Day 15: The Big 5(0)!!

Happy 50^th birthday Becky!! Again we were up with the dawn at 5.30am and headed out into the bush with our target this morning being the lioness with her 3 cubs. It was a much warmer morning which was a relief as yesterday had been really cold. No one had seen the cubs for nearly a week and we spent a good 2 hours scanning a wide ranging area but had no luck. We did however see another herd of elephants close up and the real highlight was a Black Rhino who came right up to the truck and wished Becky a very happy birthday!!

On such a special day, it was only right that Michael sprang another surprise on us. We were heading back when he announced we would walk the remaining distance. We met a porter at a set of gates who would take the truck back and we set off into the bush on foot. Within minutes we stumbled upon a jetty with a speedboat moored up. We all got on board, Michael served us drinks and then we set off for home. It was beautiful with several varieties of kingfishers out looking for their breakfast and diving into the water which was just lovely.

We breakfasted in the main lodge before returning to our rooms to open some birthday cards and speak to family back in the UK. Becky then had a massage, Tessa a manicure and Eliza a facial, whilst Issy and I sunbathed by the pool and we rested up ahead of another exciting afternoon. Michael wanted to leave earlier to have another go at finding the Lion cubs.

After a light buffet lunch we set off into the bush again. It had clouded over and was actually quite chilly. We again spent a couple of hours looking for lions but sadly had no luck. We did see 4 white rhinos, including a baby who came right up to the truck and sniffed my knee! We also saw a Buffalo which brings us up to 4 of the ‘Big Five’!

We headed home to a beautiful sunset. We were greeted by the lodge staff in full African regalia. The lodge was now almost full with new arrivals so to celebrate they threw us a Braai (BBQ). After an incredible meal they brought out a beautiful cake for Becky’s birthday and everybody sang to her. We were then treated to some traditional African singing and dancing which was wonderful before retiring to bed ahead of another early start tomorrow!