South Africa Review - Whalley Range

Dear Lucy and Steven,

Hey ho from Whalley Range!!

It was SO lovely to receive your email on our very reluctant return to England!! It was a thoughtful and kind gesture, so typical of you both. You took such great care of us all while we were adventuring with you and your combined energy, enthusiasm and sense of fun was totally infectious... (no pills for that!!!) ...mind you, shepherding such a loquacious and loony bunch as us 8 'SAGAs' doubtless had you drawing on hitherto untapped resources!!

I am so relieved that all the horses survived safe and sound from their trip. They carried us, without exception, with generosity and courage, and engendered in us a mutual confidence and trust, whatever the challenge presented. They are a credit to your fine care and horsemanship. Of course, it goes without saying that I hold a special affection for my little horse, Khosa! I forget who said this, but it encapsulates my thoughts and memories of Songimvelo perfectly: '...in riding a horse, we borrow freedom'. Such was this safari for me.

As predicted, it was a far harder task to adjust to more mundane matters back home - like daily routines and jobs etc., and I think we are all dreaming of a future in Kruger Park!!!!

We have already got a theme tune for our next ride, (with suitable ??? lyrics!!) which we composed, to the bewilderment of our mini-bus driver, as we headed for Jo'burg airport...and I am perfecting the accompaniment!! ..death by harmonica????

Thank you again for ALL that you both did to make our adventures happy, safe, endlessly surprising. It was a TRULY AMAZING and unforgettable experience.

I leave you with this beautiful Arab proverb, oft quoted by my mother when we were small:

'The air of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears'.

Love to you both, Charlotte

Click here for details of the Songimvelo Wilderness Safari.