Christmas 2025
For the past 3 years we both worked through the festive season, but this year we took some leave and with the public holidays stretched our time off to 2 weeks. It has been so enjoyable to be on leave and offline.
I started putting up the Christmas decorations in November - I felt like soaking up the festive season for as long as possible.
We drove up to the Kgalagadi and then celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary a few days later which was extremely special.
Our third trip to this amazing place this year but first time we visited in December.
it was hot!
But the sightings were our best ever! Well worth the hot days and nights (thank goodness for the air conditioner). I don’t think I was prepared for just how intense the heat could be but each day we prioritised staying hydrated and packed our cooler bag with loads of water, ice (to keep the drinks cold) and snacks for both morning and afternoon drives.
When I say the sightings were amazing - this Lion was fast asleep under a tree - just a few metres from our car. We saw SO many Lions and I cannot wait to download my photos (we arrived home on Monday night) and dedicate some posts to the sightings we experienced. We were fortunate to see 2 Leopards, lots of Cheetah (one morning we saw 6!), an African Wild Cat, 4 different species of Owls, a Porcupine and it was such a memorable trip.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD
We stayed at the Kgalagadi Lodge and had dinners at the Black Mane Butcher and Grill. For Christmas we booked for the Christmas lunch and from starter to dessert it was PERFECT!
KGALAGADI SUNRISES - A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO START THE DAY
Each morning we would enjoy our first cup of coffee with this view.
being on leave meant time to read
Read 2 books on holiday and it was super relaxing!
We also stayed in Twee Rivieren which was great as you get an extra 1 hour 30 mins in the morning (gates for those staying in the Park open at 05h30 instead of 07h00 for visitors entering for the day).
We are home now and having some relaxing days up the West Coast. Been enjoying having breakfast out and today the weather has been a little cooler. Going to ring in the New Year from our lounge with a glass of champagne in a few hours!
xx