Hluhluwe Game Reserve 23 March

March 23

Quite assuredly unlike any Easter Sunday morning I had ever experienced. We were met at our cabins by three driver/guides from Thompsons Africa Touring & Safaris for our 6-hour morning game drive through Umfolozi Hluhluwe Game Reserve http://www.places.co.za/html/1979.html. The guides had amazing knowledge of not only all the animals but also how to spot them from further away then any human eye could possibly see. They are all exceptionally well trained having been required to take classes, pass exams, participate in a practicum which is followed by a stringent assessment, before taking classes on first aid and completing yet another class on how to manage people on safari –very impressive.

The drive itself was amazing for both the beauty of the landscape, as well as the animals. We stopped at a picnic area about ½ through the drive and ‘feasted’ on the interesting breakfast that had been provided by the folks at Sand Forest – hard boiled eggs, a variety of sandwiches, fruit, cookies, water . . . but no coffee ; - (

The Zebra entertained us as we ate and many took posed and candid shots of both the animals and one another before continuing on our way to see yet more animals and breath taking views.

Following the drive we stopped at Hotel Hluhluwe for lunch before returning to Sand Forest. The afternoon provided a time for some to rest and relax while others of us were transported to the Craft Market for a bit of shopping.

(the one truly unfortunate part of the day was that Joelle was sick and unable to join us for the game drive which was one of the things she had most excitedly anticipated---we all missed being able to share the day with her, but believe her speedy recuperation and the remainder of the trip, helped to mediate her disappointment).

Finished the day with dinner in the dining room. Great conversations and a chance to relax and catch up.