Lion Park

The day began with all students arriving at their respective schools having had two nights of excellent hospitality with their host families. Having collected the boys from CBC Boksburg and the girls from St Dominic’s, we set off on our journey to the Lion Park on the outskirts of Johannesburg.

After a journey of approximately one and a half hours we arrived at the Lion Park and within a few minutes were boarding our heavily caged vehicles for the journey through the various enclosures.   

Lion Park

Our third day began feeling the chill as we set off to the lion park. In the first game park we saw zebras, springboks and several different types of antelope. With photo opportunities we were told about their value as meat and how to identify males and females.  Everyone was becoming increasingly excited as the lion camps were looming.

The lion camps were a highlight for everyone. We saw two types of lion: the white lion and the traditional African lion. The white lions that were in the park were in the feature film The White Lions. The beauty and majesty that both species presented overwhelmed us.

Next were the wild dogs, which are interestingly enough not the same as hyenas! With more photo opportunities we learnt about how they only eat meat fresh off the bone, so once a victim is down they are uninterested.

Having finished our tour of the camps we moved on to the lion cub areas where in groups of 10 we could go into a small enclosure and stroke the cubs. An incredible experience was had by all and was probably the most touching part of the day – the strength and power of the cubs was juxtaposed by their soft and cuddly appearance.

Once we had finished looking at the lion camps and stroking the cubs we went to feed the giraffe. We were surprised by their tongues as they reached out for the food, wrapping around our hands, scooping the food into their mouths. They were by far the gentlest animals we saw.

Finally whilst wandering around the rest of the enclosures on foot we saw meerkat  (much smaller than we had first anticipated), ostrich, baby cheetah and panthers. We also saw a beautiful, but somewhat shy 3 month old baby giraffe, which had only been born on the 23^rd April this year!

Imogen Parnham

The return journey was an opportunity for many to catch up on some much needed sleep and our driver, Samson, transported his very quiet passengers to the Wilpark Lodge, home for the remainder of our time in Johannesburg. With all the students checked in to their rooms, there was an opportunity to relax before dinner. An excellent hot buffet was enjoyed by all with plenty of tasty options. After a few games of pool, Curry Cup rugby on the TV and even some dancing, it was time for bed.