(Overlooking the landscape at Indalu)
Varsha arrived today and shortly afterward we set out to the Indalu Game Reserve to walk with the elephants. The van jumped with every bump on the dirt road towards the gate which reminded me of entering Jurassic Park. When we got to the office and home of Gerhard Van Rooyen, the owner of the reserve, we hopped out to a magnificent view of rolling hills with Impalas and Springbok hidden in the shrubbery. Gerhard wore a safari hat, a puffy vest, and the warmest smile. He was extremely charismatic and you could tell he really loved the animals on the reserve.
(A herd of Impalas)
We loaded into the jeep with blankets and made our way into the reserve. The first animal we encountered (Eddie) was a Springbok who decided he would much rather be in the bush than near us. Next, we saw a herd of Impalas who were curious, but played it safe and stayed at a distance.
(Moketsi walking out of the bush. Our first meeting)
As we stopped at a clearing, I saw him. An elephant head sticking out from the trees. I started to get excited. Elephants are my favorite animal. I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent time with Asian Elephants in Thailand, but never African Elephants. Moketsi and Bacardi slowly followed their ‘buddies’ (Mark was our walking guide) out to the clearing. Hannah started getting emotional which in turn made me emotional. (Thanks mom for the crying gene!)
(Showing him how much I love elephants!)
Gerhard and Mark became photographers and took our pictures with the elephants. Afterward, Hannah, Varsha and I walked with Moketsi and Mark for about a kilometer. Mark has been working at the reserve for eight years and says his relationship with Moketsi is only because of food. (sounds like my dogs) We also discussed how Indalu is an ethical reserve. The elephants walk if and when they want and only receive positive reinforcement. Once they’ve had enough, they walk away into the bush.
(Moketsi is very particular on how much food he wants)
I want to touch on the topic of ethical tourism because so many times people go to a ‘sanctuary’ or ‘reserve’ and don’t do any research. Elephant ‘sanctuaries’ are not legit when they allow riding of the elephants, just like the Tiger Temple in Thailand who drug the Tigers allowing tourists to get a snapshot. Please do your research and pick ethical sanctuaries and reserves.
(Annie and Francina hug it out)
After the walk, we got back in the jeep and I got to sit in the ‘adventure’ seat, located on the front of the jeep. It’s exhilarating to be up front as if you were on a rollercoaster. As we drove up to an area with a few buildings and a large clearing in front, we saw Francina. Francina is an extremely sassy ostrich who thinks she is an elephant. Gerhard let Annie out to hug her (she’s her favorite) and I snapped a few cute photos.
(Varsha, Hannah, and I feeding Moketsi. Mark (our guide) is leaning on the fence)
The elephants were making their way up the road with the second round of guests. We carried the buckets of fruits and vegetables and each person took one. We reunited with Moketsi, who demanded we fill his trunk and would not move until satisfied. Needless to say, the food quickly disappeared and we snapped a few more photos before saying our goodbyes.
(Saying my goodbyes)
On the last leg of our ride, we encountered Impalas, one of whom had just had a baby. We also came across two Giraffes. One of them decided to show off and strut in front of the jeep. A dazzle of Zebras ran into the hills. They were not interested in any encounters with us. Indalu is a must see if you come to South Africa.
(This beauty is a show off)
For dinner, Rouxne and Annie took all the interns to Piza e Vino. It was a perfect way to end an incredible day. I had a mojito to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (yeah yeah I know it’s no margarita) and ate a cheese and mint ravioli in a tomato-butter sauce topped with parmesan. As a side dish, I paired my pasta with a side salad consisting of eggplant, feta, avocado, red onions, green olives, tomatoes and greens with a light vinaigrette.
(My delicious dinner)
Hannah and I ended our night with facemasks and writing about the event-filled day we had.
Laurie's Layovers 