FROM ESWATINI BACK TO SOUTH AFRICA

Resuming our Southern Africa adventure, we left Piggs Peak, Eswatini and explored as much off-road as possible before reaching the five-star safari experience Motswari Geiger’s Camp in the Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserve, South Africa in time for the afternoon and evening game drive.

JUST THE TWO OF US

We had the entire camp, a ranger and a tracker to ourselves, the only two booked in at the main reserve. A novelty, something neither of us had before experienced; as if deliberately arranged, but so happened by sensational chance. 

MOTSWARI GIRAFFE’S NEST

Straight after the afternoon game drive, the ranger dropped us off at Motswari Giraffe’s Nest, so that we could witness the dramatic sunset; well worth cutting the drive short. While enveloped by untamed wilderness, as far as the eye could wander, we spent our first night in a luxurious nest, high above the ground in a treetop overlooking Xanatsi Dam. 

The chef had prepared our dinner and breakfast, with bowls of snacks and as many soft and alcoholic drinks as desired. Both the food and the drinks would last at least a few days. 

STAY ALERT – DON’T GET HURT

We were locked in with a CB radio, in case of an emergency. Sometimes it didn’t work, he notified us, but you will be fine, no animal can climb this high. He laughed. I couldn’t find the funny side to it at all. 

The instant the sunset, a cacophony of birds pierced the peace with their song. After twenty minutes, we couldn’t hear each other talk. We made a roar in their direction and suddenly silenced every songful bird. And the singing never returned. Ahhh! At around 2am a low rumbling bark made us pay attention. First, we thought it was a hyena but decided, no, it was a leopard. Maybe we’ll spot her tomorrow.

THE RISING BUSH

While still dark the next morning, the ranger and tracker collected us for the game drive. Yes! It was a leopard’s bark we’d heard, they’d confirmed. The tracker spotted its tracks en route to us.  Let’s hunt for the leopard. Unfortunately, we never came across one during the three safaris we’d experienced.

YOU AND I

We spent our second night in the palatial Motswari Geiger’s Camp where the solitude, having the camp to ourselves, caused me to appreciate native Africa even more. The excellent service and food provided an unrivalled African bush adventure. Unequivocally, up there in the top five.

THANK YOU, LUSTROUS AFRICA

Oh yes, please, we shall return to Motswari Geiger’s Camp! Especially if we can arrange the place to ourselves again.

Please Note: For copyright purposes, I have considerably reduced the resolution of each image below.