Saturday 3 November 2012

Friday 2 November - Mashatu camp -> Wonderboom airport

Last day of the flying safari. We had a great last safari drive in Mashatu park yesterday. There was a leopard that chased a jackal and ended up with a 1 week old baby monkey. The jackal somehow got the baby from a troop of baboons. When the leopard chased the jackal, he dropped the baby baboon. It was amazing to see this big cat and the tiny monkey. The monkey was already hurt by the jackal, we could see a big cut in his skull and body. So chance of survival was close to zero. The leopard was quite gentle with the baby monkey. We watched the whole event for about 30 minutes. We don't know what happened in the end. We can only feel sad for the mother losing her 1 week old baby. But this is nature. what to do. 

We got up at a respectable time of 7:30 and after breakfast we left for the airstrip. An hour flight into South Africa for a fuel and immigration stop. Then another hour to Wonderboom airport in Pretoria.  Markus was awaiting us there and we offloaded all the bags and Sarel came and picked us up. A last beer with the group and a big thanks for Albert & Markus for organising this amazing trip. The evening we spend with Family and friends. Malinda's parents came over from Cape Town and her brother lives in Pretoria. A great evening. 2 more days here in Pretoria and then back to Singapore. It has been a great holiday! 


The jackal



Circular farming fields

Finals Polokwane airport

Flying formation

Unloading



Thursday 1 November 2012

Wednesday & Thursday 1 November - Day around Mashatu Part 2


We are really enjoying ourselves and decided to stay an extra day. So now we only flying back to Pretoria on Friday. Albert was ok with it and there was no real urgency for the return of the aircraft too. This camp is just so relaxing. We do a safari drive in the morning and get back around 10 AM. then some lunch and a rest before going for the 4 PM drive again. This works out just perfect. Time to go for a swim or a snooze and also to update the blog. Here are some pictures of the last 2 days. just a few random shots. We have sooooo many pictures and great memories of this unforgettable trip sofar. Tomorrow is the last day of the trip. A short flight to Polokwane international airport in South Africa to clear customs followed by a short flight to Pretoria. 

Welcome drinks by our friendly guide

View from the room. Straight into the game reserve. Some mornings we find grazing animals here.

Evening dinner outside under the stars



These birds have their nest inside the river bank

The lions come very close to the car. They don't attack or anything, as long as you stay still and don't get out of the car of stand up. 


Albert taking good care of the ladies

Sundowner stop