19 June, 2015
Lake St Lucia to Tembe Elephant park

As per our minimal planning plan we called the Tembe Elephant Lodge and yes, they can accommodate us for the next 3 nights. Please arrive by 2pm for lunch and game drive at 3pm. (2 things attracted us here. First, it's indigenous land where the local tribal people have got together, proclaimed it a reserve and also run it in conjunction with KZN Conservation service. The Lodge is also run by the local people with a Durban based businessman who spends 3 days a week up here & acts as a mentor. Second, it is home to the largest indigenous group of elephant renown for their huge ivory. ) Got our skates on, and as per our standard rule asked for local knowledge re the road options. Since we also try and never go on the same road twice this makes this interesting. Our suggested route of N2 to Hluhluwe then a back road was given the thumbs up so off we went. Since we were expecting a dirt road it was a great surprise to encounter good tar. We arrived in time for lunch, quick wrap up and off for our first game drive. This reserve is truly home to the elusive Nyala. We had the pleasure of seeing elephant, Impala, buffalo & numerous different birds. Sundowners over the swamp then back for a delicious dinner. I spoke with some of the other guests, 2 young women around late 20, both doing their year of community service
( occupational therapy & physiotherapy) as part of their training agreements. They are given 3 choices of location, all are out in the rural areas. They are based at Mangosi hospital ( located about 40mins drive from Mozambique / SA border)- a 400 bed hospital that serves a wide area. Patients can travel 5km in a wheelchair to be seen. These ladies both felt that contrary to being overwhelmed treating people with so little, they find it hugely rewarding as the patients are so grateful & appreciative. The medical staff ( Doctors ) are Belgian.
Clear starry skies & distant lion roars lulled us to sleep.