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LUKIMBI’S EXCITING NEW ALL DAY WALKS

26 June 2009

Beautifully laid table for a full breakfast
Beautifully laid table for a full breakfast
Photo: Louis Marais
My husband, Louis, and I test walked our new day walk on Sunday. This is the first leg of day walks which can be extended to 3 days, each day in a different area. We left the lodge at 7.00am, after coffee and biscuits. Accompanying us were Rangers Dylan and Lisa, with Dylan as lead guide. He made sure we were well informed on the do’s and don’t of walking in Big 5 country, hefted his pack containing emergency medical kit, radio and his rifle and off went, skirting the buffalo in the reeds in front of the lodge.

We walked at a pace slow enough to take in everything we passed as we went along. Both Lisa and Dylan talked of trees and examined tracks and showed us all the little things that are so easy to miss. A few hours sped by before we walked up a bank to be met by the Lukimbi team, a beautifully laid table and a full breakfast, including freshly cooked food and hot filtered coffee. The table was set out in front of a water hole and it was wonderful. They assured us we would like the lunch spot even more.

Refreshed and revitalised, we went off again after about 50 minutes. It had warmed up, and now the animals seemed more in evidence. We came across elephants, kudu, a buffalo bull, giraffe and impala, with time enough to sit and enjoy some really good sightings. Monkeys were sending out very loud alarm call, so we skirted the immediate area to get to where we could get a good look safely, but whatever it was alarming them, we missed it. Maybe a leopard? Then it was time to meet up with the Lukimbi team with their welcoming smiles for an absolutely stunning lunch. It was light and fresh, again most attractively laid out in another gorgeous place under a spreading tree. I had been concerned that the right food should be served that would not be too heavy, (would I be able to run if necessary?) but it was perfect and for the really hungry ones, more than enough. An added bonus was the blankets laid down on the ground with cushions, for relaxing after the meal. I took full advantage.

The last leg started more than an hour later, when it had cooled a little, and again we saw great game. Elephants twice, more giraffe, lots of impala and of course, we did bird spotting along the way. We saw tracks at a pool and there was much discussion as to whether it was a crocodile or water monitor, but a fleeting view proved it to be a water monitor. We reached out final destination, which was the Landrover parked under a tree, complete with cooler box stuffed with ice cold drinks. I must say that the thought of that beer waiting had been a definite spur. We sat talking and going through the exciting moments of the day, then climbed on and headed for the lodge. Just as an added bonus, we saw a lion with cubs and lots of white rhino on the way. We arrived back at 5.00pm, plenty of time to relax, before going in to a wonderful boma dinner.

Anybody who is reasonably fit and is looking for something adventurous should manage this walk with ease. There are emergency evacuations points along the route, if there is any kind of problem. Lukimbi will take a maximum of 8 guests on a walk and you do need to book the walk in advance, as there is a huge amount of logistics involved. The best news yet is that, as an opening offer, Lukimbi will not charge any more for the walks, they are included in your day rate. I love to walk, but am not too keen on roughing it. This provided the best combination of exercise, fresh air, fabulous game viewing, all done in complete comfort, with rangers who clearly loved the whole experience as much as we did. Thanks to all the Lukimbi team who are putting the planning and effort into making a really outstanding experience.

by
Marilyn Marais

Please note:
Walks need to be booked when making your reservation. Only 8 people will be taken on each walk and unfortunately, we cannot take any persons under the age of 16. Lukimbi reserves the right to withdraw anybody from the walk, if, in the judgement of the Ranger, they will not be able to keep up, possibly becoming a danger to themselves or other members of the group.

Click to enlarge
Buffalo, one of the Big 5
Photo: Louis Marais
Click to enlarge
Giraffe seen on the walk
Photo: Louis Marais
Click to enlarge
An absolutely stunning lunch
Photo: Louis Marais
Click to enlarge
A view of the river
Photo: Louis Marais

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