We woke up for a succulent breakfast at the Bakubung Lodge, which included donuts, croissants, bacon, pancakes, omelettes, fresh fruit, and many more tasty options. Soon after breakfast we departed on our second safari drive. On this jaunt, we saw giraffes, jackals, rhinos, and even some cheetas in the distance. A particularly enjoyable sight was that of a baby elephant traveling with its mother. Later we saw a different elephant drinking from a body of water. Following this drive, we had a good chunk of free time. Some took this time to utilize the wifi, and others enjoyed a mid-winter swim in the pool. We eventually all made our way to a buffet lunch, with the options of calamari, crab sticks, sweet and sour chicken, pasta, to name a few. We performed two of our African songs for a waiter, Rodney, who wanted to hear us sing. Our singing of Thuma Mina and our African Medley was well received by our fellow patrons and the hotel staff.
After our lunch and some more free time to swim and enjoy the scenery, we set out on our third game drive, which was also our last. This drive was incredible, bringing us to what was called Hippo Loop, so we could see some hippos basking in the sun or laying down in the water. For a few moments, we even saw some cheetas! This drive was about three and a half hours long, so we had the privilege of being on the reserve to see the most beautiful sunset in the whole world. It was bright pink, pale orange, and even some purple. After our final breathtaking safari, we had a beautiful candle light dinner and a closing meeting where we all spoke about the positivity, love, and joy we experienced in South Africa. It was hard to say goodbye to the seniors, but I feel that we all left that meeting feeling connected, and thankful for all of the opportunities we had together on this trip. In our family groups, we wrote affirmations to each other so that we could keep good memories of this tour forever. We are all so blessed to have shared this once in a lifetime experience together.
-Cookie & Jillian
— Quote of the Day:
“See! A black rhino! alerted us Steve as we drove by the low bush in Pilanesberg National Park. This was an incredible moment in the safari since there are only 5,500 black rhinos left in the world (a fourth of the number of white rhinos).
Singer of the Day:
Marysa, for embodying the message of Boston City Singers with your positivity and your deepened appreciation for all that the world has to offer.
Shoutouts:
Adrian, we love your sense of humor! What a joy it is to interact with you, you make every moment light. Thanks!