Journey to South Africa - Back to Nature

Friday, March 13 Hluhluwe Game Reserve

It's 4:30 in the morning and we are on our way to Hluhluwe(pronounced Shuh-Lu-We) Game Reserve, a park that is well known for white rhinos. Since it is my first time to visit a game reserve, I eagerly await our arrival. In case you don't know, a game reserve is an area of land set aside for the maintenance and well-being of wildlife. As a visitor to the park, you can ride on the designated roads and look for animals or enjoy the scenery as long as you stay in your vehicle (aka: cage!) at all times. Animals have the right of way. There are camp sites or rest stops sprinkled throughout the area so if you want to get out of your vehicle, you go to a designated spot that is either fenced and/or monitored by guards with guns. (Kruger Park, one of the most famous game reserves in South Africa, is where we spend our last week in South Africa.)

We when pass through the gate at Hluhluwe, it isn't until I see my first free elephant up close and personal that I understand the thrill of seeing animals in their natural habitat. Not only do I see his magnificence, I feel it in every inch of my body. As I look at the elephant, I do not feel sorry for him like I would if I were observing him in a zoo. He is the boss in this setting and we have the utmost respect for him. We know that he can charge the car and crush it as easily as we crush an empty soda can if he decides he doesn't want us in his territory.

Mendy explains that the animals do not know that humans are in the cars that are moving about their territory. They can not see inside a vehicle so we simply look like a big steel object. They don't see our peering eyes and cameras unless someone breaks the rules and gets out of their vehicle. The elephant is the main threat to a vehicle. It is very important to give him space and to get away quickly if he starts to flap his ears aggressively or stomp a foot into charging position. These body movements give fair warning that he is agitated. (There were only two times when I felt we might be on the receiving end of an elephant's anger and both times, Mendy handled the situation beautifully.)

As we go on our game ride, every second is exciting because I never know what I might see next. There are all kinds of birds and animals that are new to me. Here are some the animals we see.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow I will post beautiful photos from our time at Cape Vidal.

Thanks so much for reading!

Beverly

PS: Photos taken by Greg Smith.

Comments

[Barbara]

WOW!!! What fun Greg must have had, having all these photo opts, and, what fun seeing the results...and, what fun getting to be there with your breath taking recording of all your experiences...

[stacy]

beautiful!!! beautiful!!! beautiful!!!

[Kate Robertson]

Beverly,

I have been enjoying your travelogue. My friend was just in S., Africa too. I love seeing the giraffe's and elephants, my favorites....

Kate