FRIDAY THE 13th.....WHAT A LUCKY DAY

Friday morning, after checking out of Nkambeni, we drove a couple hours to visit a preschool for ages 2-3-4.  We took alphabet puzzles, candies, pens and pencils, and a couple balls to share and in exchange, we received memories that will stay with us for a very, very long time.

When we arrived at our new lodge, Karongwe, hot and sweaty from our drive, we were greeted with warm hand towels and cold drinks. 

Our accommodation is something out of a movie. Another tented camp, but much more luxurious than the last. The fence that separates our cabin from the wildlife is 2 feet from our deck. 

Janice and Blair taking a picture of me taking a picture of them

When Jane and I left the dining hall, we had to wait for the warthogs to get off the sidewalk before we could go any further. There are guards here to escort us after dark.

Ok Pumba, you were here first, go ahead...

Our afternoon game drive was very exciting. We witnessed a wrestling match between three, 2 ton rhinoceros that looked like they were partaking in a rugby scrum. They were all pushing each other, nose to nose and head to head.

They were so involved, and they moved so quick, they came very close to our vehicle, causing more than a few panicked seconds. We do, however, have total faith in our driver and guide, Helen, or H as she goes by, and our tracker Colin.

The rhinos in this park have had their horns trimmed right back to prevent them from becoming victims of poachers who only take their horn, then leave them to die.
The park made the difficult decision last year when poaching reached new heights. Kruger Park alone lost almost 900 rhinos last year. The horns are sold for their so called " medicinal" properties. Some cultures believe they enhance virility. 1 kilogram of rhino horn goes for $60-70,000.

H and Colin preparing our Sundowners, tailgate party, South African style....complete with white table cloth.

As I write this, we are laying in bed, having just read the bedtime story that was on our pillow, (How the cheetah got its tear stained face) along with a hot water bottle and a lovely chocolate, and we can hear snorting and grunting that is coming from just beyond our door. What an amazing day!! Stay tuned....