Well, we made it to South Africa. After collecting out bags at the Johannesburg airport and meeting our guide for the next two weeks we boarded the waiting buses. At this point I have to acknowledge these four ladies:
Rosely, Rowena, Alice, and Foster. These four planned everything for us. Rosely and Foster (sisters and Foster is our nephew’s M-I-L) took care to planning and organizing things in the stater. Alice and Rowena worked with them on the African part. What a lovely group.
Anyway, when we entered the buses on each seat was a itinerary detailing what we would be doing each of the days we were in Africa.
Of course, because of delays we were already off schedule. Oh well. I was looking forward to checking in somewhere and grabbing a hot shower. This was not to be. We had a 40 minute ride to the Shepherd’s Tree Lodge in Pilanesburg where we would spend the next three days. We ha time to get checked in, take our bags to our rooms, and head back down for our first safari.
Here are a few pictures from the lobby and deck.
While standing on the deck this was not an unusual sight.
These ladies (they were all female) walked right below the deck. You can see that they even came close to the dining room.
We got out keys and it was off to our rooms. Not too shabby.
Each room had its own patio. The last picture, the one with the stone wall, is actually an outside shower and yes, it is outside. The only thing was that it was too cold in the morning and evening to go out and take one and we weren’t in dour rooms during the day. I did, however, get one in just for the feel of showering outside. Neat!
Here’s a picture of Kathy enjoying one of the chairs on the deck.
In the dining hall, we had our own table set for set for 27.
Just a sample of the kind of food we were server. Come on, if you have been reading my blogs for any length of time did you honestly expect me not to post food pictures?
It was now time for our first safari, we were scheduled for four while we were there. However, this is getting lengthy so I will stop here and devote next week to the safari and other things that happened at the lodge.
Just to give you a preview:
arjeha 
No shower in the bathroom? Only outside? Your accommodations look to be very nice. Not at all what I think of when I think of safari. How awesome to have a view of elephants wandering nearby! I’m totally surprised by Kathy’s apparel, jacket and long pants. I know it’s winter, but somehow I thought it was warmer there. Of course I expect food pictures! Very elegant dining! What a trip!
Yes, the mornings were cold as it was when the sun went down. It was warm during the days. What Kathy is wearing was ideal for the safari since it got cold riding in the open jeeps.
Elephants from your deck! Awesome!!!! The accommodations look great. I am definitely saving your posts and putting them in my wish book.
It really was something to see. Accommodations were first rate all the way.
It simply all looks divine, Bob. I’ve been out with students in rugged places with open showers, and while rather cold, better than none. I can’t imagine how wonderful it was to look out to see elephants. So much prep went into this by your group. It is an adventure of a lifetime! (I don’t mind the length!)
Yes, Linda. It truly was an adventure of a lifetime. I am so grateful to have been included in the group. The four ladies did a fantastic job of planning.
This all looks fabulous! Such elegant meals and accommodations. And seeing the animals so close – wonderful. I also didn’t expect that it would have been that cold.
I know, Rose. We were surprised by how cool it was since we packed mostly lightweight stuff.
I love your pics for this journey. Looks amazing. Can’t wait for more, Bob.
It truly was amazing, Bonnie. I still can’t believe we were there.
Isn’t it great to be at a point in your life when you can take such a luxurious trip. I am amazed by all you have experienced so far and look forward ti next week’s post.
It is a wonderful point in my life. I am truly blessed.
Oh my, your digs were rather luxurious! I can’t wait to read about that safari, though, and see your spectacular photographs.
I will give you a little advanced notice, Tara. Wait til you see the Victoria Falls shots. Amazing!
An awesome beginning to an even more awesome trip. Can’t wait for the safari pics especially after having the elephants right outside your balcony! I, too, was surprised by Kathy’s attire – I had anticipated very warm temps. From the looks of the food pics, you dined very well!
It seemed like every time we turned around we were eating.
wow!!! I would love to see elephants up close like that!! what an amazing trip! I can’t wait to see more pictures!
It was an am a z ing once in a lifetime trip.
I love being able to take a virtual tour via your blog. Your accommodations were beautiful and the elephants so close is just breath taking. And the meals! I’m all about food too when I don’t have to make it. I can tell by the smiles on your faces that it was an awesome trip!
Everything was first class all the way.
Great digs! Looks beautiful. Much more pish than I would have expected.
Enjoy your trip. It was a wonder to lounge, travel and immerse yourself in somewhere new. It looks like you picked a great spot.
Wow! Wow! And did I say WOW! What an amazing adventure. A safari is definitely on my bucket list. Good to note about wearing warmer clothes for such, when going in their winter, I don’t know about that showering outside, especially as it’s cold there right now, Brett, thoughI guess almost spring for them now. And the elephants right their!
Yes, it was an amazing adventure. So glad we had the opportunity to go. I think my favorite part was the helicopter ride over Victoria Falls an getting up close to them. Pictures in a future post.
Wow! Wow! And did I say WOW! What an amazing adventure. A safari is definitely on my bucket list. Good to note about wearing warmer clothes for such, when going in their winter, I don’t know about that showering outside, especially as it’s cold there right now, Brett, thoughI guess almost spring for them now. And the elephants right there.