When we were in Plettenberg Bay, we stopped in a used book store for a bit of rainy day perusing. On the shelf was this book called The Last Rhinos written by the late Lawrence Anthony. Intrigued by the book’s premise, saving the rhinos, I decided to purchase the book on my Nook (books are too bulky for travel).

The book is really educational and entertaining and I found myself purchasing Lawrence Anthony’s other nonfiction: The Elephant Whisperer and Babylon’s Ark. All of his books were wonderful (I highly highly recommend). In them, he talks about his game reserve in Zululand, South Africa called Thula Thula. In The Elephant Whisperer he tells the story of how a herd of seven terrified and justifiably angry elephants came to live on his game reserve and how, after lots of time spent with them, they eventually came to a mutual love and respect.

I was completely taken by Lawrence Anthony, his swash buckling ways, steadfast animal advocacy and moral code. I wanted to see his paradise, as he called it, for myself. It sounded like the place to experience the wonders of nature. Unfortunately, I didn’t look like Thula Thula would be in the cards for Nicholas and I this trip.

A few days before my birthday, we had set up our poor beleaguered tent in the Winterdodger Camp. I had full expectations of celebrating my 26th on the banks of Lake Sibaya (which would have been pretty cool). The day before my birthday, however, Nicholas tells me that we’re not staying at the Camp. We had talked about diving in Sodwana, about a 45 min drive south, so my first assumption was that we were going to spend my birthday diving. Still really awesome.

Our Welcoming Committee

My birthday came and I put on a sundress and bathing suit in anticipation of going to the beach and doing some diving. About an hour before we left Nicholas informed me that we’re not going to the beach. “We’re going to the next best thing,” he said.

Confused but with gears turning, I got into the car for the bumpy off road ride back out of Sibaya. “We’ll stay on the N2 until we reach the N34,” Nicholas said as we reached pavement. “Then which way?” I asked. Nicholas smiled. “Are we going north?” I asked. Again, Nicholas just smiled. Finally all of the gears clicked together. “Are we going to THULA THULA?!” Nicholas’ smile widened, and I squealed, unable to believe my good fortune.

We spent two nights at Thula Thula. It was a magical experience. We got up close and personal with the herd of elephants I had read so much about. We saw their matriarch, Nana and the second in command, Frankie. One of the babies, ten year old Brandon, tried to charge us. It was pretty adorable, though he probably could have flipped the truck. We had birthday cocktails out in the bush and went on night game drives. We ate breakfast out on the terrace where we could watch the wildlife, and the chef made a special pot of melted chocolate for me so I could make a DIY pain au chocolate. We watched monkeys from our porch (with our own private bathroom!), and got to get up close and personal with giraffes on a walking safari. I even got to meet Lawrence Anthony’s wife, Francoise, who is the epitome of French elegance (the bush setting just enhances this). It was truly a wonderful, wonderful experience, and I’m so glad that we got the opportunity to do it. Best husband award definitely goes to Nicholas.