Mystic Wilds

I used to dream of visiting South Africa.  I usually looked at it as a mystical place filled with mystery and surprise.  It's lived up to my expectations; WOW is what I've to express about my visit. Mystic Wilds

When we arrived in Johannesburg we were transferred to the Emperors Palace where we spent our first night.  Our accommodations were very comfortable, the area pristine.  I must say it is the very first time we had an area without walls separating the toilet and shower from the bedroom area.  It was different from what we Americans are used to but it absolutely was very nice.  A phrase of caution be cautious not to lean on the curtains thinking they hide a wall or you will soon be in serious trouble whenever you fall into the marble sink.

The Emperors Palace is a small grouping of hotels; ours was the Peermont Metcourt that is attached to the Casino via hallways.  We walked to dinner in the casino.  There's a big number of restaurants to choose from.  The selection of food can also be varied and extremely tasty.  My husband ordered Karoo, we had no idea what sort of meat this was.  It turned out that Karoo is an area in South Africa where the animal is from; we think the meat itself is mutton.  I'm never as adventurous as my husband so I ordered beef cooked on a skewer.  Both meals were delicious and very inexpensive.  We spent $20.00 US for both of us and our dinner included a wonderful African wine and desert.

Our second day in Johannesburg after breakfast we were transferred back again to the airport and caught our flight to Kimberley, South Africa We were met at the airport by our guide, Steve, for the next three days with Jacels Tours.

Kimberley is the region where diamonds were first discovered in South Africa.  The diamond mine called, the Big Hole and Museum Village is in the middle of town and is preserved today as a living museum of bygone days.  An extremely interesting place to visit!

After we had lunch at the Big Hole we departed for our three hour drive to Mattanu (Hebrew meaning Gift from Above) Private Game Reserve situated in the Northern Cape Province, the biggest, safest and Malaria free province in South-Africa, approximately 58Km North West of the diamond digging city of Kimberley..  Upon arrival we met the Owner/Manager, Jacques Kriek.  We toured Mattanu after our welcome drink.  I'm including a some of the pictures I took while at Mattanu.  Mystic Wilds Slots
                        
After our tour of Mattanu we took our first wild game drive.  It was great.  We drove all around the reserve and gazed upon several different animals in the wild.  I got some very nice pictures and so did everyone within our small group.  After our wild ride through the preserve we returned to the main house and enjoyed a wonderful dinner prepared by the owner's wife and daughters.  After our scrumptious meal we were taken to the guest rooms for the night where we could rest and recuperate from a lengthy inspiring day.

Early the next morning we had another great meal, breakfast, and then we went out for a wild game move where we were allowed to help with the activities.  This was quite an experience for us.  Who owns the reserve is a common and greatly respected veterinarian who specializes in endangered species of South Africa.

Dr Kriek rode in his helicopter to obtain the two wild animals we were going to move to some other area.  Below is among the animals called "Oryx Antelope" we captured and moved. They are the largest of the Antelope species. 

I'm including some photo of our capture and move.  It was quite an experience watching the Dr. shoot the sedative from his helicopter within the animals.  Once he the animals were beneath the effects of the drug we were signaled to close in in it and gently maneuver them into the flat bed truck we used to go them with their new location.

Once at the newest location we were given the chance to vaccinate the animals against diseases common with their breed.  I was the lucky one chosen to provide the shot to create the Oryx out from the anesthesia back again to full function and my husband was so engrossed in what I was doing he didn't even get yourself a picture.  I was bummed about this dilemma.  I'll probably not see another opportunity like that one again.

After our wild game safari ended we packed up our things and headed for Twee Rivieren located on the banks of the Nossob Riverbed. We were met by the camp ranger who showed us to the accommodations for the night before we met for dinner.  The facilities are lovely and clean, we saw several animals and plants in the camp and in the immediate areas. Twee Rivieren is the sole camp with 24 hrs electricity (except when we had a thunder storm and all of the lights went out overnight) and mobile phone reception..