Part 2. Africa and Asia.

[drron]

The hyena took no time dragging off the impala and finished eating it in a few minutes.

 

[drron]

After an eventful morning it was back for breakfast. Pancakes and berries for Mrsdrron and a full breakfast for me.




Before lunch I visited their little museum with the original accommodation.






Lots of pictures of the early days i the buildings.
Then time for lunch. Fish and chips for mrsdrron and a beef salad for me,




Finished with ice cream.

 

[drron]

Our last afternoon drive.














Our Tracker spotted leopard tracks and se off following them. Our guide took the rifle and took off through the bush pictured above to get to a creek she knew was close.She also had a machete o cut her way through. Meanwhile we sat in the car. Our guide returned some 20 minutes later saying or tracker had found the leopard which was a young male.

 

[drron]

So now we went down the dry creek bed and found this,



Surely you can see the leopard. Without the iPhone enlarging the shot we certainly didn't but our tracker did and then waited in case it moved. If it had he may have been attacked. I had even a greater respect for his skills. We waited until the other trucks arrived which took a while








The tracks show that the other trucks had arrived so we said our goodbyes.

 

[drron]

Time now for sundowners.



















You can see the dark clouds rolling in so less of a striking sunset.

 

[drron]

As we drove back to the lodge we left the dark clouds behind. followed the river for some way,






Once again dinner was outside so once again only picture is the first dish. Dried meat I believe was Kudu.


All that was left was our last morning of our stay. We could have done a morning game drive but decided to take it easy instead so invited our tracker and guide to breakfast and give them the morning off. I think they were both pleased. Was wonderful when they both sid we were the type of guests who thy enjoyed the most being interactive and taking things as they come.



My breakfast.

So we just relaxed. Mud map of Londolozi




And we just enjoyed the view,




This stay was everything I wanted. Expensive but worth it. What I wanted was to see a leopard up close. I had seen a leopard before but at least 1 km away. I researched it and the best lodges for leopard sightings were Londolozi and a couple in Zambia but at Londolozi it was rare to have a day without a leopard being seen. I certainly had my wish fulfilled.
Unfortunately the only problem was the last day and the transfer to he airport. They insisted 45 minutes would be enough time but we had over an hour trip from the airport. Fortunately the driver turned up 10 minutes early. He drove a little fast for the conditions but were held up by graders and trucks repairing the road.
We arrived at SZK an hour after leaving the lodge to be told check in was closed but our bag was on the plane. I said we needed to b on that plane as we leave JNB early the next morning so she rang the captain for permission to board us. The last person to board was on the stairs to the plane so the captain let us on but not before an I told you so SMS to the lodge manager.

 

[drron]

Back on our last flight on Airlink. I enjoyed their flights. I didn't Realise it then but boarding at SZK was the last time I would use stairs to or from a plane. Reasonable legroom and OK refreshments for a short flight.






Back to the IC JNB.


With classic car park views.



I don't enjoy the dinners at the IC so we went to the terminal to eat. We ate here.


The food was OK.






But the service was excellent. We had an 18 year old server and it was his first night in his first job. But he was excellent.Got a very nice tip and when we were paying the bill he was talking to the manager. i told her what a wonderful job he did.

 

[drron]

Next morning crossed the road for the last time and checked in at QR. Another 2 J award flights.
As we were walking to the QR recommended lounge we passed by this one which wasn't overcrowded and a sign outside it said they accepted QR pax so in we went.
















On our way to board we passed the lounge we were supposed to use but felt the Pearl lounge was better. soon in my seat.

 

[drron]

The wine list.

 

[drron]

We soon had our champagne.




Mrsdrron loved the Rose.

The menus.




And the food. first a starter.


Then the mezze



Snapper.

And fruit.

An uneventful flight and stayed t the oryx hotel as an early flight.

 

[drron]

Unfortunately for us boarding started a little after 0700 and at about the furthest gate so no lounge experience for us sadly as these were our seats.




And a different champagne.






The wines.

 

[drron]

The menus and food.





It was Chinese New Year.






Now normally on a flight of 7 hours I don't go to the lavatory but Mrsdrron said I should take a look.






Then back to my seat for meal.














And all this on AA miles for just over half the miles using QF or VA and the total payment for the 2 awards was 4us112.50.

 

[drron]

After eating I went to sleep. Quite busy at BKK on our arrival but we were given a buggy ride to Immigraton and went straight through. bags out first and we used our usual transfer company . Unusually we did not go to the IC but to the Staybridge suites Sukhumvit. Every second Chr.istmas we have with the family and the other we spend 2-3 weeks in Bangkok. We h ad always stayed at Marriott Executive Apartments the last one across the road from the Staybridge. But Marriott changed the earnings on these stays crediting points and qualifying nights only every 3 nights. Ihg haven't gone down that path yet.
We met the GM and he obviously liked the sound of our Christmas stays. He came back to us with an offer for this year. Stay 30 nights for just over 50% of the normal rate. Only catch was only 1 complimentary breakfast per day. No problem when their is a supermarket next door. As well we liked their apartments more than the Marriott. This was or apartment.

 

[drron]

Our first night we just went to the supermarket and got some sashimi for dinner.


The views the next morning.










Breakfast.








And CNY decorations.

 

[drron]

More. decorations.







Monday to Wednesday free canapes and drinks for everyone.




aftr 3 days we got a Grb to the IC,














Up to the lounge the first night.

 

[drron]

And in the morning Eggs Benedict.

 

[drron]

In the morning a walk to Central World.










Lunch at Nara. We always have their pomelo salad an Pad Thai plus sometimes a third dish.






The Erawan shrine.


And lining up for the Bangkok moto GP.