Safari of Matteo and Aurora
Connect to nature!
Three adjectives for Your Journey :
Intense, moving, unique.
The biggest thrill :
It is difficult to choose one: the bond between two lion brothers, that just met after seeking each other for several days, or between two lionesses that we observed playing for long before falling asleep on a tree; the loyalty, the connection and the protective instinct of the elephants towards the herd and their babies; the returns to the lodge on late afternoon, when the light of sunset covers the landscape like a golden blanket; the silence, the breathtaking sunsets.
A special sighting :
We were having a mid morning coffee break with our guide. Around us there were plenty of impala that suddenly freezed and stared at a point in the distance. Looking in that direction with the binocular, we spotted our first leopard. We got closer and he was there, perfectly camouflaged on a tree, feeding on a monitor lizard.
A breathtaking view :
The sunset on the lagoon in front of Mapula Lodge, with a big red sun setting behind the silhouettes of thirsty elephants.
The greatest teaching :
Learn to wait. Get rid of the unnecessary. The respect for nature and its endless beauty.
A fear that you passed :
The fear of the unknown sounds of the night.
A small thing :
Falling asleep, or at least trying, with the roar of a lion. It was so loud that it seemed behind our tent.
Your guide :
More than one. All kind, passionate and very knowledgeable.
One thing I do again :
The mokoro excursion at Mapula Lodge, among elephants and hippo, guided by Lio who was telling us the story of his family and of his village.
Field favorite and why :
Each camp was perfect in its own way, but our favourite remains Mapula Lodge: intimate, magic, romantic, in a special location and with very good cuisine.
Africa : before and after the trip :
Before the desire and lots of curiosity, we dreamt for long about this trip. After, a very strong and almost inexplicable bond. Leaving Africa has been like leaving home. Now we need to go back, hopefully soon.