Community Magazine June 2019

82 Community Magazine T hree rambunctious lion cubs were only too happy to have a new friend to play with. I didn’t know what I was in for. Each cub was the size of a four-year-old child, and just as energetic. They crawled all over me, nipped at my arms, grabbed on to my clothes with their claws, and turned me into a jungle gym. It was harmless fun, and perfectly safe (just keep them away from my neck, I was told). Five minutes later, muddy and a bit sore, I came out of the lion cubs’ enclosure to realize that this romp with my furry friends was a once in a lifetime experience. The photos and videos of me wrestling with these oversized kittens – and more importantly the memories – are part of what made my trip to South Africa so wonderful. Lion and Safari Park, where I had this amazing adventure, is an outdoor emporium of free-roaming beasts, where guests can take a guided drive (in an open, but protected truck) to see up-close zebras, leopards, wildebeests, giraffes, wild dogs, cheetahs, and lions. From the vantage point of your protected truck you could be three feet from a grazing giraffe, or see a leopard bolt across the plains at top speed. Reasons to Choose a South African Vacation If you have not considered South Africa for your next vacation, you should know that there are many compelling reasons to visit. From New York flights can be as low as $600, and though it may take as long as 20 hours to fly there, including a stopover, the trip is definitely worth it. The weather in South Africa is great all the time. With consistent 65-degree to 85-degree temperatures, it is neither too hot nor too cool all year round. Of course, Miami boasts good weather in the winter, too, but the mix of culture, wildlife, sights, and adventures are unique in South Africa, a mid-tier first-world country. Lions, and Leopards, and Rhinos, Dave’s Adventures Across Southern Africa Of course, you can Do-It-Yourself and bob from tour site to tour site on your own. Rideshares such as Uber are widely available to take you where you want to go. But I would recommend hiring a guide, who will take you where you desire, for as long as you would like, at your convenience. Additionally, a guide will ensure that you do not accidentally wander into unsafe areas. In Johannesburg, the Jewish population is about 50,000, and there are at least nine kosher food stores. Ultimate Safari Adventure Just two and a half hours out of Johannesburg is one of the many famous safari areas, Pilanesberg Game Reserve. The famous Big Five reside here: rhinos, elephants, lions, Cape buffalo, and leopards. With enough time and patience, you can enjoy seeing a myriad of other African creatures, like hyenas, zebras, monkeys, and the odd impala. The tiny monkeys, in fact, like to hop around the parking lot, too! A safari is a life changing experience! To get a feel for the indigenous population, pay a visit to the Lesedi Cultural Village, where visitors have the chance to meet and learn about people of various ethnicities: Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Ndebele, and Basotho. The village features real tribespeople, not actors, who will show you their homesteads and huts, while discussing their culture, folklore, rituals, and history. Find out why they wear their local dress, and feel free to engage them in conversation about their tribal life. For instance, this is where I also found out the going rate for a Xhosa bride: nine cows! Craft Markets Various craft markets can keep you shopping for hours. You can peruse handmade items, pick up last-minute curios, and get a feel for South Africa’s art world. There’s also plenty for the Oh My! Dave Gordon