So sorry that we have been out of touch but we've spent our first few days at Leshiba Wilderness which lies in a hidden valley atop the Soutpansberg Mountains, one of the country's most spectacular bio-diverse environments. This wildlife sanctuary is special, offering a uniquely African experience with spectacular unspoiled views and dramatic wildlife. On day one a white rhino and her baby walked alongside our vehicle, a bit later we walked behind a family of 6 giraffe, and by the end of our brief stay sitings of impala, kudo, wildebeasts, wild boar and the hind quarter of a fleeing zebra continued to enthrall us.
Our walking guide wove us through natural paths and up rugged terrain pointing out ancient botanical medicinal plants as we made our way towards splendid rock art depicting shamans with antelope features. It's hard to spend time in the African bush and not be affected by it. We were grateful that we had no electricity to spoil the splendor of our surroundings. It is truly a unique experience to wake to a family of baboons peering in one's window then dashing off looking most annoyed at the intrusion.
Athough we've been here for a short time, we continue to be struck by the general kindness of the South African people, their ready smiles and their willingness to help. Even in this vast unspoiled wilderness we were able to experience the generosity of people who have little to give but are still willing to share. While at Leshiba we discovered and were offered an unused kiln and a 16 year old South African boy who is willing to teach a group of Venda women how to make glass beads from recycled bottles. The cooled beads will then be fashioned into necklaces. Hope for Limpopo is thrilled to be able to provide seed money to launch this initiative which will enable HIV positive women to maintain their ARV maintenance regimen.
Pleae check back in a few days when we'll once again be able to access internet.
