Flights from Tswalu , The Motse to Johannesburg and then flying Federal Airlines to Tuningi Safari Park.

We said good bye to all at Tswalu after the breakfast following the game drive. The weather was quite changed with cold winds and some light showers. There had been very heavy rainfall over night.

The Game drive was quiet and most animals were in hiding. We failed to see much at all but when given the chance to stay or return to the lodge we selected the latter. It was just uncomfortable.

Our transfer to the airport was planned for 9.30am and we were sent in a Lexus 4 wheel drive, very comfortable. Had a coffee and muffin at the airport and then were driven out to the plane, boarded and relaxed, although Ken had a sideways seat which was a little uncomfortable. We flew with Firebrand, enjoyed the flight in the small 7 seater aircraft arrived after about 80 minutes slightly ahead of schedule.

We were taken from the tarmac into a small lounge, beautifully set up , offered cool drinks then chauffeured around to Federal Airlines , about a 10 minute car trip, where we checked into our next flight.. we also stored one of our bags with Federal Airlines and will colllect upon our return to Johannesburg.

Our flight departed at13.00pm and we had a time in the air of about an hour. Also, there were 3 other couples travelling g on this flight to Madikwe, from where we depart and are picked up by our guide and the others fly on for a further 5-10 minutes.

It is an excellent flight on a slightly larger aircraft seating 16 people although only had 8 on board. Two of the other couples were really excited.

We met our guide Martin, who transferred our luggage to the Land Cruiser. We then travelled the 15 minutes to the Tuningi Safari lodge. A simply grand and beautifully decorated Lodge, with a hive overlooking the water drinking area. I am sitting in a lounge sensationally decorated and overlooking the pool.

Our suite (No.3) is just beautiful in every respect although it has an outdoor shower..

We then enjoyed a lovely lunch at about 2.45pm and then had about 50 minutes prior to the afternoon game drive.

The game drive was simply amazing because we saw all sorts of animals within some 400 metres of the lodge area. We saw a herd of elephants, a family of giraffes, several rhinos both white and grey, then many zebras and a variety of other animals which are reflected in the photos.

After about an hour of sensational viewing we were advised that there is a male lion in the area. We search for about 20 minutes without luck , we decide to retire to the lodge. We have enjoyed a sensational afternoon drove. There are so many animals.

The photos are dynamic and sensational.

Dinner is served outside on the patio overlooking the pool and then we hear animals at the waterhole. We enjoy two courses, we are tired and will retire early as we have a 5.30am wake up call..

All in all an excellent day , everything worked out well, this Safari lodge whilst somewhat smaller is also beautiful..

Tomorrow we celebrate our 50th Wedding anniversary. In the idyllic surrounds.