After bidding those who were staying on at Madikwe Hills farewell, we boarded our range rovers for the airport around 11 am. Pieter’s rover went first, gathering speed as we descended the steep drive. We expected to board our plan around 11:45 for the one hour hop to Johannesburg. Mother Nature had yet one more trick up her sleeve.
The rising heat brought several elephants to enjoy the water holes near camp, splashing themselves with water, mud and everything else in between. Circus elephants were never this fun to watch! Pieter cruised to a full stop as the elephants were traversing the road, alternately bathing on one side and eating the available greenery on the other. What to do? Elephants are always majestic and a delight to see, but da plane was in da plans. Pieter inched closer; the matriarch gave a mock charge – ears fully extended, head waggling, and grumbles. Pieter and Jaco convinced them the green two-ton monster had right of way. A few disgusted trumpets from the elephant band let loose as we passed by. Joke was on them – they were playing in the sewer runoff area.
Beth, Jim & Pam are in #3 at Madikwe Hills. The camp itself is all on raised wooden walkways and stairs are involved to get to and from all of the rooms. The closest rooms to the central areas are #2, 3, 5. 5 through 8 are up the stairs from main reception; 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11/12 (little madikwe) are down the stairs. The room is pretty close to the main reception area as well as the dining/social rooms. Ngaire looked through all the rooms between changeover guests and may be able to fill in more details for you. Jim & Pat said the living area was four stairs up or down from the bedroom area. It should have a good view of the main watering hole near the dining area. Hope that helps.
Bring a small bottle of hair conditioner if you are going to Madikwe Hills. My recollection is they had it at Birkenhead House. Do dress in layers for the game drives. They have hand muffs for the early/late temperatures (but of course you can’t operate your camera through a hand muff). Alternatively, consider light gloves or possibly bicycle gloves if you are prone to being cold. Ear protection is also a good idea when the wind is whistling.
This trip was, in many ways, even more delightful than Roar 1. While the game drives in the Sabi Sands area are well known for the amount and range of animal sightings, I enjoyed the chance to see another area of the country in Madikwe. The variety of game lodges available on this trip were amazing and lent themselves to different kinds of experiences. The temptation to compare one experience to another was far less than on our first trip. I simply enjoyed being here and letting the day’s events unfold. The company was terrific; Ngaire did an amazing job of having us well organized and well looked after. Considering the complexity of this trip, I continue to be impressed with all Ngaire and her staff can accomplish for a lifetime trip such as this.
Pleasure, Anne
