Plumari Game Drive

Our game drive was near a place known as The Cradle of Humankind because of the amount of hominids discovered in caves in the area. We were the only ones on the drive so we had the truck-jeep thingy all to ourselves. 

My protective motherhood instincts again went through the roof when we stopped by the lions. Our guide said it was hot so they'd be sleeping but one of the lionesses was wide awake and keenly observing us. When someone pointed her out to the guide, she said it was because of the children. "She's looking at them and thinking, 'Happy Meal!'" 

Then the guide started talking about how they recently lost one of the lionesses to poachers. Even though there was an electric fence surrounding the lion area, they had shorted the circuit and poisoned them. One of the lionesses tried to protect another as she was being attacked and she got a spear through her lungs. It was this same lioness that was carefully watching the girls. 

This all lead to a discussion about poaching: who is doing it, why, how it's done, etc. Our guide told us one person insisted he had been cured of AIDS by medicine made from a rhino's horn. Some believe it is an aphrodisiac which is another reason the horn is highly sought after. Apparently it's made of the same stuff as our fingernails. She said if you really want an aphrodisiac, why not just chew your own fingernails? 

 Our guide also knew a lot about elephants which turns out, is her passion. We could only see the elephants from a distance because they can be unpredictable and they don't like the noise from the jeep but again, it was awe-inspiring to behold those magnificent creatures. She said they are sensitive creatures and can tell when you're having a bad day. They will actively try to play and cheer you up. She also admitted she sneaks the elephants midnight snacks. One night when all the guides were eating dinner, one of the elephants got out of his stable and came looking for her to get his snack!

With the game drive we not only had the opportunity to see many animals like lions, elephants, wildebeests and ALD's (animals like deer), but we also got to take in more of the vast and lush African landscape. It was like being in a dream it was so beautiful. 

After driving for a bit, we stopped for a "sundowner". I have to admit I was way too intimidated to ask exactly what the heck a sundowner is, but apparently it's a chance to get out of the truck, stretch your legs, and have a cool drink. Here is Brent and Brigitta with our guide:

The road was a bit bumpy now and again, especially with recent rains but the girls didn't mind one bit. In fact, the bumpier the better!

When we came upon the watering hole, a mama hippo was there with her baby and right away the mama started "showing off" as our guide put it. I know just about everyone has seen footage of a hippo opening their huge jaws but to see it live was so, so, SO amazing! It was one of the highlights of the entire trip for me. To see her snort and blow bubbles was incredible. Our guide said the mama was letting us know we were in her territory. Apparently one of the hippos charged the truck once but turned around at the last minute.

A panorama of the watering hole:

Fun fact: hippos are the second highest killer of humans in Africa. Wanna know which animal is first? Me too, but I was too intimidated to ask. I was surprised to hear that statistic since I thought hippos aren't carnivores, but our guide said it's a matter of protecting territory. When a hippo opens and closes his mouth, it actually sharpens it's teeth in the process. Hippos will fight to the death to maintain their boundaries. This isn't one of the pictures we were able to take but it gives you an idea of what we saw. See how wide they can open their mouths and the size of those incisors? It's crazy cool to see in person!

As we headed back to Johannesburg, we soaked up a bit more of the African sun. It was an unforgettable day.