The Lion Park is situated on the northern outskirts of Joburg. We did a lovely game drive, saw a few different lion families doing what lazy lions do on hot sunny days, caught glimpses of wild dogs, hyhenas and cheetah, fed some very tall giraffes and played with some fiesty little lion cubs.
A few years ago we discovered a real gem not far outside Joburg called Heia Safari Lodge. It's a rustic and unassuming safari lodge with comfortable rondawels in a perfect setting on the banks of a beautiful dam. They offer game drives, guided hikes, fishing trips, canoes trips and cultural shows not to mention delicious food. Best of all the animals are tame and can be seen roaming inbetween the rondawels and around the main lodge. It's very exciting indeed. For us the main attraction is relaxing in the peace and tranquility and African atmosphere.
We joined Rebecca, Jackson and his cousin Mathew for a steam train trip on Reefsteamers to Magaliesberg where we had a picnic under a tree near a stream. Nicholas had a huge fall on the platform resulting in grazes not only on his forehead and cheek but also his eyelid and inside of his lip - yes he cried and yes I cried too - he felt quite special after the nurse on the train treated his wounds and gave him a lollipop. Thankfully he has no scars. Other than that we all thoroughly enjoyed the outing.
Not everyone likes Montecasino but we don't fall into that category. The bird park with its impressive collection of birds and reptiles is a tranquil place to hang out. The piazza is a great spot for a bite to eat while the kids run wild. Sometimes there's live music, it's a perfect spot for street artists, there's lots of entertainment for kids and the dancing fountains are a big hit (but please someone tell them to let the kids play in the water like they do in the rest of the world).
Don't miss the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. It's awesome and not just for tourists. What a good idea having a real nature reserve only a stone's throw from the city. Besides the feeling of being in the bush and the abundance of game there's lots of great entertainment at the main camp for the whole family.
Boating on the Vaal is always fun especially has the means hooking up with the Van der Bijl gang: my aunt, 3 cousins and their families. Mikaila and Ayden are between Nicholas and Daniel in age so hopefully they will be friends one day like us. This time the outing was extra special because Gogo was with us too.
(I decided not to put any of my animal pictures up now because it would simply take too long but let me tell you we saw loads of animals and I took some lovely photos even if I must say so myself. Maybe one day I'll have enough time to do something nice with them.)
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