Thursday, September 5, 2013

Sabi Sabi to Johannesburg.



 This is the only way to arrive,
or in this instance,
depart from a bush destination!


My transport arrives to take me home. 

This was the first time that I have flown both legs of my journey in the same plane. 

About to say good-bye... 

No in-flight movie, but a lot to keep me interested. 
I bid farewell to Sabi Sabi and the surrounding area.

For a brief moment I thought that this might be Hartebeespoort Dam.
Then I realized that I was flying back from Sabi Sabi, NOT Madikwe. 

From my window. 

The surrounding mountain ranges. 

In this plane, oxygen masks do NOT fall from the ceiling...
you have to remove it from the holder on the wall. 

Russel (pilot) doing the paperwork. 

"FIRE"...

This notice was next to the co-pilots chair.
It says nothing about the limitations of the pilot! 

These passengers had every confidence in Russel
and slept for most of the hour-long return flight to Johannesburg 

Boksburg or is it Brakpan...on the outskirts of Johannesburg. 

The runway at O.R Tambo International airport comes into view. 

TOUCH DOWN
Perfect landing Russell...
despite the cross winds. 

Waiting for the tower to open the gate for us. 

Waiting area...
from the other side of the fence. 

Time for a quick sandwich...
and then home.
Thanks to Evan for the trip.
 Nicole for making certain it happened.
Janine, who checked me in.
On a freezing cold morning.
Nik, who was the co-pilot on the day.
And, lastly, Rynhard for getting me there safely
 and Russel for bringing me back.

All images are the copyright property of  and may not be used without permission
Follow me on Twitter: @davidbatzofin

Off to Selati, Sabi Sabi



 
 September, 1st is Spring Day in South Africa.

 
 back to the bush...
NOT this bush,the "real bush".
Selati Lodge at Sabi Sabi.

The bar at the Federal Airlines lounge was empty...
as it should be at 9.30am on a Sunday morning.

However the lounge was full of passengers awaiting flights to their own bush adventure

Breakfast first...muffins,

sandwiches...

and coffee...what more do I need?

And talking of snacks...
There were the on board offerings.

I keep wanting to speak to this "dummy"...

The last time I flew with this carrier,
a group of American tourists discovered these and bought the entire stock.
These are the replacements.

I have flown on this aircraft before...
but not today. 

From the tarmac...

Fillling up before our flight,
always a good idea.

Young Nik was our co-pilot for the flight

And yours truly boarding...
a cold morning in Johannesburg, but not cold enough for long pants!

We prepare for take off...
Ewan and Sam, up front, are on their honeymoon...

Pre flight briefing...

And off we go...

An hour later we land at the Sabi Sabi airstrip...

As the ZS-SDO heads off to its next destination,
I board the game drive vehicle for Selati Lodge.


All images are the copyright property of  and may not be used without permission
Follow me on Twitter: @davidbatzofin

Bush Lodge, Sabi Sabi back to Johannesburg




I was unaware that Sabi Sabi had its own airstrip...
This is the terminal building. 

I believe that the wildlife on the runway might be more of a problem than the wind. 

One of the game drive vehicles "lurking" behind a tree 

One of my fellow guests passing the time waiting for our Federal Air flight. 

This is often the problem on lodge airstrips... 

Our flight arrives while one of the rangers makes certain that the Kudu stay away 

Keeping an eye open. 

Our flight home... 

My "usual" view of the cockpit

A safety briefing and we head south for Johannesburg
 and the end of another bush adventure. 

Goodbye to Sabi Sands... 

a wing and a ? 

I was not the only passenger taking pictures. 

When I saw that the "co-pilot" was napping,
I was concerned...
Turned out to be one of the Sabi Sabi directors... 

Some of the views from my window... 



Supplying power to South Africa

Almost home... 

Johannesburg comes into view.
Once again an enjoyable flight with Federal Air.


www.davidbatzofin.com


All images are the copyright property of  and may not be used without permission
Follow me on Twitter: @davidbatzofin