"50 elephant crossed in front of us - sheparding their young - awesome!"

Shock and Awe … in equal measure ... as the Cadets experience an exciting game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Reserve 

Tommy’s 5.30am wake-up and open-air safari drive in the cold African morning air proved to be a bit of a shock, and very chilly experience, for the Cadets.

With the words of their guide ringing in their ears saying that it was important to “go into the park “not expecting to see anything” so that they would appreciate all that they did see they took pleasure in sightings of Giraffe, Zebra, Warthogs, Wildebeest, Impala, and Nyala. There were lots of plants and birdlife for them too enjoy too … but sadly no big game after 3 hours of driving.

THEN … “we found ourselves gazing in awe as a herd of 50 elephant made their way past us, decimating the undergrowth as they went and all the while shepherding their young. Of all the breath-taking sights we saw, that was one of the most powerful and an experience never to be forgotten!” - Will

50 strong elephant herd which crossed in front of vehicle

An angry Mama ... Gemma and Magnus took up the story and told us of more sightings and excitement that followed as the Cadets saw a White Rhino and calf & got caught in the middle of a large herd of Buffalo (known as the ‘cantankerous old men’ of the Bush due to their grumpy nature!) – however, on this occasion they were in a good mood! The Cadets’ vehicle also had to beat a hasty retreat (see below) from the Matriach of the elephant herd who came trumpeting towards them, ears flapping.

"Get back" - Elephant warning!

  
Bush Camp & Wilderness Walking Trails

Cadets settled into the small camp which is surrounded by a single fence with ‘open-air’ toilet and shower warmed by paraffin and watch tower from which the Cadets took ‘lookout’ shifts throughout the night.

“The afternoon bush walk was taken by two new guides, Tommy took the afternoon off and cooked tea for us when we got back … Nothing like warm food after a long wet. muddy walk (the weather has unfortunately not been kind). The warm chicken stew [potjie - pronounced poy-key] made me feel like I was in France sitting in a gourmet restaurant. Hopefully the weather will be a lot drier tomorrow!” – Will.

The Cadets found the tracks of a black rhino and saw wildebeest, guineafowl , warthog, and impala.

Elephant Pudding … Half way though the walk we were all given a ‘nice’ taste challenge by Zee (one of the guides). He picked off and offered the leaves from a particular tree called ‘Elephant Pudding’. The leaves tasted salty bitter and sour. “Not the best thing I’ve ever had … and to be honest I think I’ll leave it all to the elephants” - Will

The whitefronted bee-eater