NORTHERN Province PONDORO Lodge, MODJADJI Rain Queen Land and home via the Krueger Park and Sabi

We sort of got bored always seeing the same side of Sabi Sabi so we decided to go and see a side that is only awakening in the around 2004. This side of the Kruegerpark is entered at the "Orpen gate" and at that time was fighting a hard battle to get gates to be opened between this part of the park and the rest of it that seemed to keep away some of the wild life. This park has a beautiful stretch of the Crocodile river. The Pondoro Lodge at a beginning stage when we were guest there is located at a very romantic spot. http://www.pondoro.co.za/ Since then it has got the price of Best RSA Safari Lodge in 2011 we read. There was a huge flodding the season before and the river bed although dry was swept full of broken trees and trunks. The other side of the river had already very upmarket mansions and I am sure since then the whole area has grown it is very close to a well known Chita conservation project center. http://www.dewildt.org.za/ Look at the Bull spider who we were teasing in his burrow. We drove back via Phalaborwa gate and the Krueger park visiting the Masorini heritage site that is supposed to be over 4000 years old. Visiting the sacred "Rain Queen Country" at the amazing Modjadji Cycade forest mor info at http://www.sa-venues.com/game-reserves/np_modjadji.htm and http://tzaneen.co.za/ice/modjadji_history.htm .You will find there the only forest of cycades in the world some are up to 13meters tall. They grow milimeters per year and some are over 4 million years old !!!! A world wonder there are several hills full of them . Their flowers are amazingly beautiful with an intricate geometric pattern that is so inspiring. We finished the trip staying near Tzanine the capital of the northern province a quaint little town that offers all what one needs. Only miles from there is the worlds largest Baobab tree. With 46meter circumference at the bottom it is utmost impressive . A crevasse inside let the owner of this land create a mini pub inside with window, door, bar and stereo you can stay over at this nice tented camp with the most unusual small but pristine mineral water swimming pool that serves as dinner and dance floor when covered at night! http://www.bigbaobab.co.za/ here is the site. We ended the trip buying one of each type of Cycades in a dedicated nursery that issues you with the certificate of ownership as the species are protected. I grew them for year in Johannesburg +- 1 leaf per year and they are still growing on in friends gardens who have taken over the official ownership and papers as due manner by law.