Africa: Tanda Tula, Kruger National Park

We arrived in Nelspruit Airport and were met by the transfer driver, Edward. It was quite a long trip from the airport to our tented accommodations because of traffic and distance.

Along the way, Edward, gave us lots of information about South Africa, a top farming area. They grow oranges, avocados, macadamia nuts, and bananas to name a few. Bananas only produce one banana per plant, so there are off shoots beside each plant ready to spring up once the neighboring plant dies. Plants are cut down once bananas are harvested. Edward has no running water in his village. They must buy it and transport it to their home.

We have seen some half finished homes here and in Zambia. People buy a plot of land, build a room and move in. They finish the home bit by bit as they have time and money. Most homes are made of large cement bricks made with cement, sand and water and poured into a form. After they dry in 7 days, they can be used. Toilet are pits that are emptied by a truck when full. Those without electricity collect firewood. But they must be very careful of the tamboti tree as it is poisonous. Inhaling the vapors from the latex is fatal. They are taught from a young age to beware.

Nearing our accommodations, we saw some rare wild dogs which looked like spotted German shepherds. Even Edward whipped out his camera! We also saw hyena, kudu and impala. After we arrived, we settled into our elevated tent with zippered flaps for the door and all six large windows. It had gotten quite cool, a huge relief from the 100+ temps earlier. A bathroom is also in the tent along with an outside shower. We were shown how to secure all three zippers for the door so as to prevent monkeys from entering. But then I went out, forgot to secure and return to see a small monkey on the floor looking up at me. He quickly exited and I quickly promised myself to always secure those zippers.

Next we gathered for cocktails and chatting before being called by the beating of a drum to a fire circle where we were treated to a tribal dance performance. It was lovely and even included audience participation. Dinner was buffet style with a long table for all the guests. They served an eggplant appetizer, impala (tastes just like beef), red snapper, sweet potatoes, chicken and a coffee/chocolate mousse for desert. Our dinner partners were from the US, Belgium, Germany and other parts of Europe.

After, in very dim light so as to not be seen as part of one side was open, I snuck into the outside shower for a most refreshing rinse. Later, as the wind blew, I snuggled down in my bed and immediately fell asleep.