Day 9: Ithala Game Reserve

Despite the fact we are heading into winter, we had a really warm evening and it was only in the early hours of the morning that I snuggled into my duvet. This is despite leaving all the doors open to the elements. What a privilege to be so remote to be able to do this.

This morning started off with cups of condensed milk coffee. A delicious and delightful ritual saved for bush trips. Then a glorious outdoor shower and mention must be given to our ‘loo with a view’.

We left our camp at around 9 and returned, a touch travel weary, at 4:30. We stopped at the main camp for lunch and an extremely frustrating hour of trying to post blogs but the dismal reception made this impossible. 

The 30 000 ha reserve contains a wide variety of habitats from grassy hillsides and steep valleys in the south, to open woodland, bushveld and savannah in the north. We pretty much covered all the drives on offer, including a pretty hairy 4 x 4 track, Gray, of course, was delighted – boys and their new toys. 

The reserve is not teaming with animals but we saw nice herds of impala, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and kudu. We also saw eland, red hartebeest, warthog and a big tortoise. The absence of lion on the reserve makes for a relaxed atmosphere among the ungulates and they appear almost tame. 

We saw a lone elephant scaling up one of the mountain slopes. After the park was proclaimed in 1972, 50 elephants were relocated from the Kruger Park. They were distributed in family herds throughout the park but found their way back together. Nature is wonderful. Today there are around 90 elies, making up 2 or 3 herds. 

I guess for those who like to race around looking for the Big 5, this is not the place to come. Gray and I, however loved the beautiful scenery, with the amazing view sites, some high up in the mountains, overlooking the Phongola River. We also delighted in the bird life, highlights being a jackal buzzard on the cliff edge, a secretary bird and a pair of ostriches. 

Presently we are chilling around the fire, with a glass of wine, looking at the river flowing gently past the cliff face, where baboons are roosting for the night. Life can be kak in Africa.