My exhilarating stay with Africa on Foot began with a transfer to the lodge with game ranger Enoch. While bobbing around on the back of the safari vehicle I kept my eyes peeled for a chance at spotting wildlife – you never know when something wonderful could pop out from behind a bush!
In between my mistaking a distant rock for an elephant and a tree stump for an impala, Enoch chatted away, telling me about the lodge’s history, the close bond the staff share and the naughty honey badgers that have been known to raid the lodge, crack open the liquor and pass out on occasion. I couldn’t have been more excited to begin my stay at the lodge and I arrived just in time to head off on a game drive…
Tracking the big five
I have no idea what they make Land Rovers out of these days, but boy-oh-boy did that safari vehicle deserve a badge after tackling the high-energy wildlife tracking mission we were on!
Within the first ten minutes of being on the prowl, Enoch received word that there were lions crossing the reserve, on their way out into the Timbavati. He politely turned around and said in his best English accent “Hold on, tight.” Grinning, I firmly grabbed the bar in front of me, and off we went. Arriving in the nick of time we watched as two lionesses casually slipped their way past our safari vehicle and out of Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. Wow.
A lioness walks right past our safari vehicle.
As we drove away from the sighting, we came across an elephant and her cheeky calf who playfully trumpeted his inexperienced trunk at us. Boom, around the corner and a pair of rhino… and the next corner a herd of buffalo!
It was as if Africa on Foot were employing these creatures to be at a certain place at a certain time to ensure we finished the game drive in absolute awe. Of course it’s all down to the sheer skill of wildlife tracking, but what a day!
To add to the already incredible experience in the reserve, we stopped to watch the sunset while we sipped on a brewsky and nibbled on traditional South African snacks of biltong and dried fruit squares. Having seen four of the big five on the game drive already, we were all perfectly content with heading back to the lodge to rehash the excitement of the day’s sightings. Next thing we know, we’re all back in the safari vehicle tracking a leopard. How Enoch managed to navigate his way around massive thorn trees, shine a steady spotlight, and radio in the sighting at the same time is beyond me. With that kind of go-getter spirit we got our leopard sighting… and bragging rights that go with it.
Tracking leopard while on an evening game drive.
The festive chatter around the fire pit that evening sparked a great atmosphere. The only time there was silence was when we all tipped our heads backwards to watch the brilliant stars sparkling overhead.
A safari on foot
At Africa on Foot, each day began before sunrise, heading off on a walking safari. On foot you get a far more intimate experience with nature. It’s just you, miles of stretching African landscape, the wild creatures that call this place home, and of course, your game ranger and his rifle.
During the stroll I learned so much about the wild. I learned how to track wildlife, which footprints belong to which animal, as well as useful survival tricks, like which tree’s leaves Bear Grylls would use for toilet paper if he were ever in the need of soft, safe material. Important stuff.
Ever heard of a game called Spit the Bokdrol? Enoch drew a line in the sand about 2 metres away, over which we all had to try to spit an antelope dropping. I popped the grass pellet into my mouth and gave it a go. My shot wasn’t the furthest, but I put in a good effort.
Walk on the African track
If I wasn’t found tucking into the delightful buffet spread of breakfast, lunch or dinner, I was taking a dip in the pool, reading or heading off on a game drive. As you can see, apart from the morning walking safari there wasn’t much physical exercise happening, so I asked if there was perhaps a safe track or trail where I could work off my second helping of last night’s dessert. I was in luck! There is a dirt road that encircles the lodge, so I grabbed my partner and we ventured off for a few laps, sure to use the knowledge acquired on the morning walking safari to identify various types of plants and wildlife tracks.
Sleeping in a tree house
You have the option of trading in a night in your chalet for a night’s sleep in a tree house, a few hundred metres away from the lodge. So my adventurous streak and I decided to give it a go. The tree house is a three storey, rustic structure with no doors or walls, only the most incredible 360 degree views of the surrounding reserve. I spent an utterly amazing night up there, falling asleep to the sound of the call of lions and hyena, and wondering what was happening out there…
A rustic tree house with the most beautiful view of Klaserie Private Nature Reserve.
Africa on Foot delivered in every way. The accommodation was magnificent. The food was worth the hunt for extra exercise. The wildlife sightings were out of this world. The staff were just so friendly, fun and ready to help, and as for Enoch, well any game ranger who can spot a three-inch, camouflaged chameleon in a tree, at night honestly deserves their weight in gold.
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