Lions in South Africa

The drive back to South Africa passed by really quickly. Perhaps because of the speed we were driving at or perhaps it was the amazing scenery of this country. There was a small incidence where we were flagged off to the side of the road in Botswana for speeding. After a few minutes of negotiation it was a small fine of approximately £5 and we were on our way again watching as another guy was pulled over. At the boarder crossing we ran into this man again and when we asked how much his fine was he responded with a thick South Africa accent "I told him I was not going to pay". Yes he was very serious. Not sure if that would work in England or Canada and to be honest I doubt I will try that one.

We did drive passed a lot of shanty towns which are really a strange sight. You can't help but feel sorry for the way of life in them. The really sad part is that they are thousands of them all over the country. It really is an eye opener.

We were all tired from the drive that day so we spent the night watching the whole 3 DVDs of "The Long way Round" before calling it a night and getting some much needed sleep.

The following morning we were off out for another fantastic breakfast and then on to the local lion park where I told myself I would go inside the cage with the baby lions and wrestle them and perhaps get a nice bite scar that would make a great story. This was all fine until I actually climbed into the cage with two 5month old lion cubs. They are POWERFUL!!! Forget that I thought there is no way I want this thing to bite me. Even at 5 months old the power is incredible. At one point I was stoking is head and it seemed to get a little angry and snapped at my arm which I pulled away faster than I thought possible. Another time one of the lions grabbed onto my shoelace and had a tug of war with me until he just decided to grab onto my leg and try and bite it instead. The lion keeper quickly came over and smacked him on the head and ran off. It really was amazing to sit in there with them and stroke them. They are incredibly cute but you really do get an understanding of the power these animals must have. With that it was on to see the slightly larger lions although this time from a car.... not in the cage with them.




Before we made our way over to see these lions though, we had a quick walk around a few other cages to see the cheetahs and hyenas. The teeth on the hyena are insanely sharp and I managed to get a picture that shows their razor sharp teeth. Good thing I was on the other side of the cage for this one.


There were three sections that we drove around in the car while the lions wondered in and around us. A few times I put the window down a bit to get a nice clear photo. I also put it up twice as fast whenever a lion started walking towards the car. There were not many people or cars around so we had most of the place to ourselves. These animals are simply incredible and even though they look elegant and calm most of the time they can change on you before you know it. But one thing is for sure. They are extremely photogenic animals.











That night was our last night in South Africa so to celebrate we all went out for a nice meal and then Jess, her boyfriend, and I went out for few drinks and dancing at a club on the outskirts of Johannesburg. It was a great night involving many many cheap drinks. 6 tequila’s, 2 beers, 2 cocktails, and water was the first round and it came to about £7. Really can’t argue those sort of prices. I paid for it a little the next morning but still managed to get up bright and early to go out for some shopping. With that we were back at the house packing and getting ready to go. We said our goodbyes and then settled in for the 10hour flight back to England.

It was an amazing trip and something that I will never forget. Even without the 1000 photos I took altogether the memories will last a lifetime. I can not wait to go back and to explore this continent in more depth!

I just want to say a big thank you to Chris and Jacqui for inviting me to the wedding and having me one of the groomsman. Also I would like to thank Ian and Jill for the amazing generosity for everything they did for everyone during the week in Durban.

The trip wouldn’t have been the same without the Jacobz family picking us up, dropping us off, taking us to Botswana, and letting us live in their house for a week. Thank you so much for everything and you are all more than welcome to come and stay with me in England or wherever I am in the world at anytime.

Last but not least thank you to my parents for everything did with meals, organizing, etc. and for making it such a wonderful trip. I had a brilliant time travelling with you both. Yes I would definitely do it again without hesitation.