Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/873989
cautions us to be quiet. We are now in the presence of a lion couple sleeping in the grass. As we take endless photographs, Solomon explains the duo has separated from the pride in order to mate. He slowly circles the vehicle around the lions to give us different photo angles. As the male opens his large golden eyes, ever watchful over his sleeping mate, we quietly marvel at being so close to royalty. Toasting yet another day in South Africa, our group stops for an impromptu sun- downer in a clearing in the reserve as the pale evening sky transforms from bright orange to deep fuchsia. Before heading back to camp in the enveloping darkness, we visit our lion couple again and later witness a small group of hippos slowly cross our path on the way to the river. Before another late-day game drive, we meet Grant Beverley of the Endangered Wildlife Trust, whose research is funded by the National Geographic Society. He tells us about African big cats, especially the leop- ards and cheetahs, and how they aren't as protected as we assume, victims of big- game hunting and the exotic pet trade. Beverley's passion for these creatures affects us as we head to the game drive vehicle, crossing our fingers for our last big five animal: the leopard. Our guides don't disap- point. In the darkness, they spot a sleeping leopard high up in a tree. The big cat is draped along the branch, its large paws revealing the creature's strength despite its relaxed state. Back at camp we are as excited as teenagers who have seen their favourite band, each of us sharing memorable moments of the past week, a never-ending game of animal encounters, each one as magical as the next. Having seen the big five, I realize this term undersells the expe- rience of South Africa and its wildlife, as each creature experience is unforgettable. This journey has changed my view of our planet and allowed me a glimpse into South Africa's magic kingdom, one I hope to expe- rience again. FALL 2017 DREAMSCAPES 53 TRAVEL PLANNER G Adventures offers numerous itineraries for National Geographic Journeys in South Africa. We participated in the seven-day Explore Kruger National Park, and travelled with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which offers direct flights from Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Montréal via Amsterdam to Johannesburg, South Africa. For more information, visit: G Adventures: gadventures.com Karongwe Portfolio: karongweportfolio.com Kruger National Park: sanparks.org/parks/kruger DS OPPOSITE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Three Rondavels; A young rhinoceros is curious about our group; This is just one of the many varieties of birds seen in Kruger National Park; A male cheetah, the fastest land animal on Earth, relaxes in the shade in Karongwe Private Game Reserve after enjoying his breakfast. LEFT: Two young African elephants lead the group one morning at Karongwe Private Game Reserve.