Kapama River Lodge

From Joburg, we had a short flight on a Dash 8 to Hoedspruit.  Pick up in a game drive jeep and a short drive to the lodge.  After checking in we had lunch and prepared for our first  evening game drive. Off we went with our Ranger John and Tracker Fanny plus two ozzy's and a couple of canucks from TO.  The drive was a bit different from what we experienced in Kenya.  Open top jeep, room for 9 guests.  The roads are smoother.  We were able to get very close to a pride feeding on an adult warthog and at least two younger warthogs.  

The dominant male was sharing the adult warthog with a female and the younger lions feeding on the smaller kills.  The sun was setting and darkness approaching rapidly.  The drive continued with a spot light wielded by the tracker.  Stopped to "check the tires" and John + Fanny set out a mini bar for the eight of us which was reminiscient of the happy hour set up that K & I enjoyed in Tierra del Fuego, but not nearly as impressive.  Oh Well.

 It was quite dark and felt more like a delay tactic to ensure we didn't arrive back at the lodge too early for dinner.  The temperature drops very quickly after sunset here.  K & I had our jackets, but the boys didn't.  There were some blankets in the jeep that were appreciated for the short drive back to the lodge.  Returned to our rooms to freshen up ahead of dinner.  

The group of 8 from the jeep were seated together with John for dinner.  Had a look at the wine list and found the very same white wine we had enjoyed in Seychelles also offered here.  Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc.  The subtle difference was the price at Kempinski was 600 rupee, but here is 135 rand, small difference to some I'm sure.  The conversation at dinner was OK, mostly between us and the Oz.  John had not too much to say.  We let him know that we did not intend to join the group for the morning drive in favour of a sleep in and my desire to watch the Super XV semi finals.  So off to bed in hopes of getting synched with the new time zone.

This morning, after breakfast, we camped in the lounge to watch rugby.  I had intended to post this entry right after breakfast but there was a problem with the internet and WiFi so I am now posting at lunch after spending the morning/early afternoon in the lounge drinking Castle Lager.  We missed the morning game drive, and now anticipating the afternoon/dusk drive.  Our adventure continues.