Today’s tidbit: “Every dreamer knows that it is entirely possible to be homesick for a place you’ve never been to, perhaps more homesick than for familiar ground.”― Judith Thurman

Sneak peek images:

This is what I was literally steps away from!!! I can’t even explain what an amazing feeling and experience it was! I loved that little baby giraffe (1 month old at the time), Lumina. The second picture expresses how I was feeling there – full of life and joy!

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

With hundreds of pictures to chose from, it was a challenge to narrow down which to share. This post is a little longer than most (amount of pictures not content) but I think you will enjoy it!

As I mentioned in part one try to imagine this: Waking up at 4am to the sounds of wildlife and having no idea what it is. Laying there looking up at the beautiful wood detail of the tall open rondavel ceiling. Realizing you aren’t dreaming and can’t help but jump out of bed! Peaking through the window out into darkness to catch a glimpse of anything moving. Throwing on something warmer, as it was cool during the mornings, and grabbing your camera (and all the different lenses). Opening the door quietly trying to not scare anything that might be roaming nearby. Sneaking out onto a private balcony in awe. That was how I started the day. That’s when I saw my first wildlife…

Antelope wandering around in herds. Monkey running along the gravel path and grass playing. Stealing little things, like sugar packets, and scurrying up the trees. Jumping on our neighbors car. Giraffe and zebra roaming freely, coming within feet of the rondavel. ALL while watching the sunrise, listening to the peaceful nearby lake and chirping birds.

THIS is a taste of what I experienced my first 2 days in South Africa! 

Giraffe. I was on cloud 9. Obsessed with Lumina, the baby giraffe! All spotted steps away from our rondavel!

In the mornings I walked along the ranch where they were eating breakfast. I stood there for a good hour just watching how they interacted and played. Lumina had lots of energy and I was thrilled to be able to capture running around. It’s  just too cute!

The property had tennis courts and the first day we were fortunate enough to see the giraffes hop over the lower fence and wander around inside! I was literally feet away from them.

After breakfast, running around playing and tennis court exploring they headed out along the water and into the brush further away from the rondavel for their afternoon naps.

Zebra (+ Donkey + Zonky). Last but not least, another favorite! Just love them.

There was also one Donkey, Jack and one Zonky (Zebra+Donkey cross breed), Debra.

Walking right passed us!

Heia’s website states that “The Heia Safari Ranch restaurant is a picturesque venue for superb dining with windows that overlook the swimming pool and Lake Heritage. Our zebras use the swimming pool as their watering hole to the delight of the restaurant guests.” The first day we didn’t see it but the second morning we were fortunate to! There we were, eating breakfast outside and I looked up to this herd of zebra walking up to the pool. They stopped to drink for 10 minutes and then proceeded on. So neat! And this is why my DSLR was glued to me, you just never knew what you would see.

After breakfast and wandering around, we headed back to our randavel to get ready for our private tour. The zebra made there way to the shade for their afternoon nap spots. I just can’t get enough of them.

And that was where we stayed night 1&2. Pretty amazing right?! That is how animals should be, like this or in the game reserves out in the wild, not in a zoo or circus! I would pack my bag and go back tomorrow. Next up will be a post sharing my experience to an elephant and monkey sanctuary. Check back soon.