After a busy day transferring from Impodimo Game Lodge to Etali Safari Lodge, day five was pretty exhausting, and we were looking forward winding down by having our first evening game drive at Etali.
We hopped onto the game ranger’s 4X4, and made our way to one of the hill tops, where we watched the sunset. It has been quite some time since I last did this, and Etali Safari Lodge’s game ranger, Obakeng and tracker, Jerry made it extra special by opening a bottle of wine and offering us some snacks that the chef prepared, and chatting about rhino poaching in the reserve.
The sun went down quite quickly, and we began our evening game drive. We spotted a few animals, but with it being winter it becomes increasingly difficult to see the animals at night, as they seek warmer parts of reserve. Nonetheless, it was still spectacular to be out and even though the chill settled in, the fresh air just has a rejuvenating factor.
Once we arrived back at the lodge, chef Garth prepared a delicious dinner that awaited us at the “lesaka” kraal, that overlooks the water hole. We were welcome by all the staff members who sang us a welcoming song – it was indeed one of the highlights of Etali Safari Lodge.
The dinner started of with an array of fresh salads, of which I was in love with the pear, potato, gorgonzola and shaved almonds salad, an unusual yet refreshing combination – this comes from someone who is not fond of salads. The main consisted of a buffet that boasted butternut soup, slow-cooked vegetables, tomato bredie, chilli con con, spicy pork stew, and basmati rice, paired with braaied lambs chops on the side that added to the kraal experience. After our mains, the game ranger, Obakeng did a 101 on star gazing. For me, the stars finally made sense, as I could clearly see the Milkyway, the Southern Cross and the planet, Venus.
To end off the beautiful evening, chef Garth paired dessert and flambéed crepe suzettes and served it with home-made vanilla and lime ice cream. Yummy!
After a long day, I indulged in a nice long bath and settled into bed, as we needed to be up at five the next day, and head back to Jozi.
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