The trip from the U.S. to South Africa was a bit more arduous than planned due to a mechanical issue with our first flight. After a total of 32 hours in transit, we were in South Africa, but had to wait a few more hours for our bush plane to the Madikwe preserve in the northwest of the country.

The map behind Clint shows the route we will fly from Johannesburg to Madikwe to the northwest.

So, about 36 hours later, we arrived at the dirt airstrip inside the preserve and were greeted by Doctor, our Safari guide for the next two days.

An elephant seen from the air as we were on descent
Our Cessna Caravan that carried us to Madikwe
Doctor and the safari vehicle he escorted us around in

As Doctor drove us to Royal Madikwe (ma DEE kway) lodge, we were in awe with the tableau unfolding before us. The variety of wildlife had our mouths agape and had our camera clicking.

The road to the lodge
Zebra, warthogs, and an elephant all greeting us.

At the lodge, we had about a couple hours to freshen up before our first game drive. At Royal Madikwe, guests get two games drives per day: one that begins with a wake up knock on your door at 5:30 a.m. and the other at sunset.

Our chalet at Royal Madikwe
An elephant behind us on our chalet’s deck
The wildlife watering hole at Royal Madikwe

On each drive, Doctor treated us to more and more amazing sights and sounds. Our orientation to the South African Bushveld was certainly a high bar that has been set for the next two lodges we will visit over the next six nights.

A three month old zebra and its mother
Rhinos mating … something we were told was a very rare sighting.
The ever-present impala
Baboon
Elephants of varied ages at a watering hole
Behind them, zebra approach for a drink.
Cheetah
Now standing, you can see this cheetah’s belly is very full.
A couple of giraffes appear to be a mirror image.
A female lion takes a stretch.
The lioness’ cubs huddled together
Speaking of lion, here’s a male seen on our night drive.
Our game drives always included a stop along the way for refreshments and taking in the bush.