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When my boss asked me whether I could cut my trip to Slovenia short so to jump on a FAM-Trip to South Africa with our Partner Drifters and my STA Travel colleagues, my definite answer was YES! Read more
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  • TravelerSouth Africa-Welcome to Safari
    Day 1

    Starting like a Business Woman

    September 21, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    The day started stressfully, as I had to unpack my clothes from Slovenia and repack for South Africa. Luckily, I've already chosen my clothes for the safari approaching but it still was stressful. I was super excited as usual before such a trip and near hyperventilating. A short visit in the shop where I could talk to my colleagues and eat some amazing Spaghetti cake of Celina again, was grounding. Then, it was time to say Goodbye. Seb was picking me up, I packed the last bits and off we went to the train station. My train to Frankfurt airport arrived nearly on time and the journey started without delays.
    Arriving at Frankfurt airport, the question was: "Where do I have to go?" Searching for signs and asking around, until I found the drop-off point for my luggage. The security check was fast and without any problems and after the Duty Free shops, I arrived at one special sign that I've never even recognised before: Business Lounge. I showed my boarding pass and voucher and entered into a calm, but busy area that was clean and inviting. After I found my colleagues from STA Travel and Explorer Fernreisen, I went to the buffet that had everything one could wish for - From salad, over hot meals to candy in glasses. I was so happy I didn't eat anything but an apple on the train. My colleagues and I chatted casually and talked about Malaria prophylaxis until a man from the next table approached us and explained that the prophylaxis wouldn't be needed in Kruger National Park. The Tropical Institution was just trying to make money basically, but the locals in South Africa (and Tansania as well for that part) actually was Malaria free. He and his wife owned a Lodge at Kruger NP and were there often, so his advice was legit. One of my colleagues was already checking them out from the business perspective - maybe we could make a contract with them?
    After a little bit more food and time has passed by, the time for boarding has come. So, we went to our Gate and boarded. The very best thing: We would fly Premium Economy - my first time. The chairs definitely looked much more comfortable and we got a nice little kit with some socks, toothbrush and - paste as well as earplugs and eyeshades. A cover and pillow rounded up the comfort. I immediately felt less stressed as I could imagine to finally feel alright during a flight. Then the announcement came: "The Boarding Entertainment isn't working". Just like at Lanas flight to Hongkong, when she flew to the Australian FAM-Trip. However, I thought it was much Esther funny than annoying or horrible. The take-off was better than I'm used to, as usually my ears explode when taking off/landing. Dinner arrived with a menu, and I chose the vegan tahjin with couscous. It was delicious! I've never said that about a flight meal before (and maybe never again). The next thing was new for me as well: I fell asleep... On a plane... And when I woke up, I felt recharged. That flight was something completely new - in so many good ways. Amazing! I didn't end there - the breakfast was tasty as well. So cool!    Read more

  • TravelerSouth Africa-Welcome to Safari
    Day 2

    Cradel Moon and Drifters Workshop

    September 22, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    As we arrived, we met our Drifters Marketing Manager Gary who would be one of our guides for the week. The other one was Takalani who was as much of a Tour Guide as a Joker.
    After everyone had collected their luggage and changed some money, we made our way to the Drifters Truck to drive to our first Lodge: Cradle Moon. The Lodge was decorated in the most delightful ways and when we went outside for lunch, Zebras were drinking 3m away from us from the pool. That was a nice welcome to Africa!
    After lunch, we drove to the main quarters of Drifters where the legendary buses were built by themselves. We got a tour around the workshop so to see how and why everything is done. They explained e.g. that they wouldn't built air conditioning into the buses because especially the Namib desert would destroy it far too quickly, so they invented a brilliant system with the windows. Now, you could not only see everything from every perspective of the truck, but you could open or close the windows gradually, so you could always have fresh air inside the truck. They also use stainless steel, as other materials would break under corrosion without notice. They have big lockers for your luggage so to not put it on the top of the bus and make it much more unstable. They put a huge window infront, so that you can see outside at the front. And this particular window can be changed everywhere as it is a very common brand. The body of the truck can be put on a different chassy when the chassy is too old and unreliable to use for them anymore which saves not only resources but also time and money. They sew their own tents and emergency kits, as well as they obviously make the whole body of the truck. It's just fascinating how they adjusted to their own needs and ideas.    Read more

  • TravelerSouth Africa-Welcome to Safari
    Day 2

    Sunset Cruise on the Crocodile River

    September 22, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    After we came back from the workshop, we entered a boat to cruise along the Crocodile River. Disappointingly, there were no crocs inside the river. However, we saw a lot of cool animals along that river that wasn't there in the last millennium. The dam was built in 2001 and flooded not only all the trees there (some of them are still standing) but also a house which roof you can still see today.
    Obviously, we spotted Zebras and Impalas standing in herds at the side, grazing. But the excitement was huge as we sighted four rhinos across the river. One of them fought another one off. Rhinos are one of the Big 5: Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffalos and Rhinos. They've been chosen as the Big 5 when they were still hunted as a game (therefore the name Game Reserves). These five species were the most dangerous to hunt for and therefore "big".
    Not long after the rhinos, we saw a (poor) replacement for a croc: An "alligator". Zooming in on my photo now, I don't think at all that this was an alligator. It's some reptile, but I don't know which kind. However, Idky but I am fascinated of reptiles and just glad I could see one today.
    The next "Hooray" came when someone spotted a hippo. But I've not only seen the hippo but some monkeys in the background as well. They camouflaged perfectly fine into the background.
    We also saw lots of Weaver Birds that brought Angelika to tears as she is a hobby ornithologist. The males build nests and if the female doesn't like it, they will tear it down and the male has to start again. There are also snake-neck-birds that look exactly like their name would suggest it.
    We finally made our way back and went for a proper dinner at the Dam. I've got a vegetarian wrap and a strawberry milkshake but couldn't take a picture as it was too dark already.
    We talked a lot about the upcoming week in SA and asked a tone of questions until we were all so tired we wanted to go sleep. It wasn't even 8.30pm, but the long flight plus all of these new experiences, we're tiring. So, I went into my own Lodge bungalow and went into Dream Wonderland.    Read more

  • TravelerSouth Africa-Welcome to Safari
    Day 3

    Driving through the African Landscapes

    September 23, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ 🌙 30 °C

    The day started early so that we could fill our tummies and hop into the truck for a day on the road. Gary asked who would like to sit at the front and I volunteered immediately. So, I took my bag and jumped next to Takalani into the drivers cabin. Off we went and into the different landscapes of SA. From dry to green to wet we saw everything. We stopped from time to time and I always searched for a hair brush. I've forgotten mine in Germany and have helped myself with my adapter for the day. The first time that I was glad I had thin hair. After we took lunch break at some place that could literally been at the German Bodensee, we stopped at a rest stop and I finally found a hair brush. It was a children's one, however, the store didn't have any other and it was the last shop we'd see for days, so I decided to buy it.
    Back on truck (pun intended) we left the last kilometres behind on our way to the Bush Lodge of Drifters. It's in their own Private Reserve and only Drifters guests stay in the Lodge there. So you can't find it on Google or Maps really, because you won't get an address. The Reserve has no fence to the Kruger National Park so that it contains the Big 5 as much as the famous Kruger.
    When we entered the Reserve, we were welcomed by Impalas who are very common in SA. And then, literally 5min away from the Lodge, after a whole day of driving (from 7am to 4pm) Alex spotted a Leopard. Not even Takalani or Gary had spotted it, but she did. We stopped and watched him for several minutes until Takalani broke the silence: "Congratulation. That is very, very rare that you see the leopard as he usually strolls and wanders around. Amazing eyes." And indeed, it was an amazing view.
    After that, we arrived gratefully at the Bush Lodge and got a quick briefing how to behave around here. As we are in a Big 5 Reserve, we have to be careful every second. We should take (head) torches with us and only walk with closed shoes at night because of scorpions or snakes. We shouldn't leave camp and we shouldn't leave our doors or lights on in the canvas. Lucky as I am, I again got a canvas for myself. I wasn't alone though, as a cute little gecko was right next to my bed, watching over me. I didn't have to be afraid then.
    When we waited for dinner to be ready, we could watch an African Civet right underneath our Bush Lodge. It looked like a mixture of racoon (in its face), a leopard/cheetah (with his fur) and a dog (in its stature). I liked it instantly.    Read more

  • TravelerSouth Africa-Welcome to Safari
    Day 4

    My First Game Drive Ever

    September 24, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    The next morning was a very early one. We had to wake up at 5am to eat breakfast and take off at 6am. The early morning (and late afternoon) hours are usually the best to spot animals. Today, Given from the Balule Lodge would be our Safari Guide. We jumped on the open game drive vehicle and started my very first Game Drive. The sun was climbing higher and higher as we drove on the bumpy gravel and dirt roads around the bush land. There were way more trees than I've expected. I thought it would be mostly open savannah, however, in the Balule Reserve there was a lot of bush land. That didn't matter though, as we spotted some White Rhinos very early on. The White Rhino is one of the Big 5, whereas the Black Rhino is within the Big 6. The Rhino's names actually have nothing to do with their colours. The "white" comes from the Dutch word for flat/wide and was just transformed to white over time. So in German it's called a Breitmaulnashorn which tells you that White Rhino's have flat, wide mouths whereas the Black Rhinos (in German Spitzmaulnashorn) have a pointier mouth. They are a little bit smaller as well. White Rhinos eat grass, Blacks eat branches. Therefore, the first ones' dung is very light and literally just grass and the latter ones' is thicker and darker. Speaking of shit, Given is a real "Scheiße" - Expert and explained us the communication system of the Rhinos. They shit to speak to each, e.g. if they are ready to mate or of they are challenging some other Rhino. I would have never thought shit to be that interesting.
    After we left the shit behind us, we got stuck in some Buffalo traffic. They were at leat a herd of 50 animals. You can differentiate the males from the females when you look at their horns. The males usually have a much bigger forehead covered by horn to protect their brains whilst fighting with their competition.
    We drove further in our Toyota and crossed a dry river bed. On the banks were Elephants playing. They're actually becoming a huge problem in SA as they multiply too fast and destroy too much. They often push down trees to get to the delicious top part of it. And they also create "Dead-dog-Trees" (because they lose their bark - joke by Given). When the Elephants scrap off the trees' bark with their tusks, they remove the trees' inner structure to get all the water and nutritions everywhere. So it eventually dies. Poor trees.
    Speaking of trees: Sometimes you could spot very bright, green spots inbetween all the dried out yellow. But when you were very lucky, you could spot a lilac tree - the Wisteria. This sudden colour change was a nice variety.
    Driving further, we could spot some wild dogs from afar. As a dog owner, I instantly liked them a lot and hoped to see more of them. We also saw some Zebras which were much more beautiful than I've expected then to be. Being in South Africa, we obviously had to see a Springbok sometime. When we saw it, it was much smaller and more delicate than I thought. Nevertheless, it's the national animal of SA.
    Before we drove back to the Lodge, we spotted a water hole with lots and lots of Elephants bathing within. I would have liked a water hole as well, as it was getting really hot with the African sun on us. Fortunately, we've had a roof over our heads to protect us. The one other car that we saw wasn't that lucky to have a roof. Besides this one car, we've been completely alone in the Private Reserve which meant we could spent as much time with the spotted animals as we liked. In Kruger NP it would be different, Given told us.
    Standing at the water hole, we could watch the herd of Elephants bath, cool off and play. Two of the guys came out of the water and we're suddenly right behind us. They were playing with each other and didn't notice us, coming closer. Luckily, Given reacted just in time to drive forward, out of the way so to not be hit by an Elephant bum. And I partly have it on video.
    That was enough adrenaline for us all to drive back to the Lodge, sit at the pool and cool off a bit ourselves.    Read more

  • TravelerSouth Africa-Welcome to Safari
    Day 4

    The Joy of a Vegetarian

    September 24, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ 🌙 31 °C

    After relaxing at the pool and having a High Tea, we took off to our next Game Drive with Given at 4pm. We finally saw some giraffes that weren't as big as I expected but just as graceful in their movements. I love giraffes. They make me happy looking at them. We saw some White and Black Rhinos again as well as Buffalos, and at one stage both Big 5 together. Our constant companion was Zazu, or the Hornbill. Zazu means Messenger in Suaheli (which is actually a language spoken in Tanzania, but Takalani and Gary could understand/speak). Whenever we saw a Hornbill, we'd always cry out "Zazu" and everybody knew what was meant by that.
    Before the sun set, Given was driving much faster and we should know why not long after. A colleague had spotted some lions that have killed a Buffalo and were eating it now. That was a brilliant find which is very rare, as they usually eat their kills where you can't see them. However, this one we could see from not even 10m away and it was terrific. There were around 9 lions, lionesses and young males, scrunching and licking and biting off the Buffalo. I was fascinated. Such rare occasions must be enjoyed fully. The others asked me whether it was okay for me to see it, as I'm a vegetarian. But I love to see such things as it is 1. Just nature and 2. Interesting to see how they do it and how they Buffalo looks inside. Others of us were complaining about the noises the lions did, but I just enjoyed the opportunity. It felt so unreal that they could actually kill us, too. However, Given said as long as we're in the car, the lions see us as an object. But if we're moving too much inside it or would even step outside, they would attack right away.
    With this great experience, we've seen all Big 6 (including Black Rhino) within 24hrs. That much luck was very unusual and I would have never expected that from my first day of Safari.
    As the sunset went by, our afternoon Game Drive proceeded into a night Game Drive which is only allowed in certain circumstances, e.g. in a Private Reserve. Usually, you'd use the night time to spot some nocturnal animals. However, we found none but a cute little green Chameleon clinging to a branch. For us, it seemed impossible that Given could have spotted that out of the driving car (that he drove) in the middle of the night. But he told us always to look for differences in the landscape. We did but couldn't find anything else, so that at least the Night Game Drive hasn't been as exciting as the morning or afternoon. However, I reckon that it was enough excitement for a day.    Read more

  • TravelerSouth Africa-Welcome to Safari
    Day 5

    Last Game Drive in Balule

    September 25, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    The next morning we woke up at 5am again to drive quickly to last nights' finding of the lions' kill to see how far they've come. The lions were still eating and from the Buffalo body, only a carcass was still standing.
    Given told us that the lions would eat until there was nothing left (or e.g. Hyenas have chased them off). As they were so full, they had to regulate their body temperature and digestion by breathing. Poor lions looked as if they'd be sick.
    As vehicles from other Lodges in the Private Reserve came to see the lions themselves, we drove on and saw some actual Hyenas. They are one of the Ugly 5 but tbh I don't think they look that bad. But of course, they're again from the dog family, so I have to kinda like them.
    We've been shaken up by the dirt roads some more until Given has spotted something different. Wild dogs with their cups. As they were hiding in a mould, we had to get out of the car and tried to quietly get closer so we could see the Wild Dogs. However, obviously we weren't quiet enough and scared them up. They split up, one half running away from us, the other half running towards us up the hill. Given, usually very calm and a joker, got very hectic and you could feel the necessity in his voice when he told us to run back to the car. We did as fast as we could and he pushed the pedal to the metal. But the rush wasn't necessary. They've actually send the cups up to us to hide behind us in some bushes. We let them be, but the blood was still rushing through my ears. That was a great kick!
    To calm down, we visited the Drifters Bush Lodge that we could book for people who wanted to do a Self-Drive rather than do a group tour with Drifters. Included in a 300€ p.p./night package is full board and two game drives per day as well as a beautiful room for themselves and transfers from and to the airport. I must admit, that deal is great, especially when seeing how far away you are from any civilisation.
    After visiting the Bush Lodge, we made our way back to our Balule Lodge to pack our things and drive into Kruger NP for our Camping night.    Read more

  • TravelerSouth Africa-Welcome to Safari
    Day 5

    Camping in Kruger NP

    September 25, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ 🌙 29 °C

    After packing our stuff and loading the luggage back in our beloved truck with Takalani, we made our way to the Orpen Gate into the Kruger National Park. On the way there we stopped for some souvenirs and I found an adorable little baby hippo postcard.
    Then we arrived at Orpen Gate and had to fill out the form with our passport details. A ticket into Kruger is valid for 24hrs, so that we'd have to be outside of the park tomorrow by 6pm again. Until then, we could enjoy the Kruger.
    We were welcomed by some Zebras and found our way to the Maroela Campsite easily. It's named after the Maroela tree which has some kind of nuts that you can use for making Amarula, a sweet Bayleys like liquor. The bark of the Maroela tree looks as if someone has played golf and hit the bark too many times (a metaphor of Given).
    Takalani parked the truck and showed us how to set up the tents for the night, using mine and Tatjanas tent as an example (much to our liking). But it was actually really easy so that we then helped the others build up their tents. After everyone was set, we prepared dinner. Better said, Takalani cooked and we lit up a campfire. When dinner was ready, I was yet again in disbelief how a man can cook such delicious food out of a truck kitchen. The system and the whole truck really are amazing.
    As we all sat around the fire, I suddenly heard a rustling noise behind me. I turned around and found a hyena right behind the fence of the camp site. The others saw her too and we all burst out in nervous laughter. Takalani said: "They are looking for scrubs. Usually we don't have a fence between us and the animals. We do wild camping."
    The camping we did tonight wasn't in the normal itinerary for the Kruger NP Tour from Drifters. They had booked the camping site so that we could experience a night of camping. However, usually Drifters would camp wild, i.e. there would be no fence, usually no other people around but the Trucks' people and obviously wild animals. When I thought about Hyenas or Lions coming as close to us as the Hyena right now but without a fence, my heartbeat exhilarated. I couldn't decide whether the feeling was more in the nervous or excitement site of the coin.
    "They don't get near the camp as long as we sit outside. Once we're in the tents, they'd search for food. So whilst wild camping without any fences, you won't be able to use the toilet in the night. If you do, use a bucket.", Takalani explained to us. Oh dear, I think on a wild camping trip with Drifters my best friend would easily become the bucket.
    After the campfire was out and our eyes were already closing sleepily, we put our scrubs and everything away and went to bed. The tent gave me a feeling of security and privacy, however I heard all three snorers of our group around the campsite. I fell asleep with the noise of light rain on the roof of our tent. But in the middle of the night, I needed to pee and I remembered Gary saying that there could be animals like Honeybadgers around. I was discussing with myself until I heard some Flip-flops making their way to the toilet. I listened hard, trying to hear any screams from a frightened person, but nothing. After a while, the same flip-flops came back. If they've survived, I'll survive too!    Read more

  • TravelerSouth Africa-Welcome to Safari
    Day 6

    Ticking off our Safari Bucket List Pt. 1

    September 26, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We all survived in our tents and therefore woke up at 5 o'clock the next morning because of the rattling noises of Takalani who prepared breakfast. After he showed us how to put the tents down, we all tried to do it as well. Gary said for first tries it wasn't that bad. When our camp was neatly put away, we could quickly enjoy morning tea before it was time to go. We hopped back on the truck and set off for a day of Safari in Kruger NP.
    We would drive from Maroela Camp over Satara and Skukuza to the city of Hazyview outside the Park. And as it was our last day of Safari, we had lots of things on our Bucket List to tick off. Not that we haven't seen a lot yet, rather the opposite. But when you're used to such luck in animal sightings, you get cocky.
    So our Bucket List looked like the following:
    - Cheetah
    - Male Lion with a real mane
    - Leopard in a tree
    - Crocodiles (my dear wish)
    - Drinking Giraffe

    Because I was such a pain in the ass about the crocs, Takalani promised me to see them before 3pm. As it was still morning, I had to be patient and wait a bit longer. Until then, we saw some Waterboks that have a white shape on their behinds that look as if they sat down a freshly painted toilet.
    Not long after, there was a sudden turmoil and lots of jeeps were around. We heard a little boy call, "Cheetah, Cheetah!", excitedly. We therefore got excited as well, although we thought to ourselves that we must run out of luck at some point. However, it seemed as if we had put all our luck for a whole year together, as there really was a Cheetah and we stood in the first row to see it. First, it was casually strolling around. But then - everything was so quick - it started running, hunting some Impalas. Nobody could film this event, as it was over before we could actually process it. The Cheetah didn't catch anything, but to watch the attempt was lucky enough for us. After that, we were pumped and chatted happily about ticking off boxes. We drove on and saw some huge Baboons cross our way. Not long afterward, we saw yet another big herd of Elephants who were taking a rest at a waterhole. They had little ones with them as well. They laid down, and the bigger ones surrounded them to give them shade. "The babies can't keep up with the adults, so they give them a rest," Takalani explained to us. Afterward, we didn't see a drinking Giraffe but a lying one, which was good enough for now. They can't put their heads down, as this would cause way too much blood flowing into their brains, and therefore killing them. Giraffes also have built-in thrombosis stockings to pump up all the blood from their legs up to the head.
    Suddenly, there were lots of cars around again, and we looked at each other, knowing something great was coming. That's the difference between Private Reserves and the Kruger itself. At a Private Reserve, there are no other jeeps around. If there are, only from other Lodges in that Reserve, so not many in total. And the guides always communicate with the others to tell the others if they found great animal sightings. In the Kruger, there are a lot of other people around, as there are not only other Tours but also Self-Drivers. On the one hand, you can always see where cool animals are, as there would always be a traffic jam around them. On the other hand, there would be a traffic jam. So you can't just sit there and watch the animal as long as you want. You have to queue and hope that the animal won't move too much until it is your turn. And when it is your turn, you can't enjoy it for very long, and you have to be quick with taking pics.
    So, the great thing was another check on our Bucket List. A leopard in a tree. It was sitting, not lying, though. So, we adjusted the point "Leopard in a tree" into "Sleeping Leopard in a tree", because that was more of our postcard-like image.
    We'd have to wait for that, though, as we first stopped for lunch. At lunch, we saw lots of Cape Glossy Starlings, waiting for our food to fall down to snitch it away. And a very cute Vervet monkey and its mother were playing around at a table, hoping for some food as well.
    We weren't allowed to feed the wildlife, so we couldn't give them some of our delicious wraps.    Read more

  • TravelerSouth Africa-Welcome to Safari
    Day 6

    Ticking off our Safari Bucket List Pt. 2

    September 26, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    After lunch, we jumped back on the truck and drove to a lookout point. There, we couldn't only see the vastness of the Kruger NP, the endlessness of bushland, but also a very weird but fascinating looking gecko. I just know that the more colourful and noticeable an animal is, the more dangerous it usually is. When everyone was ready taking photos, we drove on to finally see some crocs. I wasn't disappointed, as there were a lot. Fresh water crocs, but at least Takalani kept his word. It was 5 min to 3pm. That's timing! Next to the crocs was a huge herd of hippos in the water. We'd love to see a hippo outside the water as well, but as they are such dangerous animals, I was kinda glad we didn't. One of the hippos showed us its dangerousness and bit a croc in front of our eyes, because it came too near to the hippo. So, be careful around these creatures!
    The next interesting thing crossing our way, was yet another leopard. It caused an extreme traffic jam, as it was walking across the street. So we saw Street Crossings of Elephants, Zebras, a Baboon, Giraffes, a Lion, Buffaloes, Wildebeests, Impalas and now a Leopard. Very nice!
    Not long after that, we did get to tick off another box, though. A Leopard sleeping in a tree! Nobody said, you can't get what you wish for!    Read more

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