After a day of wildlife spotting, we arrived at our digs. Bakubung. The word means "People of the Hippo".  We parked our cars and checked in.  Tomorrow evening, we catch this ride (the truck not the hippo) for our evening game drive.  The staff were friendly and welcoming.  And this was our room.  The bathroom.  Pretty cool.  The view from our room looking over at the marsh.  The view of the patio from the fence just in ...

After our fabulous Christmas at my sister's Lodge at Doornkop, we returned to my sister's home in Johannesburg, did laundry, repacked and headed 2 hours to Pilanesberg Game Reserve.  The park has in excess of 7,000 animals, including the "Big Five".  The Big Five, which consists of lion, African elephant, leopard, Cape buffalo and rhinos, was coined by big-game hunters. It refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt ...

We decided another game drive was in order and so 12 of us hopped into the "dassie" and off we went. There were no objections from the wildlife-crazy Warren.  The view of the farm from way up high.  A herd of curious kudu. You can learn more about them here.  We came across some weaver nests.  Warren has always been a bird lover and bird watcher and couldn't resist a closer look while I ...

We woke to freshly baked muffins and in our family, chocolate is served as a side on Christmas morning.  Breakfast on the patio. Perfect.  The big brother antagonized the little sister. It's part of the DNA of our family.  The Christmas tree had a few new presents under it (and on it) since last night.  We all gathered in the living room, my Dad opened the bible and once again read about the birth ...

It's Christmas. It's hot. It's Africa. When in Africa...braai! (BBQ) on Christmas Eve.   My brother got/earned/volunteered for the job of chef for this one.   Braai-ing is a skill. No gas fire here. The coals have to be just right.  This sausage is what many South Africans live on. It's called borewors. I make it from time to time.  Baby potatoes speared with rosemary.  Broccoli cheese.  And that's how it's done. Christmas dinner, enough for ...

Christmas Eve in Africa.  This is an African Christmas tree. Yes, we have the regular Christmas trees too but when you're at The Lodge, this is the best kind.  Simple decor.  The table on the deck was set. The food was ready and we had filled our plates.  The candles were lit and the table looked perfect.  And then my sister photobombed my picture. Ain't she purrrrty.  All 15 of us around the table. The Stone ...

Today is Christmas Eve. Today we went horseback riding.  I love looking at horses. They are amazing beasts.  My kids love to ride. They haven't ridden much in their Colorado-based lives mainly because riding lessons are so darn expensive.  Everyone was game - except for my parents and my sister-in-law Rozanna. She was too nips to ride. My sister and brother-in-law opted out too. They had a quiet morning together which I'm sure ...