Up close and personal...

...with the animals at Heia Safari.

On the last day of the school holidays, I took a day off work and the four of us went to check out Heia Safari - what a treat, and another ideal place to take the kids. 

'Heia Safari Ranch is a three star game lodge, hotel and conference centre, nestled below the Swartkop Mountain Range next to the Cradle of Humankind, only thirty minutes away from Johannesburg and Pretoria'. Not having heard much about Heia Safari, other than the name, I had no expectations - all I wanted was to spend a day with my family out of Jozi. My Mom was there as she was attending a company event, which was great as the girls were super excited to see their Nanna.

I find it often happens that when you have no major expectations, you end having the best time, and that is exactly what this day turned out to be. Heia Safari is part of a game reserve which is home to a few gangly and curious giraffe (my favourite creatures), some friendly Zebra, a most unusual Zonkey and a few other breeds of grass grazers. You may decide to take it really easy and enjoy lunch beside the pool, watching Zebras drinking (as far as I know only people staying over can swim) - or, you can get your walking shoes on and go check out the animals. We did both - the major bonus to Heia Safari is that you really do get up close and personal with the animals. It's such a super way for the kids to experience and really get to learn about them.

Lake Heritage is situated on the property of the reserve and you can walk all along the lake down to the waterfall which is well worth a visit, but you can also do some canoeing or fishing if that's what you're into.

I'm not sure if there is an entrance fee as we ended up being there as 'guests of my Mom' so I can't advise on how affordable it is. I queried the accommodation, thinking that it would be lovely to experience a night or two in the rustic little rondawels, and wake up in the morning with a Zebra peering in the windows, but found the rates to be too much for our pockets. *pout*.

We'll definitely plan another day trip back there though - there was just something so special about experiencing the bush so close to home - and seeing my little girls dancing amongst the Zebras!

 xx