Episode #5. What to do in South Africa? Never short of wild and weird experiences.

​Safari Big Five, Prey and Predator

​I haven't enjoyed visiting the zoo since I turned fifteen. While the animals were in jail, feces were lying around, overwhelmed with bad smells, and they looked so bored. If you're interested in experiencing wildlife, why not consider a trip to Africa?
 
It’s great to explore the big five in Africa Safari, Kenya. The big five refer to the lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo. You should see wild animals in the morning as they hide in the afternoon.  
The lion runs fast to prey on the giraffes (or the weaker wild beast). On the other hand, the prey must outrun the predator, or it will become its meal. Both the prey and predators live a difficult life to struggle for survival.​

​Hot Air Balloon

​Riding in a hot air balloon and witnessing the annual animal migration from a bird's eye view is an incredible experience. Every year, up to two million wild animals travel in a clockwise direction between Kenya and Tanzania, covering a distance of around 1800 miles in search of food and water.
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My friend, John, told me his experience in Africa riding the hot air balloon some years before was a bit scary.

John rode the air balloon with the other nine passengers.​

John asked the balloon pilot: "Why did all those hot air balloons not  fly in the same direction?"

Pilot: "It is normal. The balloon flight path depends on the wind condition and pilot control."

John: "Had an accident occurred before?"

Pilot: "Yes, sometimes accidents do happen. I think this time is ok."

John: "How long have you been working for piloting the balloon?"

Pilot: "Oh, me? I learned the piloting skill and practice five times, and then I can do the job."  
 
John: "Do you need a license to do the job?"

Pilot: "Yes, I used three hours, and then I was eligible to get the license."

The balloon was not moving stable, and the pilot seemed unsure of where to land the balloon.  The passengers grasped the basket tightly and prayed for a safe landing.

​The balloon finally landed on the sugar cane field, which was not in the planned location. They stayed on the ground for half an hour, waiting for the crew to collect the passengers and equipment.

​Crater Lodge, experience the wild

​It sounds attractive when I find the description on the web saying “Nowhere else on earth can you wake up among all the trappings of an elegant baroque chateau - brocade sofas, gilt mirrors, beaded chandeliers and paneled walls - and be instantly transported into one of the most famous African landscapes with just one glance out the window of the lodge.” Would it be great to take a break to enjoy the time of exotic wildlife and allow ourselves to lose track of our daily routine for a few days in Ngorongoro Crater Lodge? 

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Welcome  to  Join my   Joy of Travel 
Episode  #1 ,   Episode #2,   Episode #3, Episode #4,   Episode #5.