Lion & Rhino Reserve Adventures

After our day at Hartbeespoort Dam we spend another day with Miss Elzabe.  Last time we were home, I stumbled upon this Rhino & Lion reserve and immediately fell in love.  I desperately wanted to return this time, just to see a rhino for one last time.

I am a lover of all things rhino and it makes me hyperventilate to think that my grandchildren might not ever have the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures.

We left early in the morning, and as usual nature delivered - in such a beautiful way.  One of the things that I miss the most, is the beauty and animal life all around.

The field was beautiful and green with little wild flowers all along the way.

We saw an array of different kind of animals. 

I was a little bummed that we went all day without seeing any rhinos – but at the end of the day as we were exiting the park and approaching the main gate – boom –right there to side we saw all five of them basking in the sun, covered in mud, and eating grass.  It was so fantastic, my heart seriously dropped a little and I felt slightly disappointed when I knew that my chance has practically passed.

The animal crèche, as usual was a hit among the kids – I mean who doesn’t like any kind of baby animals?

I love that we get the chance to interact with different animals – learning about them, their story, how they ended here, and all the conservation efforts.

The kids were hoping to be able to see baby lions again, but they weren’t around this time, so we settled for the sweet little white tiger cubs (not very African) but a great opportunity.

They were super lazy, besides for the one playful and mischievous one.  Hayleigh was the perfect size to pounce – lol.

The baby cheetahs were so cute, and playful – one of my favorite little baby animals.  Hayleigh has always wanted to see ones in real life, so her little dream came true.

I had a chance to spend some time with the resident cheetah named Annabel.  She is four years old, and such a sweetheart.  I have never had the chance to be able to interact with an adult wild cat (for one I am scared sh*tless - they are wild after all.)  But I decided to make the most of it, and I am so glad I did.

Sometimes I joke that I missed my calling.  Growing up I had these great plans to somehow work with all these wild animals in the line of conservation, maybe even rehabilitation, and of course to do game drives for foreign visitors.  Then Nate came along, and I fell in love, and I moved away – and I don’t regret any of it for a moment.  When I do get to do these things when I am home, sometimes I have this surge of wondering what it would be like…

We had wonderful little picnic lunch.

  The big cats were amazing.  We were able to see them eat... the kids thought it was the coolest.  I love any cat - a wild cat or even a pet cat.  It all made me miss Millie so much!

Can you spot the cheetah?

 

  Later in the afternoon when the sun was scorching down super hot, we went into the caves.

 They were magnificent and we thought it was pretty awesome.  The Wonder Cave was mostly used by the Italians to mine limestone.  We learned so much about all the formations, how they form, how long it takes – I never knew half of the information.

 The kids had their cameras again this time…. Here are not blurring shots.  Though it can be annoying at times (just being real,) I do love seeing their perspective on our trips.  I learn so much about them.

  I am so grateful for this day, to be able to experience so much of nature with the kids, and having a little more time with Miss Elzabe.  She is such an incredible blessing to us, and I am so grateful to have the privilege of knowing her.

I can’t believe that the time Is flying by so fast, and that soon we will be heading back home.

Soaking up, cherishing, and loving as much of the African sun as we can.

Happy Wednesday!