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…
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.
