9am departure and we headed off to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland's oldest protected area. (Mlilwane means Little Fire, a reference to the many fires started by lightning strikes in the area). Decided to do a self-guided walk with Geoff, Tony and Lu. The rest of the gang hopped onto bicycles and opted to cycle through the park.
We followed the 6.8km Hippo trail and came across loads of animals: zebra, wildebeest, nyala, warthogs, monkeys, bee-eaters, a croc and a hippo during the route.
We happened upon a small group of nyala, getting so close we could nearly reach out and touch them. Slow calculated movements had to be made so as not to scare the antelope away as they are incredibly skittish. Such pretty delicate creatures, we stood watching them for a nice bit before continuing on our travels.
Despite the walk being titled Hippo trail, we actually only came across one hippo - rubbish!! Still, I guess we can't complain too much. We've already seen quite a lot.
Down in the canyon we came across scores of bee-eaters nests and all the surrounding tree branches were swarming with these incredibly beautiful birds. Luckily there was a picnic bench situated right in front of the cliff-face, perfect for weary souls to park up and simply watch in wonder at the birds flitting in and out of their homes. We spent twenty minutes in practical silence watching them. Any comments we did make were in hushed reverent tones so as not to disturb them. Absolutely stunning birdies!
Making our way back to camp, the guys were beginning to wilt. Here we are in the African outback, taking part in a good 3-hour walk at the height of the day (worst time to be out) and not one of the three of them thought to bring a bottle of water along. Seriously!! I had brought a small 500ml and was guzzling it greedily. I did halfheartedly offer some to them, but thankfully they declined. Honestly, I needed every drop of it myself to replenish the amount I lost over the walk.
We're nearly back at the camp and we run into a small group of warthogs. I step a bit closer to see if I can get a better view of them. They are ugly, but also quite fetching in a way. Usually they are very apprehensive and run off into the bush with their tails straight up in the air. This group however have suddenly decided that they want to approach where I am standing. Crap, I cannot remember if they are territorial creatures. I take a few quiet steps backwards thinking that they will stop, about turn and go along their merry way. But no, they just keep coming towards me. Oooh what big tusks you have Mister Alpha. I decide to stand my ground, stop retreating and just carefully watch as they make to pass by me. Wow! They are so incredibly close. Very cool!!
Finally we reached the park's base camp, headed straight to the bar to order and down bottles of ice-cold refreshing water. Hydrate people! Buzzing from our animal spots we meet up with the cyclists, exchange tales and show-off photos. All in all everyone seems to have thoroughly enjoyed their afternoon.
Back to Malandela's to freshen up! The guys are planning on hitting the local casino tonight, whereas the girls are talking about making a trip to the spa - yes please, a bit of pampering would go a long way!!
Braved the pool yet again, definitely not any easier getting in today - the water is as cold as yesterday and I'm still trying to catch my breath when joined by Francois and Sue.
Kirsten calls over to the pool with bad news, the spa is completely booked out this afternoon. Oh no!! I was looking forward to that. Still, plan B was being rolled swiftly into effect. Mani-pedi party in Casa Purple with chocolate, wine and some G&T's. Excellent, that will work for me.
Fun girlie night was had. We made the shocking discovery that Sue had never painted her toe-nails before, ever!! She's loving the fuss and fell in love with her awesome new purple toe-nails. I somehow think that this will become a more regular occurrence for her.
Headed back to the restaurant for dinner, succumbing to the comforting "bangers & mash" option on the menu (and I wasn't the only one!). Once we had ordered the guys arrived back from the casino. A good evening was had there, but it sounded a bit dingy. There wasn't any huge winners in the group, but overall Jim seemed to come out the best.
Retired back to our rooms. Discovered I'd a rather large cockroach in my shower, not too far from the actual shower-head. Had brief discussion instructing him to stay put and play nice; otherwise we were going to have a problem. Thankfully he heeded my advice.
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