Day Off

So we get one day off about every ten days of work and this past Wednesday was our second. After finishing up our KLTRI projects Tuesday morning, we left the Big 'Kuz and drove out to a resort in Blyde River Canyon. It took about six hours to get there; we took the long way through Kruger, and it was totally worth it. Game drive spottings included a group of about 20 elephants drinking at a watering hole, zebra, hippos, ground hornbills, kudus, lions, leopards, and more. An elephant even yelled at us as we drove by.
On Wednesday, we went on a boat ride through the canyon, the 3rd largest in the world. There were waterfalls coming down the sides of the cliffs, very cool stuff. We then walked down a little trail to a waterfall where we could swim. The water was FREEZING, but it was so beautiful. Yesterday, we stopped at Moholoholo animal rehab center and PET CHEETAHS. It was one of the coolest things I've ever done. I also got within ten feet of my all time hero animal: the honey badger. His name was Sosha and he was badass. Definitely a trip highlight so far.
Anyway, now we're back in Skukuza starting our first round of FFPs (Faculty Field Projects). We're doing some camera trapping and a project on Oxpeckers. It ought to be fun, and I don't have to wake up at 5am for the next few days which is always a bonus!

 Elephants!

 Blyde river canyon boat ride

 Taking a dip at the waterfall

 Petting a cheetah

 The HONEY BADGER

 Feeding vultures 

Cheetah