ROYAL MALEWANE

The flight took about 15 minutes. On the way to the lodge our ranger took us by something I have never seen or expected to see. They are feeding the rhinos and the buffalo and wildebeest are also enjoying the hay. This drought is very servere. No grass so the animals are suffering and they do not want the lose rhinos to starvation.

There was a trained dog keeping the buffalo away as the hay was laid out on the ground. They spread the hay over a large area to limit fighting between the animals for space at the food. That dog was eventually put in the truck but he wanted out so bad. This was really a fascinating thing to see.

All our rooms were ready and we enjoyed a wonderful lunch. Then off to our first game drive. Within about five minutes we found a leopard close to the road under a tree. Great start. Lots of animals on our game drive but the super highlight was a two week hippo out of the water with its mother. The ranger said it was the cutest thing he has ever seen and that includes his new baby daughter! The hippo made its way back to the water. Once in the water the baby was nursing then coming up for air and then nursing again. MAGICAL.

We had a joint sundowners at a lovely large watering hole where the hippos were providing their classic noise and the buffalo were drinking. A wonderful first day.

The dinner table was stunning. Red table cloth with white wooden giraffes the full length of the tables as a centerpiece. Lighted candles to add an additional touch of class. The rack of lamb was outstanding. I had a double order.