour.

But the chatter went out over the radios. Drivers got out and walked into the bush. Next thing we were heading offroad. There were lions there, the tree loppers were in action, and we were headed towards them. Now Im no security expert, but do know you make sure you have an easy exit in a potentially dangerous situation. But we were in a 12-point turn from our escape route. Dangerous but thrilling and no complaints. 3 lions eating a wildebeest carcass

 

[andye]

Late morning came and back to Joburg. Staying at the Radisson again. All on the Exec floor and a great suite upgrade for me and mrsandye. Lounge very good with a Nestoresque guy in charge

 

[andye]

Flight 9

JNB-SIN
SQ Y+ A350-900
VA award 97.5k VA + $89 pp (JNB-SIN-SYD)
Pax: mr&mrsandye and mstrsandye3&4

I stuffed up and didnt check in until T-12. Couldnt allocate seats as a result. Beating myself up that what I hoped would be our best flight would have us dispersed throughout the cabin.

Mrsandye couldnt be allocated a seat at checkin. Did that mean shed be downgraded or even...upgraded

The JNB PP lounge was not too baf

We did end up all in Y+ with only mstrandye3 separated but he did have a bulkhead. Family andye impressed with their Y+

 

[andye]

Flight 10

SIN-SYD
SQ Y+ B777-300ER
Va award as above
Pax: mr&mrsandye and mstrs andye3&4

A reasonably tight connection so quick march between terminals. Never at risk but no lounge time

Good flight. The extra comfort of Y+ appreciated particularly for the incremental points cost.

And we were back home. Mrsandye worked out we spent 101 hours of our 21 days holiday in planes or airports but for me, I wouldn't have changed it.

 

[VPS]

Next day was allotted to a tour of various scenic spots aroind the Drakensberg Mountains. The Rondavels, various waterfalls and God's Window ( a scenic view Mozambique toward the Indian Ocean). It apprears on almost all the safaribookings tours as a Highlight. Pretty scenic but to be honest we would have preferred another day on game drives. The Canadian gunsmiths were with us and were really lovely people. But the weather came in, God's Window was frosted and the fog was so thick we were grateful to the driver for getting us back alive.
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I am sure @RooFlyer will know what all those rocks are but they look amazing