We flew out to the bush this morning in a small Cessna with just Sam and I and the two pilots flying the plane. The co-pilots door was open until right before lifting off the ground and then he shut it as we began lifting. It seemed a bit strange to me hot late he shut it and when he shut it it didn't close all the way. We had a cracked open door for the flight which provided us with a steady stream of some natural air conditioning. We looked at the co-pilot with a look like, is this normal and he said nothing to worry about. Well, I guess we aren't concerned about cabin pressure? ;) Well despite the chill, it was a great flight with fascinating views from above. A whole other perspective and gave the sense of overwhelming dry, flat landscapes where if you lit a match the whole plain would ignite. Well as a matter of fact there was a very large "controlled fire" or a brush fire that we flew over and almost through as the black plume of smoke. You could also see areas where there were established communities next to shanty villages and you could tell those since they didn't have set streets and all the roofs were reflecting the sun since they all have corrugated metal roofs.
We landed on a dry grass runway. There was just a jeep there, no one else and no building,just a runway field. Jaque from Ant's Nest was there to meet us. We hopped aboard and drove down dirt roads back to our camp about 30 minutes away. Arriving at Ant's Nest we had no idea what to expect and honestly flying in with such arid conditions and things not very green at all I was a bit worried where were we going and were there going to be any animals. But as driving into the game reserve we saw a huge male Kudu standing erect almost welcoming us into the reserve. We were brought into the grounds of the Lodge that was marked by the huge purple acacia tree that offered some much needed color to the dusty desert surroundings. We were taken to our room and things got even better. Our room was like we were living in a dreamy tree house with a thatched roof, large oversized wooden furniture with brightly african colored pillows and large 4 posted beds draped with mosquito netting and beautifully cleaned and charming, including the large sunken in tub with a view over the tree in the yard that all the weavers are spinning their nests in right now... amazing and so much chipping yellow weavers in this bright yellow trees with hanging nests. Apparently the males are the ones that make the nests and then the females come in and inspect the nest and if it doesn't meet muster it is knocked down and the males begin again. Sorry boys ;)
We had a lovely lunch, on the porch of the lodge and met our fellow hotel guests. We eat our meals together since there are only 6 rooms here and a max of around 12 guests. After we relaxed on our porch and got our binoculars out to examine the weavers in action. We geared up for our first horseback ride. Sam and I weren't planning on riding but when we found out it is world renowned for their horseback safaris we thought we had best try it out. So Sam all saddled up tonight and i in my safari wear....finally getting some use, ousted, rode, trotted and cantered. Sam had a horse that almost took him swimming. He went n for a drink and was ready to totally sit down with Sam on the horse, but Sam managed to get him to turn around and get out the water, with some support of our guides. We had an over 2 hour ride to Ant'shouse where we were able to get up close and watch the Rihnos feed. FANTASTIC
We landed on a dry grass runway. There was just a jeep there, no one else and no building,just a runway field. Jaque from Ant's Nest was there to meet us. We hopped aboard and drove down dirt roads back to our camp about 30 minutes away. Arriving at Ant's Nest we had no idea what to expect and honestly flying in with such arid conditions and things not very green at all I was a bit worried where were we going and were there going to be any animals. But as driving into the game reserve we saw a huge male Kudu standing erect almost welcoming us into the reserve. We were brought into the grounds of the Lodge that was marked by the huge purple acacia tree that offered some much needed color to the dusty desert surroundings. We were taken to our room and things got even better. Our room was like we were living in a dreamy tree house with a thatched roof, large oversized wooden furniture with brightly african colored pillows and large 4 posted beds draped with mosquito netting and beautifully cleaned and charming, including the large sunken in tub with a view over the tree in the yard that all the weavers are spinning their nests in right now... amazing and so much chipping yellow weavers in this bright yellow trees with hanging nests. Apparently the males are the ones that make the nests and then the females come in and inspect the nest and if it doesn't meet muster it is knocked down and the males begin again. Sorry boys ;)
We had a lovely lunch, on the porch of the lodge and met our fellow hotel guests. We eat our meals together since there are only 6 rooms here and a max of around 12 guests. After we relaxed on our porch and got our binoculars out to examine the weavers in action. We geared up for our first horseback ride. Sam and I weren't planning on riding but when we found out it is world renowned for their horseback safaris we thought we had best try it out. So Sam all saddled up tonight and i in my safari wear....finally getting some use, ousted, rode, trotted and cantered. Sam had a horse that almost took him swimming. He went n for a drink and was ready to totally sit down with Sam on the horse, but Sam managed to get him to turn around and get out the water, with some support of our guides. We had an over 2 hour ride to Ant'shouse where we were able to get up close and watch the Rihnos feed. FANTASTIC
Good view of urban development in South Africa. Mine, settlement, and outside the settlement thousands of shanties in an informal settlement
Looks like a bush fire, more than a controlled burn
landing at the local airstrip
official airstrip "Airport" entrance
Information as we are entering Ant's Nest informing poachers and the population that their horns have been injected with toxins to the humans
Our room at Ant's Nest
Weavers just ouside our bedroom who we have been watching build their nests
RHINOS
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