A trip to this part of the world is not complete without visiting the wild. A packed schedule has not allowed a getaway. Thanks to the organisers and an evening match for the Chargers a visit to the Lions Park was made possible at last. The reserve is smaller compared to the Kruger and is a 45 minute drive from the city of Johannesburg and a must see for all tourists.

Setting out with guide Graham early in the morning, the expectations reached a feverish pitch at the entrance of the park. The entry fee was waived off, courtesy the IPL accreditation card. The first 10 minutes was a bit of a let down as the cold weather kept the animals inside the bushes. Then as the sun broke out the first set of hyenas and cheetahs were spotted. Caged for the safety of visitors they let out a growl once in a while to prove their presence. Have to admit the hyenas growl is really scary.

On the side of the bumpy roads are a few ostriches. What is seen on television is nothing, they are huge. The gender is identified by their colour. The black is the male while the grey is the fairer sex. There is an air of impatience as there were no lions to be seen. Graham suggests a relaxed approach as a samba approaches the jeep. A bit of a Viv Richards swagger in the walk. The mane is stylish and the eyes piercing.

The gate keepers must get a national award in bravery everyday. They deal with the king of the jungle as if they are small cats. Around 10 lionesses are left with one pride in a bay. The males are not allowed to get near each other. A bloodbath is for sure says the trainer. The white lions are the last word in royalty. There are easily the most majestic specimens in the park. Having got within a feet of the lions it was time to move to more subtle subjects.

Georgina is only eight weeks old but is already 10 feet in height. The baby giraffe looks sad and she has her reasons. She has been abandoned by her mummy Purdey. Georgina’s daddy Gambit looks through the fence and passes a pleasing smile. Purdey and Gambit were named after the main characters after the famous British sitcom Avengers. Visitors are allowed to feed the giraffes dry grass and will have to admit their tongues are massive.

The last stop of the tour is the most enjoyable. To spend time with lion cubs is a unique experience. The only advice is not to pull their tail. The cubs are all around four months old and are as mischievous as little kids. One-year-old Sandler has come from London and the cubs can’t stop staring at him. The cubs pull at the pram. This is how the world was meant to be-full of innocence. Sandler is not afraid at all he looks at the cubs as we would normally deal with house cats!

A special entry is sought to the nursery. Usually visitors are not allowed but the power of the pen takes care of that. The new born cubs are brought to the nursery if the mother abandons them. Near the exit point is three-month-old Michael caged separately. “He has been too naughty today and has forced us to keep him away from the others,” said a trainer. Michael did not look all that impish as we made our way out.