were a time to relax at the pool or in the many seating areas in the lodge , and there were traditional music and dance performances each evening .
We experienced nine game drives in total , each one unique and exhilarating . Our first sighting of giraffes was so beautiful as they loped along , turning back to look at us with their big eyes . Once , when heading back to the lodge after sunset , we heard the violent breaking of trees and were confronted by a herd of elephants devouring foliage . The elephant matriarch was not amused as she glared at the vehicle with ears flaring before moving her herd away — quite unnerving . Other encounters included various herds of elephants , close encounters with zebras , African buffalos , lions , giraffes , leopards , antelopes , wild dogs , warthogs , monkeys , and various birds . Experiencing two young male giraffes cracking their necks together in a play fight , a trio of rhinos drinking at a waterhole , a male lion devouring a catch while the female and cub lay quietly a short distance away , following a huge herd of zebra trotting down a dirt road , and catching a fleeting glance of a leopard in the light of a tracker ’ s flashlight were all incredible experiences of the natural world that are etched in our memories .
South Africa was an awe-inspiring adventure . A trip of a lifetime !
Janet Tripp is a retired teacher and school administrator , living with her husband in St . Albert . She is grateful for her health , family , friends , and opportunities in her life experiences .
news & views SUMMER 2022 | 25