After driving around in
Kruger for a few days, it was time for some activities. We stayed at
Hippo Hollow in Hazyview where hippos actually come up onto the lawn
in the evening to graze. In the afternoons we also saw the elephants
of the nearby Elephant Whisper playing with each other on the other
side of the river.
Our first evening at
Hippo Hollow was on Christmas Day and we had a huge buffet to choose
from, both things we knew and others we didn't. What puzzled us the
most was this one dish called “Take”, which of course tasted a
lot like chicken...
An hour later we managed
to find a waiter that could interpret the local pronunciation of the
mystifying food before us; turkey!
River rafting
For those of you who
don't realize it, river rafting is an activity that involves water...
and getting wet. You'd better be prepared for it, and preferably
like it. It's a rather easy going little rafting session of about a
couple of hours, with a short break for bum-sliding and snacks. But
also lots of fun!
I was fortunate, as
my partner Rasmus is sort of a pro when it comes to canoes and kayaks and all I
had to do was paddle like crazy, while steering us out of trouble was his
job. I know he took the fact that I was the engine and he the rudder
very seriously, as he long stretches just leaned back and relaxed as
steering wasn't always necessary... but, like father like son, I
guess!
After a couple of hours
on the river, we couldn't resist a lunch break at Sabie Valley
coffee, across the street from the Sabie Adventures' office. They
grow their own beans on the lush slopes along the river and make
magic with the dark roasted goodness, whether it be shakes, drinks or
more traditional style coffees. Their food and cakes aren't bad
either, but I should have learnt from last time... it's impossible
down both.
Elephant ride
In the afternoon, we went
across the river to be introduced to our neighbours. Marlene got a
very thorough and personal introduction to the establishment's most
intelligent inhabitant and my favourite, the teenaged Medwa.
He's boisterous, but
also very social and enjoys showing off his talents. After a an
interesting interaction with him and the much bigger Tembo, we all went for a short ride, a rather bumby affaire. If you feel as if you're about to fall off, you're probably absolutely right in your asumption!
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Since mum had had a big
birthday earlier in the year, and this was the reason for the trip in
the first place, I had decided she'd get her present on the trip
instead of her birthday. And of course this was why her name was
mentioned a few time to Medwa, as we said hello to him.
He was handed a basket
and told to give it to Marlene whom he, of course, had no problem
identifying. No matter what the gift may be, if it's delivered by
elephant, I hope it's appreciated.
After the rocking around the trees, we all felt the need to cleanse our throates of the dust and thus rounded off with some bubbly... and here the boys' true nature was certainly shining through.
Zip-lining
The next day was a bit
rainy and grey and so our plans for micro light flying were
cancelled. But, as our minds were set on flight, flying through the
canopies seemed like the obvious substitute.
The speed, the view, the
sensation of flying... It's exhilarating and awesome! After a few
slides, I think we all loved it... or at least got sort of used to
it..?
/A
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