Whilst being long and convoluted it wasn't in reality too bad. We left Tipton in the morning, thanks to Rachel's Mom and Dad driving over and with my Mom taking us to the local train station. Sad goodbyes were said but no tears shed - at least not on our side as we were starting our adventure!
A local train to Birmingham was followed by a train to Reading and a coach transfer to Heathrow airport. Everything ran perfectly and we got to the airport with 4 hours to spare. We checked our bags in anyway and just chilled until the flight was due. We had been concerned the week before that our outbound flight might be delayed and we might miss our Jo'Burg connection at Nairobi (Kenya) but the flight left on time and got us to Nairobi 30 mins early. The flight itself was nothing special - as comfy as 9 hours sitting down can be but we managed a few hours kip so we were not in too bad a shape when we got to Nairobi.
We had a 3 hour transfer wait in Nairobi but this gave us a chance to freshen up a bit, grab and drink and reflect and what we were about to embark on. We met a few other Brits at the airport who were also in transit so we could all share stories and plans, which was nice. One couple were heading to Burundi to work at a school for 4 weeks - they had brought books, pencils etc to help out the locals. The previous year they had gone there to help build the school.
A short flight later and we were in Jo'burg. I actually love this airport; so clean, efficient and so far has never lost my luggage (am I tempting fate here?!). We got through passport control, grabbed our bags and headed to meet our transfer to the school. We had booked the transfer via the internet so there is always a bit of doubt but there were 3 other students sharing ourt lift so we knew between us we would be fine. Anyway, no need to worry as the Mad Dog Adventures guy was there waiting for us.
Also with us was 1 other Brit (Tom), a Spaniad (Javi) and an American (George). There was supposed to be another Brit too but his visa hadn't been finalised yet so he would be following in a few days time. The transfer to the school was about 4 hours and quite univentful, and quite quiet as I think we were all so knackered. We got to the school gates and for me anyway, the addrenalin kicked in. When I say school gates try not to think of normal school gates, but an entrance to a safari park complete with electric fencing and lion warning signs. Yep, this was for real.
We drove to the school for about 5 minutes through part of the reserve. We saw a few animals (impala, wildebeest, blesbok) which was a nice start.
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