Imagine lying on a bed in Africa, in a tent, in the evening, in the middle of a wildlife reserve. Imagine staring through the open flap at a triangle of darkness. Then, imagine, suddenly, in the silence, a loud ROAR! A sharp, explosive, repeated ROAR! And, imagine the hair standing up on the back of your neck as you realise (gulp!) …… IT’S A LION!
We’d seen several big cats that afternoon. And, as I nervously walked through the trees towards the lit-up dining area, my heart was still beating faster than usual.
“You hear that lion?” I asked casually. They had, of course. “But, don’t worry,” assured our Kenyan friends. “Lions never come into the camp.”
However, just the week before, two angry males had staged a grand battle on the opposite bank.
“My parents taught us what the lion’s call means,” explained our driver. Then, he gave a fair imitation of a deep, grunting roar: ‘WHOSE LAND IS THIS? WHOSE LAND IS THIS? MINE … MINE … MINE!’
Our campsite sat under trees – a stunning location, oozing with atmosphere – and, as the sun came up next morning, birds of all colours called from the trees. Tiny squirrels foraged in the dry grass. Cheeky monkeys swung from the ropes, daring me to leave my tent unzipped. And, on a nearby rocky outcrop some angry baboons got into a screaming contest.
But I couldn’t wait to find out who won. We were off on a GAME DRIVE! The thrills came thick and fast: a traffic jam of stripey zebras … a painted gazelle scratching an awkward itch … a massive cape buffalo looking decidedly grumpy … and a beautiful
leopard, eyeing us nervously from high in a tree.
Then, suddenly, we were amongst them – elephants, lots of them – mainly mums, ever protective of their young – and a playful little baby, just a month or two old.
WOW! Another ordinary day in Africa had begun …
SAFARI FACTS:
- Kiwi Hosts: John & Robyn Cooney, Midlife Madness Tours
- Departing: Wed, June 25, 2025 – for 20 wild days
- All-Up Price: from $22,650pp share twin
- Includes: airfares, Dubai stopover, daily game-drives, luxury lodges, all meals, tips, etc
- Deposit: $4,000pp, due with booking
- Final Payment: April 14, 2025
- BOOK NOW:
Phone 0800 323 333 or visit www.midlifemadness.tours and download our Safari Info Pack and Booking Form
