The girls had a private game drive this morning with the second (junior) ranger who we’ve nicknamed their “South African Uncle Kevin” (his name is actually Kevin, BTW, and he has blonde hair & a winning smile, although we don’t know if he’s a long distance runner. He doesn’t admit to knowing how to juggle though). The girls saw a pack of (endangered) African wild dogs eating an antelope they’d already taken down, some giraffes and a few more things. The adults (Julian, Dad, another guest John, and I ) went on a walking safari with the first (senior) ranger Matt. We saw our first successful “kill”….. a spider trapping, stabbing and wrapping a fly up. Not quite the Big 5 experience anticipated, but still kind of fun! We also learned lots about the local plants, and what not to eat ( a harmless looking “golden apple berry” is actually a hyper dehydrator, which would kill a human before getting to hospital. You may understand why when I explain that elephants use it as a “last resort” laxative for really bad tummy aches! So, yah, we’re staying far away from golden apples. ….)

We have a friend H back home who is doing a report on giraffes for grade 2 if I recall her grade correctly. So you should see some giraffe posts from the girls in this space soon. Not now, though — C&J and out with Julian and ranger Matt at an extra activity. They’re visiting – and feeding and petting – a local hippo. It’s one of Jill’s favourite animals and we haven’t seen one yet. So, the trip will ensure a hippo gets on our “check list” of animals we’ve seen.

I’ve been spending time figuring out our travel route and methods for SE Asia, and will soon turn off the WiFi so I can read and play games out of the lounge. I might go over to the treehouse. It’s safe to walk to in daytime….a little more dicey at night ’cause it’s across from the camp itself.

Lunch is in a couple of hours, then an afternoon game drive. So far none of us are getting bored of spending 3+ hrs on the trucks (or walking around) to look for animals. Every drive is different, and the scenery is pleasant enough (to understate things) that we don’t mind the time waiting for animals to appear. We’re never guaranteed to see animals but so far every drive has given us unique views into the animal kingdom…..