January 16th, 2018 – Day 1 – car is packed, the work day was over and off we went up the north coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal to Leopard Mountain for the night. We had good friends, a hired 4×4 and a trailer filled with goods for a few days worth of snorkeling, tanning, braaing and turtle viewing. Still though, we had two passengers waiting in Hluhluwe, more specifically Leopard Mountain Lodge. This is a fantastic 4 star safari lodge which offers its guests the Big Five game viewing, spectacular views and delicious South African foods.
http://www.leopardmountain.co.za/
We arrived late at night after a 3.5hr drive, were welcomed by friends and their two dogs. We discussed the adventures that lay ahead for us over the next days, what we expected from the trip and expressed our hopes of finding turtles laying their eggs.
An early stat to our morning we had coffee with a view over the game reserve, we packed the vehicle and began our 10 hour scenic trip to Kosi Bay.
Being a 4×4, and 7 people, two had to take turns being crammed into the back canopy of the vehicle. That was ok as we stopped constantly to enjoy the views, to stretch our legs and stop to discuss the local bird life. A large part of the drive was through game reserves and the isimangaliso wetland park which was absolutely amazing, highly recommended!!! From gravel roads to sandy paths we kept moving towards our campsite Bhanga Nek, Kosi Bay.
After a long day in the sun, and cramped into our vehicle we made it to our community campsite.
The sun was starting to go down and we unpacked our belongings into our tents. All that was left to do was braai for dinner and have an early night….tomorrow was going to be amazing!
Best part of the day – Swimming in Lake Sibiya with a crocodile sun bathing 150 metres away.
Leopard Mountain Lodge
Isimangaliso Wetlands Park
Lake Sibiya
Being crammed