A feel of the wild life

Waking up at the crack of dawn, on Saturday morning, I couldn’t hold back my excitement as I waited for my cousins’ Byron and Britney to pick me up. After months of planning, we were finally going to the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.

Growing up on a farm in Kwa-Zulu Natal, I can’t help but be a huge animal lover. I find excitement in seeing and interacting with animals, even if it’s seeing the same animals numerous amounts of times.

 

As we drove to the reserve, situated in Krugersdorp, we expected to see numerous cubs, which would tackle us on the ground, and leave us with torn clothes and scratches. We each paid R130 to enter the reserve, and drove towards the cubs with amazing scenery and animals like: impalas, buffalos, zebras, warthogs etc.

                                       

 

When we got to the animal crèche, we had to wash our hands at the wash basin provided, then moved on to paying for our interactions with the cubs. They charge R30 per person, for each animal encounter and there were three: the white lion, white tiger and the cheetah.

 

There was one lion cub and it was 6 months old- where as we expected more cubs which were weeks old, so we could have a proper interaction with them. The cub we saw wasn’t in the mood of people that morning. He slept as we tried to interact with him…

 

                                       

Disappointed with our interaction, we moved onto the white tiger- who was a lot more alert. She scared us a little as we were told “don’t give her eye contact”, by the staff member who accompanied us. She chose to move around more and look at us, and even turned over for a belly rub…

                                                

 

Our final interaction at the crèche was with the cheetah. It behaved so well, as it gave us an opportunity to touch it with ease. I felt very comfortable with my interaction as I was less intimidated. The staff was friendly, and told us that there were more cubs but they were 4 weeks old, and can only interact with the public from 7 weeks onwards.                                    

My cousin Britney provided a brief insight on her experience with the animals…

 

The reserve has three restaurants, which are located at various locations around the reserve. These include: The Boma Restaurant, the restaurant at the Children’s Play Park, and The Neck & Deck.

We went to two of these restaurants and had a pleasant experience. The Boma Restaurant includes a kiosk for on-the-go refreshments, as well as a seating area. We took a seat and enjoyed a chilled ice- cream, as we stunk in the heat and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. On our way out, we stopped at The Neck & Deck where you can sit and have a meal, or interact with the giraffes. As you walk in you welcomed by the friendly staff, who lead you up to the deck, where you have an amazing view and encounter with the tamed giraffes. You pay R20 for a bucket of food, and you can feed the giraffes- This was such a great way to end my visit, as I find giraffes to be such amazing, beautiful animals.

 

Our overall experience was wonderful, we had a fun day. With this, we have been gathering a group of friends to join us on our next visit- since the new cubs will be placed in their new location, next month.