A Different Taste of Africa – Mopani Worms and Dirt!

The Palace of the Lost City is aptly named and we were truly astounded by the splendour of the accommodation. We were made to feel at home and welcomed a shower and a change of clothes, given that we had been travelling for well over ten hours! Little did we know that however refreshing this shower might have been, we were soon to get a little dirty!

Since we were delayed at the airport unexpectedly there wasn’t time for a formal lunch, however our grumbling stomachs were soon silenced by what is known locally as a ‘brakkiepakkie’. With our doggy bags in tow, we went off to go quad biking.

Up and down an adventurous hillside course we quickly got over our initial apprehension and went roaring about having a whale of a time. The fact that we had very little previous experience of quad biking did not stop us from enjoying the experience at all but it must be mentioned that wearing suitable clothing is a must. As a hint to future travellers, never wear white when quad biking – the dirt in Africa is real as many of us discovered!

Dusty but happy we then ventured out on a night game drive through the Pilanesberg National Park. Hailing from urban areas in one of the most built-up cities in the world, we were pleasantly surprised to see the most beautiful, clear night sky. Our helpful guide not only had extensive knowledge of the indigenous wildlife but also gave us a quick lesson on astrology.

It must be said that nothing really prepares you for the surprise and wonder of seeing an almost 5 metre tall Giraffe right next to the road, grazing and staring at you nonchalantly with its gentle eyes. Having seen these animals in zoos before is one thing but seeing them in their natural environment with the last rays of the African sun setting behind you is something else indeed.

The evening ended with a meal at a cultural village where we were held in thrall by the stories of the local tribes and the history of the region. The diversity amongst tribal peoples was highlighted by the array of different foods we had for dinner – Mopani worms being one such delicacy we were encouraged to try. Some of the braver members of the group are convinced they taste like dried shrimp! Overwhelmed by the beauty and the new and varied activities we eventually ventured back to our rooms to sleep and dream of the wild, open spaces of Africa.

For more information please go to http://www.pandemonium.co.za