We have been travelling with WildEye since our safari to the Mara Camp, in 2017. Two further photographic safari’s and a fabulous tailor-made trip to three different African countries followed.
It had been my dream to show friends why we love to go on safari, and especially with WildEye. Well, on 27th July that dream came true, when we arrived at Nkurru Lodge in Madikwe!
This is our third visit to Nkurru, so we knew it would be perfect for our friends and their three boys, aged 21, 19 & 15. The expression on their faces as they were welcomed into the Lodge was priceless. It was ‘sick’ – which I now know ‘is an adjective describing something that is cool or excellent’! The waterhole welcomed them with a herd of elephants, much to everyone’s delight.
Obviously, the beauty of Nkurru was that it was solely for our group, our private home in the bush. We all had our own spacious bedrooms - this time I even used the fireplace, as it was chilly. Hot water bottles each night were most welcome too, although the first night finding something warm and furry in bed did come as rather a shock!
I had explained before the trip that there are no guarantees with game viewing. Well, the safari Gods were smiling on us, we had phenomenal sightings every day; numerous lions, cheetah, four different leopards and we even had to get back in the truck quickly during a morning coffee stop, as a Mum black rhino and calf took exception to us. The general game delighted Helen, warthogs & giraffe were firm favourites. Watching a family of warthogs emerge from their burrow as the sun warmed the day was a delight. The little piglets shot out, all covered in dust.
As always, Grant was a first-rate guide, going above and beyond to track leopards one day. Along with me, one of the boys was keen to take photos. Grant ensured we were always in the best spot and helped so much with settings and composition. His iPhone photographic knowledge is pretty good too!
Monique had checked the menu’s with us before we arrived, and every meal we ate was delicious. The staff were so kind, nothing too much trouble. ‘Pizza day’ saw us demolish ten pizza’s, all freshly cooked by the wonderful chef in the outside pizza oven.
Being able to help ourselves to drinks, chilling on the sofa’s on the deck and by the pool, made it the perfect holiday for us all to relax. We never tired of watching the non-stop array of animals coming to quench their thirst at the waterhole. The highlight being a male leopard that strolled up on our last night, moments before we sat down to dinner. The only problem is that our friends think that happens all the time, Grant assured us it doesn’t!
I think I can safely say our friends completely understand why we love to go on safari, and have been bitten by the bug too. The memories made, laughter and fun we had at Nkurru will last a lifetime.
Thanks to all at Wild Eye for everything, especially the woolly beanies. They were invaluable, it was SO cold on morning drive!
Tracey Igoe
Join us in Madikwe game Reserve
Towering rocky outcrops, red sands, open grasslands and large waterholes drawing animals for a drink during the intense Madikwe heat, all form part of the exciting experience on offer at this malaria-free Big 5 safari destination.
Join us for an exclusive safari experience with just 5 guests over a period of 6 nights and 7 days.
