Eating With The Lions

Although I enjoyed 27 years with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and traveled extensively during that time, South & Southern Africa were never part of my itinerary. I was content with seeing animals at the zoo.

Or so I thought!

After joining Borton Overseas, I quickly became aware of what I didn't know......and I found the learning process that Jody Schuster, our Director of Africa took me through, to be fascinating.

I was full of preconceived ideas!

I needed to experience Africa for myself, and a famililiarization program with our major supplier provided the opportunity to do just that. I'll admit that I was both excited and a bit intimidated about going on the trip. I wondered if Zimbabwe was safe. I imagined man eating snakes lurking in the trees, just waiting to drop down around my neck. I pictured walking through the bush with Rangers - armed and ready to save me from the ferocious beasts that had been anticipating both my visit and my overweight body...licking their lips in anticipation. I anticipated a diet of beer so that I wouldn't need to risk the dirty water.

I loaded up with Larium, insect repellent, sunscreen, and everything else that I could think of to avoid the pitfalls of experiencing Africa.

Our trip took us to Cape Town for a few days before going on to Botswana and Zimbabwe. I was somewhat concerned about visiting Cape Town too...but I was wrong....Cape Town is a true gem at the end of a continent. The staff at the Table Bay Hotel were gracious, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront was exciting to visit with lots to do, and the sightseeing around Cape Town was superb. The Wine lands and the Cape Peninsula are not to be missed.

I ran lots of miles along the sea wall path in Cape Town and through the city, for I was told I couldn't run at the Safari Camps....the lions would consider me a "meal on wheels." Either I'm completely oblivious to the "dangers," in walking around in Cape Town or others that I've spoken with are alarmists. Never did I feel insecure, nor, apparently, did the thousands of others I saw out walking, running, in-line skating and just sitting in the parks. I felt very much at home. Cape Town was foreign yet familiar and I loved it.

Okay, okay. I did get nervous again as I boarded the little plane to Nxabega, a CCAfrica Camp. As a pilot myself, I wondered if this New Zealander would know what he was doing. Imagine crashing in the middle of some jungle and having to barbeque each other just to survive! Most of the pilots for Safari Air are from New Zealand and Scotland.....no problem! these guys are sharp! When I asked each pilot if they're just building up hours in readiness to join a large airline, they usually indicated that that was the initial plan.....but they're continuing to fly the charters because they love the life style. I experienced expert landings and take-offs on grass and dirt/gravel strips littered with gifts from elephants that looked alot like birthday cakes.