The journey is surprisingly pleasant as we turn north off the N1 towards Nylstroom/ Modimolle, and about 70km later head towards Vaalwater and then into Welgevonden Private Reserve.
It was a long drive, and I am relieved when our assigned ranger meets us at the main gate. All guests are required to park their vehicles at the main entrance and are then taken to their respective lodges within the estate.
And so begins our 30-minute drive to Ekuthuleni. It is a typically beautiful Highveld drive with the mountains to our left and the savannah plains. It’s just before 5.30pm on a cool November afternoon, and our ranger, Mandla*, tells us that we’re in for a treat, as