Africa in my Back Yard

Monday 4th July

This morning we left Johannesburg with Ruth, Gary and Elsie (Gary's Mum) and drove out of the city on our way to Marloth Park, which is adjacent to the famous Kruger Park, and separated only by the Crocodile river.  The drive down took 6 hours, mainly because we stopped to do a grocery shop and then wait for Jan and Brendan, friends of Ruth and Gary who were joining us for the week.

Having finished our shopping we were then faced with the monumental task of getting all the shopping bags into the car.  We had 2 cart loads, OH dear! We were in Ruth's Land Rover so there was a very large area at the back big enough, one would think.  However, there was precious little room left as we had all managed to completely fill the space with our cases and other relative crap for the coming week.  We managed to fill the back up to the roof.

Bob and Gary attempting to get all our stuff into the back of the truck

The scenery on the drive was stunning, although due to recent drought everything was dry and brown, but the mountain ranges all around us as we drove were still lovely.

We arrived at our lodge around 4pm and were met in the yard by a family or Warthogs.

Strange creatures, Warthogs have really huge heads, and the smallest feet you could imagine.  They seemed quite tame, although they were a little skittish and when startled amazed us with their speed and agility.  I didn't want to get too close those little horns looked quite deadly.

Our home away from home, the lodge in Marloth Park

Gary, Bob and Brendon unpacked the car while Ruth, Jan and I attempted to unload and store all our shopping in the small kitchen, which was not really big enough for 3 people at one time.  With Jan and Ruth bustling around talking about the meals they were planning for the week I quickly realized this was one kitchen where I would not reign supreme, so rather than get all bent out of shape about it I decided that I would have to forego my culinary passion for a few days, and just let them get on with it.

The Lodge kitchen

The first night at the lodge Brendon built a fire outside, and we all sat around after dinner with our drinks. It was a cold night, but the warmth from the roaring fire kept us all warm.

There was a large bricked area in the front yard specifically for building fires and a grill rack to cook on.

Possibly one of the most exciting things for me at the lodge were the bush babies, that arrived after dark as soon as the fire was lit, they jumped from tree to tree grabbing the little bits of fruit we put out for them, one even took the fruit directly out of Bob's hand.  The bush babies truly are just the most adorable little creatures I have ever laid eyes on.  The distance they can jump is astounding, these tiny little creatures are prodigious jumpers, leaping more than 20 feet...  They made our first night at the lodge very special.

African Bush Baby

So adorable

These magnificent, little creatures are about the size of my hand, I was really excited, and felt blessed to be able to see them so close.  Watching the bush babies proved to be the best possible evenings entertainment.  I'm really hoping they come back tomorrow night   :o)