Flew into Johannesburg and picked up the car - sat nav not working at first so journey to the hotel in the dark and the rain was slightly challenging. Once there I tried to order sushi but my order didn't go through and then the restuarant was closed

Early start to drive to Tzaneen stopping in Pokowane in the way for a quick visit to Mr Price Sport and to buy a spare (and very cheap) phone.

Drove towards Tzaneen and suddenly I was driving through banana, mango and advocado plantations. Arrived at the hotel for a couple of day of comparative luxury. I lounged by the pool and even had a massage and pedicure.

After Tzaneen I drove towards Kruger stopping at the home of Amarula for a tour and tasting.

Next 4 days worth of game drives started. I stayed in Letaba for one night and two nights in Lower Sabie. I managed to see the big 5 twice over and more for elephants, lions, rhino and buffulo.

Highlights were:

Hyenas running towards me at dawn just as I left Letaba

A leopard at the side of the road

Four rhinos only meters away

Two wild dogs - one who had been caught in a snare - trying to evade being darted

I really enjoyed Kruger but the driving and spotting was quite tiring!

I drove out of Kruger towards Zoe's new placement but went wrong twice as we hadn't managed to catch up for proper directions!

Once we finally met up we headed for Hoedspruit. Went for a nice Italian and an early night! Next day we drove lots of the Panorama route : three rondells, god's window, Berlin's waterfall, Pilgrim's Rest, Graskop. Zoe was in charge of photos and took 500 while I drove!

The next day we tried to see Jessica the hippo but she wasn't receiving visitors so we just went to have lunch at the Giant Baobab tree before dropping Zoe off and rushing to Jo'burg for my overnighter by the airport,