Monday 9 May 2016

South African Safari



We decided to do our Safari in the Eastern Cape as it was a great starting point for our trip along the Garden Route. It also meant we didn’t have to take anti Malaria medication, which was a definite plus. We flew into Port Elizabeth and drove our hire car straight to Hitgeheim for one night of relaxation pre our Safari adventure. The journey from Port Elizabeth was somewhat bumpy and made me aware that I should NOT have booked a small car as it really wasn’t suitable for the dirt roads. Whoops!  We trundled along in our Ford Fiesta at 5km an hour and I really regretted trying to save money on our hire car., although it did increase our budget for the amazing food that was on offer! When we finally arrived at Hitgeheim we needed something pretty awesome to brighten up our moods, and I’m pleased to say Hitgeheim did just that. The views were epic, and as we relaxed with our welcome drinks the stress of the journey drifted away.


The rooms were perfect and the comfortable beds were just what we needed after our flights, which totalled 20 hours. We ate an awesome barbecue for dinner, with delicious glasses of unlimited wine! It was a shame that we’d only booked one night at this awesome hotel, but we were equally excited to get back on the road (in our Fiesta!) and arrive at the Lodge for our Safari.



We stayed at the Pumba Lodge Game Reserve near Grahamstown and it was without doubt one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever stayed. Our guide, Justin, answered each and every one of our (sometimes ridiculous) questions and managed to bring his humour with him, even on the 6.30am drives. It was so incredible to see so many beautiful animals, and I felt relaxed and content as I stared, open mouthed at these majestic, and somewhat cheeky animals.


We had some slightly hair raising moments, like when a bull elephant blocked the path and refused to move for a solid 10 minutes, and when reception called our lodge to explain we needed to stay inside as there was a leopard lurking in the vicinity! Seeing the giraffes staring at the sky as the sun set stood out as an amazing moment.  I wouldn’t say this lightly; this Safari was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Yes, it cost the same as a month’s rent in London for just 3 nights, but it was worth every one of our hard earned pennies. I’d say this was a once in a lifetime experience, but I’d love to go again, so maybe it’s more of a thrice in a lifetime experience.




Did you know that a group of giraffes is called a tower? No, neither did I!

10 comments:

  1. Looks insane!

    alexandra
    www.alyspace.co.uk

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    1. It was absolutely incredible! Going through these photos made me miss it!

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  2. I've always wanted to go on a safari! They look absolutely amazing - I can't even imagine getting to see all those animals up close and in the wild rather than at a zoo!
    xo April | April Everyday

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    1. It was absolutely incredible! You should definitely do it one day x

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  3. Hi lovely!

    I've nominated you for a Liebster award because I think your blog is great. If you fancy doing another tag haha, and answering my questions, feel free to check out my post.

    Amy x

    http://www.amyeliiza.co.uk/

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  4. What a nice place! beautiful photos!

    sheindressau.com

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  5. Beautiful country, where is the lion?


    missydress

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    Replies
    1. We did see lions and they were amazing but my photos didn't do them justice! It was an incredible trip :)

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  6. Wonderful place beautiful animal, I really want to go there.

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