Once again with all the excitement that we could be seeing on our last Safari drive here at Phinda Mountain, I was up at about 4:15 to get to the rest of packing and head out. We were at the lodge for sunrise and by 5:30 we were on our way before any of the other land cruisers.
We were on the search for the elusive (to us), Bull or Male Elephant but after the first few turns there was the also an elusive leopard in the middle of the road. So this was already a bonus day with this sighting. He quickly moved off into the brush but I was able to get a couple of picks before he disappeared. We did have another wonderful morning drive where in the most part we were just enjoying the drive itself, so very special to be out here viewing all these amazing landscapes and animals. Todays pics will show the amazing animals we did see but not the bull elephant. Our guides get an A for effort as they really did make a tremendous effort.
Back at the lodge we had a quick breakfast before heading out with our driver for the 3 1/2 hour drive to the Durban Airport. I also took a few more pics of our most incredible accommodations. My summary of our time here at Phinda Mountain Lodge, in short beyond expectations where the value exceeded the price paid and I don’t say that always, in fact this is the first time I believe I have said it. Yes, the price for the Safari is not cheap, nor should it be, there is so much that goes into running a major operation like this. Presence, the manager runs a incredible lodge and it shows that the owners of these groups of lodges know what makes for a great Safari experience. From the welcoming to the end of your stay, you treated very well and they have the accommodations to back this all up. Presence has an infectious smile and listens intently so she has the instinct to be able for the lodge staff serve you beyond your expectations. Then we have the guides and trackers who are all very professional and experienced so they may delivery a natural experience. The vehicles are also perfect for the Safari drives. They are Toyota Land Cruisers that are bought as regular land cruisers and then get converted to these amazing comfortable off road vehicles. I give Phinda Mountain Lodge full top marks and highly recommend them should you consider having a Safari in this part of Africa. Do it by ship’s tour, again, expensive but you do get the convenience factor, which does carry some of that value. We did book this on our own, cheaper, yes, but you are the ones that need to connect all your dots. So each his own, I would just recommend going. Tell Presence that I say hello.
So we are on our way out from the lodge and the transfer driver, says oh look an elephant. Stop the car, I get out my camera and there you have the cherry on top of this amazing Safari adventure. Wow. We arrive at the airport in plenty of time and on our way at the scheduled 1:55 pm departure time. We land on time and as we exit the arrival area, we see the person with our name, great our transfer is here. We were back on the ship by about 5:00pm. We unpack and relax with a short nap before dinner. Welcome Home in deed. Now we Cape Town tomorrow, we live this city and just can’t wait to revisit this amazing city.
Some pics of our day, hope you enjoy…
Quote of the day, “Life is an adventure, dare it.” - Mother Theresa
Good morning
Frogs visiting the lobby.
The elusive Leopard
Giraffe skull on the left, Water Buffalo skull on the right.
A lizard in the grass.
And there it is, the end of a fantastic adventure.
Up up and away.
Cape Town.
A township in Cape Town.
A very nice welcome home…
It was a real nice Safari M&S
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