A Superb South African Safari By Adventurer and Photographer Dianne Gowder
A Superb South African Safari
By Adventurer and Photographer Dianne Gowder
I have just returned from a wonderful trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe with my son, a trip delayed two years due to the pandemic. The most wonderful part of the trip was the 3 days we spent on Safari.
We flew up from Cape Town to a town called Hoedspruit and stayed in a wonderful lodge there.
Twice a day we were taken out on game drive for 3 hours. From 6-9 am, yes, that is correct we started at 6 am! Then our evening game drive was from 4-7 Pm.
Just driving from the airport to our accommodation we saw impalas and warthogs. I was very excited but our driver/ guide said we would soon tire of seeing impalas. He was correct!
On our first real game drive that evening we were lucky to giraffes and zebras almost immediately, and at the very end we encountered two male lions right by the side of the road! What a thrill that was.
I was asked if I was nervous being so close, and we were indeed very close, to the lions, my answer was “ not at all!” We had a wonderful guide, Richard who drove the land cruiser and an great tracker, Kenny who sat in out in front on the vehicle. They took great care of us.
About two thirds of the way through the evening drive we would get out and stretch our legs and have a “ sundowner” drinks and snacks, right there in the bush.
One night we were looking for a leopard, they are very hard to find, and our guide heard over the radio that one had been spotted, we jumped back in the cruiser, leaving our table, drinks and snacks out in the middle of the bush and headed off to see the leopard!
We did return to retrieve the food and drinks later, luckily no animals had discovered them in the meantime.
It was magical, and a little chilly, to be out in the bush as the sun comes up and then to witness the sunset at the end of the day, spectacular skies, and the stars at night.. so many, our guide showed us the Southern Cross and how to navigate by it. It’s amazing how they can find their way around in the daytime, let alone at night!
The peace and the beauty of the bush and the animals that live there is very hard to describe adequately. Imagine driving along a dirt road, no sounds but the chirping of birds, then round the corner to see a herd of elephants munching on the trees, or wildebeest running through the grass.
I hope one day to return, and that you have enjoyed this window into the magic of an African SafariI booked mine through Travelstore in Malaga Cove and it was perfect. The thrill of being in the bush combined with a very comfortable camp and fabulous food. I have hundreds of photos and wonderful memories.
Dianne Gowder Bio:
Here is a link to my Facebook photography page
https://www.facebook.com/Walking-About-Photography-by-Dianne-Gowder-105661514321435/
Also I can be found on Instagram @dgbrit
Originally from England, but now long time San Pedro resident..
Credit for bio picture: Arturo Garcia Ayala
Dianne loves to walk and she tries to do at least 3 miles every day before she heads out to work. Her love of photography evolved from her walks.
“ I have always been amazed by scenery here and more and more I found myself stopping to capture the beauty of my surroundings. As I shared my work I realized that very few people were even aware of what they have on their doorstep!”
Dianne has made it her mission to share the beauty through her photographs and she takes her friends on walks as often as possible.
