Shelby Senior Services recently sponsored a once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Once again, traveler Sherry Ponsler shared her experience with me, and I am sharing her thoughts and notes with you.
The long flight to South Africa was well worth the time. Landing in Johannesburg, the awesome journey began with a guided tour of that largest city.
The tour continued to Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
You’ve heard the old quote from the Wizard of Oz about "lions and tigers and bears, oh my," well this gorgeous reserve didn’t have bears, but had lots more animals like giraffes, hippos, zebras, lions, impalas, and wildebeests, as well as owls.
The guide explained that the top prizes for hunters included African elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos and Cape buffalo. With cameras at the ready, the tour of the reserve gave the group the opportunity to photograph many of these species.
What could top that?
How about a hot air balloon ride!
Sherry described it as the most tranquil experience floating through the air and under the clouds.
Continuing in the city of Pilanesberg, the group boarded open air vehicles and went on not one, but three animal viewing safaris, ending the evening with a delicious Boma dinner with singing and dancing entertainment.
The flight to Zimbabwe took the group to yet another highlight of the trip, Victoria Falls. We have all seen photographs of the falls, but Sherry’s reaction to an in-person viewing brought it to life.
“It is breathtaking and has a very powerful current. The rising mist above the falls can be seen for miles. Even with the provided raincoats, we were wet,” she wrote.
The experience continued to be one highlight after another. Being up close and personal at the elephant sanctuary was impressive, she noted.
“We could touch the elephants and feed them. We got to take handfuls of elephant pellets (food) and toss them into mouths or down their trunks. The leftovers were either consumed by the elephants or by the herd of (nearby) warthogs. The elephant’s skin is very thick with tiny hairs on it,” Sherry wrote.
While on a cruise on the Chobe River in Botswana, the group was greeted by hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and more.
After a morning safari in Chobe National Park, there was an afternoon opportunity to go on another safari or take a boat ride on the river. The group gathered for a delicious dinner at their lodge in the evening.
The return to South Africa was a 2-hour plus flight to Cape Town, South Africa. A motorcoach visit to Stellenoch, in the wine country, featured several wine tasting opportunities.
Rain and fog prohibited a visit to Table Mountain, but on a scenic drive close to the shoreline, the group saw antelope and jackass penguins and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.
Sherry also mentioned the great food and accommodations that were provided on the trip. However, her favorite memory of the trip will be seeing the animals up close and personal. She really enjoyed the lodge at the game preserve as her favorite accommodation, because her room was overlooking a watering hole where lots of animals came to drink.
The group stayed in lodges, not in tents, she added.
Judging by the number of safaris and close encounters described, I would agree that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Thank you Sherry for your excellent descriptions.
Those making the trip were Barry and Terri Dusenbury, Gloria Thomas, Kathy Henning, Linda Crowe, Susan Bell, Sherry Ponsler, Cheryl Stillabower, Rebecca Sanford, Elizabeth Blackburn, Mike and Debbie Vanderploeg, Randy and Zoe Bergstedt, Mark and Celeste Williams, David and Linda Colclazier, Stella Collins, Emily Blackburn, Janet Baumgartner, and Amanda Coleman.
Want to have great experiences in your travel?
Join us at the May 21 free Travel Show at 6:30 p.m. at the senior center to introduce our 2027 trips.
Call 317-398-0127 to reserve your spot. Don’t wait, seating is limited.
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