FIVE DAYS TO GO! Tangala Thornybush, here we come...

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Many thanks to TANGALA for allowing me to share their photos.

 Photographer: Karin Panaino Petersen

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Only five days to go!

In celebration of our 30th wedding anniversary (in February), my husband and I purchased one of the 'Daddy's deals' packages for a break to 'TANGALA PRIVATE CAMP ' - an authentic safari camp in the internationally renowned Thornybush Game reserve.  It lies adjacent to the Kruger National Park and has been around since 1944. We've added an extra day to the deal so we'll be able to enjoy 4 glorious days in their care. 

Just the thought of this brief escape into the bush settles my soul.  I was born in the Lowveld and have constantly hankered after vast open spaces, cicada beetles, higher temperatures and the inevitable, exquisite African sunsets and sunrises.  

Silhoettes of giraffe against the fading light of dusk fills my imagination.  I can almost hear the hollow calls of hippos as they wake up for their nightly expeditions into the reeds. Maybe there will be African Vervet monkeys quibbling in the trees, or baboons in the ravine. Maybe the deep vibrations of roaring lions, or the stampede of buffalo herds, will rattle our bones.  Or perhaps we'll marvel at the unsettling silence which descends on the landscape when animals are on high alert. Who knows?  There are always surprises in the African bush!

(Photograph: Shaun Watts)

The write-ups on the internet and the Facebook page for Tangala suggests that it is one of the oldest camps in the area - electricity free, but lovingly tended by professional staff.  But admittedly, I'm already worrying about the absence of my hair dryer - a classic symptom of my rattled city mind-set, lol! 

(Does it really matter that I will look dishevelled and windswept in such a natural environment?) 

We leave on Sunday morning - hopefully before sunrise.  It's just 'The Boss' and I - like old times.  We'll travel via Lydenberg and the Strydom tunnel and will probably stop to take in the spectacular vistas of the Blyde River Canyon and the Lowveld.  Our destination is Hoedspruit; from where we'll follow the directions to Tangala's gate. It appears that we'll have to leave our vehicle there and continue our journey in the capable hands of a game ranger.  How exciting!

I've checked the weather forecast for next week.  If all goes well, we can expect comfortable temperatures (15C minimum and 26C maximum), no wind and no rain either.  

(My tummy is already doing tumble-turns at the thought of this exciting adventure. )

My plan is to write a lot - to record every exciting moment and then to present a series of blogposts on my return.  Lots of photos too!  No promises though - we'll see how things go.

(Photograph by: Javiera Molinos Matus )

Roll on Sunday!

Sending lotsaluv,

Many thanks again to TANGALA THORNYBUSH LODGE for the use of their photographs!

UPDATE: TAKE NOTE!!!
Dear Readers,
I received this comment from 'Tangala' (below)...
many thanks for offering my readers a SPECIAL DISCOUNT!  :)

"Tangala is looking forward to welcoming you!
 If anyone wants a sneak peek at what you will be seeing, here is a wonderful Youtube link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=U-QP0KG0kdA

 
We are running specials throughout this month and we'll add an extra 10% discount for Caryl's readers: but you will have to mention Maxmom to get it. Mailbookings@tangalathornybush.co.za
About the hairdrier? The sun and the wind will convert you forever!"