The Big Five

We flew from Cairo to South Africa (with a short layover in Dubai!). From there, we stayed at the Lion Park near Johannesburg in a tent camp for a night. We drove through the lion reserve where lions would walk right next to our small rental car, almost at eye level with us through the windows. I got to pet baby lion cubs, but was attacked in the process. Luckily my cuts finally healed. We had the most magnificent view from our tent - a wide open field where giraffes, gazelles, impalas, zebras, and many other animals would walk by (20 feet from where we were sitting).

After that, Trev drove (on the opposite side of the road in a confusing manual speed car) for 5 hours to Madikwe Game Reserve where we stayed for 5 days on a Safari. We went on drives twice a day (4-5 hours for each drive). Within the first two drives, we had seen the big five (see photos below), which is really rare! We saw many many zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and impalas. We also saw some rare animals such as the wild dogs and leopards.

It was about 90-95 degrees from 10-4pm, but before and after that, it got cold. We had some amazing thunderstorms 3 of the 4 nights where the thunder was so loud it shook our little cabin. Our cabin also didn't have windows (just canvas flaps), so with the wind and rain combination, it was quite an experience. The lightning was so strong and bright that it looked like daytime!

Here are all of our pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/traveltt/

THE BIG FIVE


Lion

Water Buffalo

Rhino

Elephant

Leopard