Ahhhh...Buhala

Monday, March 6, 2023

We had breakfast at the Hippo Haunt Restaurant.  What a pleasant way to start the morning in the open air with friends.     

Leaving the campground, we spotted an African Eagle--looking just as regal as the American Eagle.

And, I liked this sign...

During the trip we saw a number of people walking along the road, including this lady with her baby on her back, and another lady carrying her load on her head!

We saw groups of school boys who were excited to wave as we went by.

We made it through the border crossing, back into South Africa.  It was again a two-step process--leaving Eswatini, and entering South Africa...two more stamps on the passport!  This time one of the South Africa guards wanted to come inside the camper and look around.  I think he just wanted to see what it looked like inside.

I'm glad he didn't have a gun like these guys...not sure what was going on, but there were several armed officers and a police car drove up as we were passing.  We didn't wait to find out.

We stopped at the Ngwenya Glass Factory on the way.  You could watch the artisians create their wares and then go shopping!   In addition to the glass factory, there were several other shops to explore.  ...more treasures...less room in the suitcase!  (Seems like there is a theme here. Next, I'll be looking for a suitcase.)

We finally arrived at Buhala Lodge, on the banks of the Crocodile River overlooking Kruger National Park.   To get to the lodge, we drove through an impressive grove of lemon trees, and then turned into the property.  We will park the camper for 3 nights and stay in this heavenly place! Ahhhh....a real bed, clean towels, clean sheets and a personal shower, and views that you can't believe! 

It's a wonderful place!  The lodge has 18 rooms, and our group will use all of them!  (Not sure how they'll get us to leave.)   While having cocktails on the veranda before dinner, two of our group were searching for wildlife.  (They just had to look behind them on the patio to find the wildlife--our group!)

And we watched the hippos play in the water, from the comfort of our chairs.

What a great and heavenly location!

The only complaint is poor internet, but what's new?  I'm always complaining about that.   As long as I can get connectivity, there will be more to come!!!