Who says you can’t step out of the real world every now and again, just to reconnect with yourself and nature? Most of us put it off, but when you finally do it, you’ll ask yourself why you waited so long.
Who says you can’t step out of the real world every now and again, just to reconnect with yourself and nature? Most of us put it off, but when you finally do it, you’ll ask yourself why you waited so long.
When I was invited to go to Kariega Private Game Reserve, just 40km outside Grahamstown, at first I thought there were more rewarding ways to spend my day.
I ended up having the time of my life. On the game drive lasting roughly an hour, I got to experience some of the wonder of a day in the life of a game ranger.
Although, the group was a special one, because it consisted of field guides visiting from all over the province. The area is a nest bursting with wildlife.
We saw impala, kudu, eland, nyala, wildebeest, giraffes, ostriches, cranes and a cute cerval curled up for a nap, with attentively twitching ears at the sound of people’s cameras.
We even saw one of the reserve’s white rhino. Watching the wild animals was amazing and made me realise that there are so many precious things in the world. I’m still convinced that field guides don’t actually get paid because they look like the enthusiasm and joy found in their work genuinely comes from the heart.
Our guide, Ryan de Beer, was so professional and friendly, and didn’t seem to get tired of answering all the questions guests asked.
He says you can go on a game drive and have lunch afterwards for around R500, without having to spend the night at any of the Kariega lodges. You can also go on a cruise along the Kariega River, which is another beautiful experience the reserve offers.
You see, I’ve been on a sea cruise, but never a river cruise.
It was the most tranquil experience, the quietness and the atmosphere was unforgettable.
The boat comfortably accommodated 30 passengers who all enjoyed tasty snacks and sundowners.
You can also book yourself a pleasant and scenic canoe paddle.
After the day’s animal-spotting and leisure guests had dinner and warmed themselves up beside a fire of one of the bomas.
Another highlight of the trip for me was the humility and genuine nature of the Kariega staff – even general manager Alan Meyer.
The way he interacted with the visitors made me want to go back one day.
Avuyile Mngxitama-Diko spent the day at Kariega as guest of the Eastern Cape division of the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa.
Directions to Kariega Main Lodge:
Take the N2 from Grahamstown towards PE and turn left onto the tarred road (R343) to Kenton-on-Sea for a distance of 32km. Then turn off at the Kariega sign on the left. Contact reservations@kariega.net for email enquiries or phone 041 581 2606 (private bookings) or 046 636 7904 (day trips and tour operators).
