Zuluzelac: Final Safari

This weekend (April 20 - 22, 2013) we had time off from the temple to spend some time away from our daily service. A group of new missionaries wanted to go on a Safari so I put together a trip to Madikwe Game Reserve. This is a park that is frequented by both the Area Office Missionaries and the Temple Missionaries. We all stay at the Mosetlha Bush Camp which is an outdoorman's delight, staying in three-sided huts, no running water or electricity. Cooking was done over hot coals - just like an outdoor safari should be. Everybody enjoys this place and the hospitality is wonderful. That is why we return so often.

This is the group who went along on this safari. Left to Right - Jenee and I, Elder & Sister Ecklund, Elder & Sister Garrett, and Brother & Sister van Heerden who are local ordinance workers from East London, South Africa.

Here are just a few of the outstanding pictures we took on this trip.

Up bright and early (6 AM) to get started on our drive. A beautiful sunrise over Africa.

The first day out, we located this large pride of lions. At first we just saw females, then the big male joined up with the pride.

We are driving right behind this pride as they set out looking for food and a place to get out of the sun. We did see the big females start stalking some Impala but they never did initiate a kill. Our driver got right into the bush which made this trip extremely special.

Stopping for a rest during the day's drive to have some refreshments and drinks. As you can see the vehicle we drove in was very open and made it possible for us to get such great pictures.

You are taken through the game reserve in their open top trucks, called louries. Their drivers know where to find the game and go off road if necessary to locate the various game in the park. Many of the pictures taken are so close you could touch the animals with a long stick.

Here are a few of the other animals we saw during our safari.