[Worldtrippers home] [Crystal home]
We dragged our suitcases back to Johannesburg airport this morning to catch another flight. This time, we had a 10:30 am flight on Airlink to Hoedspruit. Hoedspruit is about 450 miles from Johannesburg. Gail’s original plan was to have a car drive us, which would have taken about five hours. The tour company talked her into flying instead, which would take less than an hour.
Hoedspruit is known as the gateway to Kruger National Park and other private game reserves. The South African Air Force Base shares its airfield with the civil Eastgate Airport.
Once again, all of our luggage arrived with us. And once again, we were met by a driver who took us on a 20-minute drive to Kapama River Lodge, where we will spend the next four nights.
Kapama Game Reserve is one of the largest private, family-owned nature reserves in South Africa. Spanning more than 37,000 acres, it has four luxury lodges. We are staying at Kapama River Lodge.
Almost 25 years ago, we had a three-week safari in Tanzania when we took our sons on a one-year trip around the world. At that time, we were budget-conscious and stayed mainly in tents. This time, Gail wanted a more luxurious experience. So we are booked into a “Deluxe Suite.” All of our meals are included, as are alcoholic beverages.
Our daily schedule will be as follows:
5:00 am = Wake-up call
5:30 am = Morning tea and coffee
6:00-9:00 am = Morning game drive
8:00-10:00 am = Breakfast
1:00-2:30 pm = Lunch
4:00 pm = Afternoon tea
4:30-7:30 pm = Afternoon game drive
7:30 pm = Dinner
After checking in and having lunch, we will already have our first game drive this afternoon!
