management’, and who’s ecological commitment is about looking after and sustainably utilising the land, water, animals and plants in a way that offers maximum benefit to local communities and future generations. Filled with knowledge, we head back for a sumptuous buffet breakfast. Meals at Thanda Tented include breakfast, a high tea before the afternoon game drive and dinner – either in the main dining area or the boma. Leisure time between game drives can be spent napping in your suite, taking the opportunity to upskill with a few photographic lessons from resident photographer Christian Sperka or being wonderfully pampered at the safari spa. Needless to say, the nap would have to wait for another visit, as I opted for both a spa treatment and photography lesson. The spa treatment was sublime… Lindy the spa therapist worked at the stress of the previous weeks while I breathed in the subtle fragrances of orange and jasmine as the breeze from the open tent cooled the air. And Christian’s lesson invaluable. A few simple hints and tips had me falling in love with my not so fancy camera all over again. (Note to self always remember Christian’s tip about carrying a spare battery!!)
HIgh tea...
A game of chess in the lounge
Later that afternoon it was Ronnie that had the close encounter. We were watching a herd of buffalo grazing when a curious youngster decided to investigate what the protrusion in front of the game viewing vehicle was – it was Ronnie. Getting a little too close for comfort Ronnie gave the curios critter a gentle nudge to which it leapt back, an proceeded to look at us with disdain down his bovine nose. Being our last evening drive we were set on finding leopard, the final member of the Big Five, but try as we might, they remained elusive. 48 responsible traveller
Images - Tessa Buhrmann ©
Soon it was time to test the camera out… Nyala, impala and soon the Elephant. A whole herd of them. Big ones, little ones, and teenage ones giving each other the gears – all very playful and all under control. To the left of us, along a side road was a ‘young adult’, I’ll call him Bill. Bill was doing what young elephants do best, tugging on branches, destructing a few small trees and enjoying a sand bath with the rich red sand of the road. He was pretty much ignoring us, but Ephraim, ever alert kept the vehicle running and prepared for anything. Bill was ambling slowly up the road towards us, Ephraim was reversing slowly… suddenly Bill waved his ears and mock charged us. Ephraim’s skills were now put to the test – and we left Bill and his family to continue in peace.
Much LOVE at Thanda