Our journey continues as we headed about 3 hours northwest of Durban to what locals call "the bush." The area we were in is called KwaZulu Natal region of South Africa. In this area there are several reserve parks to tour in the Drakensburg Mountains. These reserve areas were established by the British government in 1866, basically at that point they set a law that no one can hunt in these areas.
We literally had a thousand pictures, so I really tried hard to narrow it down. I hope the photos give you a glimpse of the amazing time we had, but no photos can replicate the beauty of Africa and the joy we felt experiencing this landscape and these animals in their natural environment.
The road to Zululand Safari Lodge...
Yes, in these areas the Zulu still live in these huts. They mainly run farms (sugar cane and pinnaple), they are students and they work at the local factories including, aluminum and limestone.
Our resort was actually located in a small reserve called Ubizane, therefore, there was wildlife all around us at all times!!
Upon our arrival we were thrilled to spot our first wildlife..this GIGANTIC snail. Why does Mike look so happy? Well most of you don't know that my Father, Kent has a major issue with snails, he literally is totally freaked about by them..and we are talking about just the small garden snails. The look of pure enjoyment on Mike's face is knowing that my dad hates these and here he is holding a massive one..as if it were a gift to him!!!
The steps outside our tree lodge...Our next sighting right outside our doorsteps..Impala..these were everywhere!
Our treelodge, we actually had two that were connected, one for us and one for the boys.
The back...
The boys out surveying the area...
Everywhere they went they each carried a walking stick...
A tree you can only see in Africa, a cross between a cactus and something else..I can't remember the name...
On game drives we always rode on these land cruisers, all of the boys were in heaven!
Jake's usual spot, right next to the safari guide...
I could show endless animal photos but I tried to give you good shots of a variety of few...Mommy warthog and babies...
A break from a drive, they would always provide a snack for all and your favorite beverage!
Amazing Africa first thing in the morning...Everywhere we went you could literally see the earth curve at the skyline...
From high on a hilltop...
Our surprize hotel hosts...the vervet monkeys. They told us when we checked in to shut and lock your door when you leave your room, as the monkeys will come in if you don't..we halfway thought they were joking and then they came! They were everywhere trying to steal food it was literlly the best part for the kids, the monkeys would try and trick you to get to your food, it was crazy! Here one is trying to get something we left on our back patio.
Then they tricked us, some got our attention to the front door, while another got to Jake's coke on the back patio..sneaky little devils!
The are so gutsy!
The babies were so cute, they would just cling to their mommies while the mommies jumped and ran around, even eating!
Next thing you know..they are trying to move in!
One day we went to a cheetah reserve where they rescue injured cheetahs..Mike got to go in!
Jake..taking it all in. He quietly viewed during all of our drives, he was really focusing on finding the animals and then learning about them!
A boat ride around St. Lucia lake, there were plenty of hippos and crocks!
Local children would stand in exit areas trying to earn tips...
A dung beatle...We could watch these guys for hours. These large beatles push and push dung to a certain spot to lay their eggs, the mommy rides while the daddy pushes. Sometimes they would push and push and then roll all the way back down a hill, your heart broke for them!
The bar at the lodge, restaurant at the back left.
More local housing areas...
Part III to come..Capetown!
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