On the alternate days to Kruger the time was spent in Sabi Sands. Although these are private reserves, there is no barrier between them and the main park, so that the animals are free to wander through the whole of the area. However, as well as being able to go off road in the private reserves, you can also go walking. And so the days in Sabi Sands began with a walk with a guide to guard you. We did not encounter any of the big animals on our walks, but that was always a possibility - and Steve has had to deter a charging rhino in the past when out with one of his groups.
And although we did not come across any of the main animals, we saw plenty. Walking you see so much you cannot see from the vehicles, and Steve was a great guide to the trees, plants and insects - including the dung beetle. And we were not entirely short of interesting animals while we were on the ground. We found a large herd of giraffes (about 17), and spent some time stalking a wharthog - chaming if somewhat ugly beasts. And after our first walk we had the excitement of trying to find a leopard. As we got into the vehicle the ververt monkeys were, you could say, going ape - they had seen the leopard, and were warning all who would listen. Guided by their cries, Steve managed to track down the big cat to the mound where she was trying to stalk her prey - all hope of a catch thwarted by the cries of the monkeys. As we got near, she slopped off in a huff - hoping for better luck the next time.
The evening drives in Sabi Sands also proved eventful. On the evening after we had hunted the leopard, we found the cub for which she was hunting the food. Unlike lions, leopards are solitary hunters, and they leave their cubs in a safe place to go and find food. We were fortunate enough to find that hiding place. And on our last drive around Sabi Sands, the guides asked us what we would like to see. Frances of course said she would like to see a chameleon - as if there was any chance of finding this master of disguise in the dark. And suddenly we were pulling of the track as Steve shone his torch into a small tree - and there was the chameleon, trying to pretend he was a leaf.
All in all it was a fantastic time. But too soon it was time to leave for Johannesburg and home. As part of the package, on the way home the guides at Tydon take you on the Panorama Route - a drive into the Drakensburg Mountains. It was beautiful. The mountains fall away in a spectacular scarp face, with great views and high waterfalls. On the way you stop at God's Window. This is a view point on the edge of the scarp slope in a small area of tropical rain forest left behind after most of the Drakensburgs had been cleared and planted with pine and blue gum. It is a spectacular view along the scarp and over the plans that contain Kruger National Park - a great way to end the stay.
And so it was back to Johannesburg and thence to Birmingham. We had a meal with Tim and Bryony before saying goodbye, as they were flying to Heathrow via Doha. Our flight left two hours later. It was a decent enough flight home - even with a six hour lay-over in Amsterdam. But it was a bit of a shock scrapping the ice off the car windscreen the next day. But it had been a great adventure, and I want to thank all who helped my, and all who joined with me, on the journey. And so there is one last post left to do - as I try to reflect on what I have seen and done.
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