SOUTH AFRICA TRIP (Part 2)

Beautiful Sun Set over Africa

Followers of this South Africa series, would remember that I posted about Kwantu Game Reserve and our departure from Kwantu to Knysna via Port Elizabeth and George. It was a long, but pretty journey, with a lunch stop at the world famous Bloukrans Bridge. 

The Bloukrans Bridge

This is the highest bungee  jumping spot ,in the world.  It is a very picturesque spot, on the road connecting the Eastern & Western Cape provinces, on the garden route. As  I suffer from  Vertigo (fear of heights) I skipped this adrenaline rush activity. I did watch, with a mixture of wonder and awe, a few ladies who dared to do this bungee jump. The bridge itself, is very beautiful arch across the Bloukrans River, close to where it meets the sea. Late evening we reached our hotel and the day ended with Dinner.

We were up, bright and early ,the next day , because we had four activities lined up. Little did I know then, that this was going to be, the most spectacularly memorable day of my life. The day itself, started innocuously enough, heading out to the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn.

Inside the Cango Caves...

Inside the Cango Caves... another view

Inside the Cango Caves... artistic patterns

Inside the Cango Caves... on floors

Inside the Cango Caves... and ceilings

The caves are very large and intricate formations, of stalactites and stalagmites, forming artistic and intriguing patterns, hanging from the roof and springing from the floors. We took a standard tour of the caves. The insides are beautifully maintained and well lit. Low light photography was a challenge inside the caves, but I did manage to get a few good shots. After finishing the tour it was good to be back in sunlight and our next halt was Cango Wildlife ranch.

We reached the ranch in about an hour.  The first leg of our visit, took us past some breathtaking birds and animals. We got to see huge bats hanging upside down, the critically endangered Cape Vultures (there are only 16 of left in the world) and 4 of them happen to be here!!

Endangered Cape Vultures

Managed to sight and photograph some shy and hyperactive Ring Tailed (Madagascar) Lemurs,

Ring Tailed Lemurs 

beautiful Lesser Flamingos,

Lesser Flamingo

Lesser Flamingo pair

two huge Marabou Storks, seemingly levitating,

Marabou Stork

and a host of Nile crocodiles lazing in the cold sun.

Nile Crocodiles 

A lone pygmy hippo, sunning himself and snarling at us, occasionally.  Busy, spotted neck sea otters, were seen jumping in and out of the water and looking at us curiously before scurrying off.

The next leg of the visit was to see the animals, and they had quite a few there. There were two Servals  (African wild cats), Caracals (Wild Cats), Bat Eared Foxes,  Royal Bengal Tigers, White tigers, Cheetahs, et al. Had a fantastic time viewing  these beauties. Had the rare opportunity, to observe and photograph these wonderful animals, at real close quarters.  I seemed to get lost, in the spirit of the “Kingdom of Animals” here, at the Cango Wildlife Ranch. My spirit was gratified at seeing so many animals, all under one roof, knowing that they were well cared for and looked after, here. This reverie was unfolding beautifully, when the guide announced that those of us who wanted to, could go into the Cheetah enclosure, to stroke a live Cheetah.

What, stroke a live, grown Cheetah? What an opportunity!  I was excited and my heart skipped a beat. I was one of the first to pay the fees and was head of the queue.

Cheetah up close & personal

Wary of me

Ready to spring into action...

We were briefed by the Cheetah handlers, not to cuddle, hug or kiss the Cheetah. So sad. Anyway, as luck would have it, there were two Cheetahs in the enclosure, and we could stroke both. Since I was first, I was invited to come close, bend down and pet the Cheetah. At this juncture, both Cheetahs were resting, with eyes closed. I stroked them to my heart’s content.

Exciting & thrilling

I  gave my camera to one of the girls, in the enclosure, and asked her to keep on clicking. Both Cheetahs seemed to be enjoying my stroking and one of them even turned on his back, indicating, that he would like to be stroked on his stomach as well.

Exhilarating, tickle me he seems to be saying.

The handler asked me to move back, with a concerned look on his face. But no alarm, just the Cheetah wanting to be petted more. I was then asked to make way, for the second member and so on.  After all four of had our turns, I requested the handler for one more opportunity, as now both of the Cheetahs were awake and in a semi sitting position. Somewhere, my love for animals became infectious and he smiled indulgently and allowed me one more time.

And this time, stroking two live Cheetahs wide awake, one giving me the once over.

Two is better than one 

And now both awake.. one giving me the once over

And now both awake.. one giving me the once over

Was I scared? NEVER, for a moment, did fear enter my mind. In fact, it was a unique bond, that I seemed to share with these cats, who seemed to reciprocate, this bond. I just loved every thrilling, electrifying, exciting & exhilarating moment,  of this wonderful fifteen minutes of my life. This WAS THE BEST  moment of my life. Imagine, being in an enclosure with two wild cats, stroking them for continuously and not knowing any fear. Only thrill, excitement and a desire to extend this moment to eternity. Sadly, that did not happen, and like all good things, this visit came to an end, and we exited the enclosure. I was richer for this experience. This memory will last me, a life time (or even more, who knows).  But yes, this is one experience, that that all animal & nature lovers, must have,  or they are the poorer, not doing it.

And then our onward journey resumed and we were off to see Ostriches and the next day Cape Fur Seals and African (Jackass) Penguins. But again that is another wonderful experience, yet to be documented.