Checking in from Johannesburg. We flew LAX - London Thursday night - the AA flight attendants in our section wore "tiaras" and large "jewel" rings. They had a great sense of humor and made it fun. Then we had a few hours at Heathrow airport Friday afternoon and flew that night to Johannesburg. On that British Airways flight we received a small box of commemorative chocolates in honor of William and Kate.

We arrived Saturday morning, rented a car, and drove out to the area where the De Wildt Cheetah Centre is located. We stayed overnight Saturday night. Saturday afternoon, we visited an elephant sanctuary which was well done. They currently have 4 rescued elephants. We got a lot of interaction with the elephants including a trainer showing each of us their feet, tail, teeth, eyelashes, ears, and so on, letting us feel all the parts. We got to feed the elephants by hand and each got to lead one, walking it by holding its trunk in our hand.

Today we went to the cheetah centre, which Andi has described well. They are focused on research and conservation for highly endangered species, including cheetahs and wild dogs. There are only 600 cheetahs in the wild so if we see one, that will be a treat. We drove back to J'burg and are settled at the Hyatt. Walked around and shopped a bit, including the big Sunday crafts market at the Rosebank Mall. We had an excellent dinner at a Greek resturants within walking distance of the hotel. There are many restaurants and shops very close by.

Here are a few photos from the elephant sanctuary and cheetah centre.


After our close-up overview of all the parts of the elephant


African elephant


Elephants lined up for feeding


Meerkat at the elephant sanctuary


Vulture - cheetah centre


Wild dog at the cheetah centre


Impala at the cheetah centre