Today was our first Monday and that is our "day off" or P-day. We were still trying to deal with jet lag and flying to South Africa. Gerald and Donita Christensen were to take us shopping and help us "get set up" today but suggested we go to the Lion and Rhino Reserve as our first African experience. We agreed and were glad we did. It is just over an hour outside of Joburg and they have been there 6-7 times and love going there with family or whoever comes to visit. We got there and the first thing we did was feed and pet a giraffe!!! Lis (I mean Sister Johnson) even did it!
Of course it was pellets from a bucket but she fed it out of her hand as well.
We then went into the reserve and drove around on dirt roads in our minivan trying to find animals. It is a large area so the animals roam free except for the "predators" which are in large, separated fenced off areas. We saw Springbuck,
Waterbuck,
Blesbuck,
Sable Antelope,
and other "fleet" animals. We also we saw several of what they call the "Big 5" which are Cape Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, and Elephant (they don't have any elephants at this reserve). We saw Cape Buffalo
Lions
Leopard (it was in an area we couldn't get into)
and my favorite, the Rhino's.
W were about 15 yards from them in our minivan and realized that if they got mad and charged us, we were totally at their mercy. They are a mammal tank with a horn....and not the kind that beeps. Amazing!
Fortunately the Warthogs came to protect us.......
(Warthogs remind me of goats when they get on their front knees to eat).
It was a fantastic day and some how we stayed awake while we were there. The Christensen's said they have never seen the Rhino's this close and it was the best of all the times they have been there. Glad they brought us. We were exhausted when we got home and participated in a much appreciated nap. Hard to believe we are in Africa, but we are glad to be here and look forward to more exciting adventures with all Africa has to share.
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