Since Alastair started his internship, we haven't had the time to go on weekday trips, so we have been looking forward to the weekend. Connor went away for a basketball tournament in Durban, so we decided to go on a spontaneous trip. We went to Lionsrock Sanctuary, a mere stone's throw from the city of Bethlehem. We found this place while we were searching places to go, and we really lucked out with a great place!
Along with Alastair's parents and friends Ted and Shauna, we stayed in a 6-person chalet with a thatched roof. We arrived there in the late afternoon and made it just in time to watch a storm. We all sat on the front porch, drinking Grapetiser, and watching the rain fall. We even saw a bolt of lightning touch down just a few hundred meters from us. It was a spectacular show!
Bright and early the next day, we went on an excursion around the sanctuary. We have been to a number of places to see animals now, but this time was a little different. We tried a little harder to get some good photos. Up until now we have some great pictures in great places, but we know that we aren't great photographers by any means! But we want to get a little better, and we think we did well will some portrait-type pictures of the animals.
Our guide told us stories about the many cats that have sought refuge. Many were rescued from zoos, but our favorite was the Siberian tiger. His owner was a Bulgarian mafia boss, who received him as a gift. After his assassination, they were able to take him in and give him a safe home. This big cat was not afraid of us, as he hissed and growled at the group until he felt comfortable with us being around. We definitely did not want to mess with him! Who knows what he has seen and done in his lifetime! We also saw more lions, Bengal tigers, and a leopard.
After the sanctuary tour, our next safari was the highlight of our trip. We have been on plenty of safaris now, but this safari was not like any other. All four of us hopped onto our own quad and followed our guide around the grassland. We spent and hour and a half chasing zebras, wildebeest, springbok, and splashing around in the mud.
Our guide was great, not one of those ones who are all about slowing you down and getting upset when you have some fun! We zoomed through the wet mud and forded little streams. We had an absolute blast! Just when we arrived back to camp, Alastair's mom' squad ran out of gas. Perfect timing!
We loved the Lions Park sanctuary! The chalet was great, the food was delicious, the activities were impeccable, and the staff was phenomenal! This is a place that we highly recommend and hope to return.
