Day 7 – Bush Hats, Bubbles & Big Laughs: A Safari with a Twist
After the high of our unforgettable Pilanesberg safari, I honestly thought, “How can we top that?” But Day 7 had a charm of its own—fun, creativity, food, and plenty of laughter in the heart of the South African bush.
Destination Highlights:
Kudu Rock & Christina’s Wallow, Waterberg Region
We kicked off with a light breakfast after the call of the morning drums—lighter than usual, because today we were heading off for a special Photo Safari and Champagne Bush Brunch. The jeeps split off in different directions, ready for another day in the wild.
Our adventure ended up at Kudu Rock, a scenic spot perched above the reserve with panoramic views. Later in the day, we also visited Christina’s Wallow, a quiet hideout facing a watering hole often frequented by animals.
View from Kudu Rock
Experience of the Day:
Hat-Making in the Bush & Champagne Brunch
On our morning game drive, we had a surprise challenge: a bush hat-making competition! Armed with instructions from our guide (and a warning about what not to touch—yes, some plants are poisonous), we foraged for twigs, leaves, and wild materials to build our hat.
After the creative chaos, we arrived at Kudu Rock where we were greeted with chilled champagne and stunning views. Once all jeeps had arrived, it was time to present our hats—each group performing a short speech, song, or dance.
My husband delivered a hilariously over-the-top election-style campaign speech for our group (I may be biased, but it was brilliant). Sadly, the prize went to one of the poetic performances—but we had so much fun, it hardly mattered.
Next came the Champagne Brunch, served buffet-style with dishes made by our amazing head chef. We sipped bubbly, enjoyed fresh coffee and tea, and watched warthogs (our very own Pumbaa) roam by.
Top right picture - Our hat wore by head chef on the left of the picture (middle one won).
Bottom right picture - our guides wearing there hats for paddy’s day.
Afternoon Delights:
Poolside Relaxation & Sunset Safari
Back at the lodge, we opted for a lazy afternoon by the pool, though some guests went to the on-site shop or booked in at the spa.
At 3 PM, the lodge surprised us with snacks—far beyond our expectations! Instead of nibbles, we were treated to samosas, chicken kebabs, and prawn tempura with sweet chilli sauce. Delicious!
Then it was time for our evening photo safari, which included a peaceful stop at Christina’s Wallow. Though it was quiet at the waterhole, we chose to keep driving—and were rewarded with more wildlife and another round of laughs.
Christine’s Wallow
As a final treat, our guides shared two South African drinks with us:
🥃 Amarula – creamy and sweet, similar to Baileys (but better!)
🔥 Hakkiesdraad Mampoer – a fiery local moonshine-style spirit that came with barbed wire around the bottle. Let’s just say... one sip was enough!
Hakkiesdraad Mampoer
Tips for Day 7:
Embrace the fun—the bush hat challenge is about laughs, not perfection.
Drink wisely if you’re trying the local spirits... especially the Mampoer!
Bring your camera to brunch—Kudu Rock is stunning and full of photo ops.
Keep your eyes open at Christina’s Wallow—you never know who might show up.
It’s hard to believe tomorrow is our last full day. One more safari left—will we complete the Big 5 and spot the elusive buffalo?
Until next time—keep dreaming big, traveling far, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
See you soon,
Sarah x