Well major problen with Cheetah 3.

The day we were leaving JAMALA in Madikwe we got a phone call at 7.00 am. Our next destination LION SANDS RIVER LODGE had burnt down the night before. Sad news for the owner, Rob More who we know well. The rooms were okay but the main lodge was totally gone.

Fortunately they found a lodge at SABI SABI that could take us for two nights (Earth Lodge). and Selati Lodge for one night. We were really fortunate that we had somewhere to go. The group were great as Sheila said "well we are embarking on a great adventure".

Twelve of us were flying two charter planes to SZK airport for Lion Sands. At the airport the pilot of our plane telephoned in to see if we could fly directly into SABI SABI strip. That would save us a 90 minute transfer by road. The other plane was in the air heading for SZK. About 30 minutes into the flight we got approval to land at Sabi Sabi. Of course the group in the other plane had no idea and were confused on landing as they knew it was not SZK.

We had four newbies arriving at SZK from CPT. Sabi Sabi picked them up and they had no idea anything had changed until they got to the Sabi Sabi lodge and we explained this was not where we were supposed to be.

On the 10 minute drive to the lodge in our vehicle saw a black stork catch a fish. So we started with a kill right away.

I have visited Earth Lodge before but it was a high price point and had more rooms than I need. It has turned out to be great. Rooms are big, food terrific, wonderful staff and Rangers. Lodge adjusted all the procedures to meet our groups preferred schedule. Everyone is happy.

First two game drives, two huge bull elephants, rhino, the Southern Pride with Cubs, a huge herd of buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and two different leopards.

So crisis adverted and resolution outstanding.