Tuningi Safari Lodge is only 3 hours drive from Johannesburg in the malaria free ‘BIG 5′ Madikwe Game reserve, famous for its wild dog sightings. The best time of year to be on Safari is at this time of year, when the grass is dry, controlled burning has taken place and it is easy to spot the wildlife through the dry trees. Although it’s great for visitors, the stress between the animals to get to waterholes is insurmountable. Check out this video
As we arrived at Thlou “Elephant” Dam, the sun was setting over the African bush and a herd of elephants were freshening up after a day in the heat. There were youngsters splashing and sliding around in the mud and teenage males showing off with playful fighting. A white rhino mother and calf tried their best to keep out of the way. Soon a herd of 200 buffalo arrived in a cloud of dust from over the horizon. Christo our safari guide was delighted as he had been searching for the herd for days. Tentatively the thirsty bovines made their approach to the water. The elephants started trumpeting and the youngsters copied their elders in chasing the thirsty buffalo away. The ‘Daga’ bulls walked boldly down to the edge of the water and started to drink. They didn’t take any trouble from the rowdy elephants. ’Daga’ derives from the zulu word ‘ idagga’ meaning ‘mud’ and refers to the grumpy old bulls whose coats starts to fall out, so they roll in mud for protection, which in turn keeps the tick and parasites at bay.
The monolith mammoths of Madikwe also asserted their presence on us and stopped us in our tracks – we were unable to alight from the vehicle at sunset to enjoy the customary ‘gin and tonics’. Eventually the giants gave way and the herd of buffalo and hordes of humans managed to quench their thirst just as the double banded sand grouse flew off overhead into the chilly evening sky.
But the best part of being at the Tuninigi Safari Lodge was the 5 star luxury without losing the African bush experience. For families travelling with children this is a great lodge as it has child care services. Educational treasure hunts looking for feathers and porcupine quills keep them out of mischief. Also on offer are al fresco showers overlooking the hills, hot water bottles on game drives and a secluded infinity pool that elephants are renowned for coming to freshen up in.
For the best Safari Travel advice please contact us on info@awoltours.co.za