ON SAFARI -THE END OF 2015
A few weeks ago Torchwood Travel took first time visitors
to South Africa on Safari for another adventure in the bush
Our team consisted of David our Tracker, Pieter Dannhauser our
amazing guide and our very own Chene Wales-Baillie also now a
guide for Nkorho Bush Lodge

I have to personally say that there is nothing more magical than
the African Bush, and it was a pleasure to showcase the world of
nature and beauty to our guests with David, Pieter and Chene.
Our stay at our favourite lodge Nkorho Bush Lodge brought sightings
as always of the Big 5, including some of my favourite
feathered friends, one being the Yellow Bill Hornbill.

Nkorho Bush Lodge is situated in the Sabi Sands Private Reserve which
borders the Kruger National Park, and its here that you are always sure
to see the Big 5 especially Leopard. Sabi Sands has many leopards.
We entered Gowrie Gate after having our car checked and drove down
Gowrie Main, looking out for game all the time, we did see some
impala and kudu on the way to the lodge.
Arriving at the lodge is always special as all those that work at Nkorho Bush
Lodge are very special to our Torchwood Family. We settled in to our allocated
room/s and it was time for a long cold drink and a wonderful lunch prepared
by the chef Pierre whilst looking over the open area towards the waterhole.
Pierre creates the most delicious food.

The swimming pool was so inviting that we spent the early part of the
afternoon cooling off as the heat was rather intense being December in
Africa.
The pool overlooks the waterhole as does the dining area and quite a few buffalo
had come down for a drink at midday.
Soon it was Drive Time and our first Game Drive. Everyone was excited as
we climbed aboard the vehicle. All we heard was Lets Go!!
Setting off into the drive we stopped to take our first sighting of an
Elephant throwing up dust

It was not long before we started to drive through thick thicket, our guide Pieter
knew what he was looking for, so did I (I understand Shangaan a little)
but our guests didnt. There is front of us lying on a mound was our very
first leopard sighting. The leopard is called Quarantine and what an amazing
animal.
Cameras were flashing!.

Back on the sand road, David was checking the tracks and
nodding. Along the way we saw Impala and Kudu and some beautiful
giraffe. We drove along and in front of us was a White Rhino he was
wallowing in the mud surrounded by Buffalo - Well spot the odd one out!

The radio beeped and we were off to another amazing sighting.
On the open area of Nkorho in front of us were a pair of lions, the male
being one of the Birmingham males which have taken over the
territory with his female. Our guests were in awe especially when the male
lion walked straight towards us and around the vehicle. The lions
were just totally unpreturbed by the presence of the vehicle.
Again some awesome photographic opportunities.

It was time for our afternoon Sunset drinks, served with savories
and my favorite "Biltong." We sipped our drinks whilst watching
the huge red ball in the sky starting to decend. We all felt we were blessed
what an amazing way to spend the last day of 2015 watching the
Sunset over the African Bush I was as always in awe of it all.

The sun started setting and we continued on our drive, soon our
tracker David had his spotlight out scanning the bush around
and it wasnt long before again the spotlight shone on a male
leopard. It was the leopard called Mvula. WOW how amazing
to have seen both leopards in one day.
Time to return to the lodge, it was Party Time it was the end
of 2015. The old year was passing and the brand New Year was
starting. On arrival back at the lodge were were handed hot towels
and a cocktail. Lots to talk about our first drive. It had been so
exciting and we couldnt wait for the next one in the morning
Dinner had been laid out on the deck near the swimming pool and
I have to say it was so beautifully decorated. Dinner was a 3 course
meal prepared by chef Pierre, and it was incredible. Later we
danced to the music till the clock struck 12!

It was now 2016
If you thinking of visiting Nkorho Bush Lodge
You can make reservations in New Zealand with Torchwood
Travel by emailing diane@travelmanagers.co.nz