According to Wikipedia, “African Time (or Africa Time) is a colloquial term used to describe a perceived cultural tendency, in most parts of Africa, toward a more relaxed attitude to time. This is sometimes used in a pejorative sense, about tardiness . . . also . . . the more leisurely, relaxed and less rigorously scheduled lifestyle . . .”, etc. Well, it’s never more apparent than on safari – in the best way imaginable.
We had the renewed pleasure of this privilege recently, invited by Dave’s brother Mike and his lovely wife Lisa to Welgevonden Private Game Reserve.
Some time was spent loitering on the porch, watching zebra and other wildlife at the nearby waterhole.
Zebra at a waterhole - Welgevonden Game Reserve, SA
But cheetah were the star attraction of this particular trip. These elusive cats treated us to no less than three spectacular sightings in as many days. This was the first, perfectly positioned at golden hour:
Cheetah soaking up the sunset - Welgevonden Game Reserve, SA
. . . and another, captured beautifully by Dave not far from the lodge:
Cheetah silhouette - Welgevonden Game Reserve, South Africa
In between, we lazed around some more and were spoilt beyond words with mouth-watering food.
Safari sundowner snacks - Welgevonden Game Reserve, SA
Oh, and of course, we drank sundowners
Sundowner on safari - Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, SA
The game drives didn’t disappoint, as you can see from another of Dave’s masterful shots:
Waterbuck ram - Welgevonden Game Reserve, South Africa
Part of the magic was in the delicious interludes, like this one for coffee and freshly baked muffins,
Drinks stop at a dam - Welgevonden Game Reserve, South Africa
while magnificent game viewing waited around the corner.
African Elephant - Welgevonden Game Reserve, South Africa
Then it was back to the verandah for more relaxation, if we could possibly contain it -
Vista from a verandah - Welgevonden Game Reserve, SA
as we breathed in another African sunset,
African sunset - Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, SA
before hearing the murmur of luxury calling.
Private Suite - Welgevonden Game Reserve, South Africa
We’re happily home again, with Africa Time humming in our bones, just the way we love it.
If you’ve never experienced this, our wish is that you will, at least vicariously, as it’s simply too special not to share. So in that spirit, you’re welcome to browse my Facebook album, featuring more wildlife photography, here: Welgevonden – April 2012