Returned from Zambia to Johannesburg (a scary city based on the numerous tales of terror we've heard) in order to prepare for our much anticipated safari trip to Kruger National Park. Our days on safari started before five am every day- so life as a backpacker is still full of sleepless nights and early mornings. After a lengthy drive we arrived at the park and had our first game drive at which time everyone on the tour became extremely excited about any animal with four legs. The novelty of impala and zebra quickly wore off replaced by demands for only the big five (lions, leopords, rhinos, buffalo and elephants). The first two nights were spent camping under the stars inside the park whilst the days were passed with increasingly successful game drives. Our tour managed to find the big five twice over the three days in Kruger along with a plethora of other animals. Absolutely amazing. We then left Kruger National Park to go to a private game reserve where we were put up in a very swanky lodge. On our private drive, we had our most stunning encounters with the animals. We managed to see each of the big five at a distance of no more than ten feet (in an open game vehicle). Very scary as the lionness came to sit against the wheel of the jeep, a male lion came over to check us out, an elephant performed a mock charge, and a leopard was licking the blood of his fresh kill. A bit close for comfort, but Flavia said she would protect me. The safari was the highlight of our trip thus far as it provided some extremely memorable moments and sights. Pictures will be forthcoming (although camera batteries died on last game drive - as it did for everyone else on our tour!). However we still have some great shots. In Cape Town for a few more days before heading off to Bangkok en route to Sri Lanka. So stay tuned for some more updates. lol- Mike and Flavia.