The Night Safari

By Felicia Change

The resort’s lookout tower reached above the tree line, simmering under the South African sun. Dave peered through his binoculars into the distance. From this vantage point, he had a great view of the savanna grasslands and wild foliage. A quick movement caught his eye, but he was too slow, only peeking a tail. He moved his sights to a marula tree—two giraffes licked at its leaves, their ears twitching to keep the flies off.

This African winter was a warm one. The dry season was the best time to see animals since they left their comfort zones to scope out water. A herd of elephants drank from the dam. Beetles produced a low buzz.

Sarah squinted up at the blazing sun, glad for the change of scenery. Their go-to vacation destination was the Kruger National Park, located in the northern east part of the country, but a new exclusive resort had opened in the area. After several years on the waiting list, it was finally their turn.

“If you are interested, we do a private night-feeding safari,” Simon said. “As your personal assigned game driver, it would be an honor.”

Dave lowered his binoculars. “What does that entail?”

“Well, Dave, it’s a unique safari experience. These are special lions.” Simon leaned his forearms on the lookout tower railing, eyes roaming over the wild landscape. “An endangered species. Only ten known living of its kind.”

Sarah was curious. “What kind in particular?”

“Not one you’ve heard of. They are kept secret to protect them from poachers since they’re worth a fortune on the black market,” Simon explained. “If you decide to go on this special feeding safari, you’ll need to sign a waiver and follow all given instructions.”

Dave glanced at his wife. “What do you think, hon?”

“Sounds like an adventure.” Sarah smiled. “You can sign us up!”

They climbed down the tower and followed the dirt path to the dining area.  The landscaping made the preserve look untouched, hiding modern conveniences as if they had stepped back in time. The air possessed an unexplainable vibrancy, and the leafy trees and underbrush provided the perfect amount of shade.

Dave shook his head with wonder. “This place is amazing. It’s so strange that they hardly advertise?”

Sarah frowned. “How do you mean?”

“No online reviews, and yet it had a 5-star rating.”

“Yes, Dave, impeccable service is rather troubling.”

He shrugged as they entered the building. “Just wish we had heard of it sooner.”

Sarah agreed. She’d known this place was special since driving through the tall gates into the resort.

Sarah glanced around the room—only one other couple was present. Just like the previous two days. Her hunger distracted her from the lack of guests. A feast once again lay spread out. Dave decided on a bunny chow, a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with spicy curry. Sarah plated potjiekos for the third day in a row, a traditional meal of meats, vegetables, and spices slow-cooked in a cast-iron cauldron.

Dave finished and sat back with a pleasing grin. “With all this rich food, I’m certainly fattening up.”

His remark didn’t stop them from devouring several slices of milk tart for dessert.

The sinking sun silhouetted the trees against the darkening blue sky, the evening star peeking out. Dave and Sarah settled into their seats, snug in their warm clothes since the temperature could drop below freezing. A perfect evening to see wildlife.

Beetles and small scurrying insects hummed as they drove. They had to keep to the low-speed limit to not scare the wildlife away. They passed a sturdy baobab tree with wonder. The Umbrella Thorn trees stood out with pods hanging between the thorns and patches of dried moss covering the bark. Fat spiders in silver-spun webs occupied some branches. Sarah breathed in the fresh air, wishing they could stay there.

A strange sound cut through the trees. Roaring, but not like any known lion.

“What is that?” She scanned the dark.

Simon glanced back at them with a smile, hands still on the wheel. “I told you these were special lions.”

After a few minutes, Simon stopped the vehicle, dimmed the lights, but left the engine running. Sarah and Dave glanced around, trying to see the “special” lions.

Simon turned around in his seat. “If you would please get off.”

Dave adjusted his camera to take a picture. “I thought this was a feeding safari.”

“It is,” Simon said.

They shared a look. One of the rules all parks shared was to stay in your car for safety purposes. The wild park was like an open zoo, and the people had to be caged.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“It’s part of the safari, Dave.” Simon smiled at them. “Trust me, the view will be better.”

“If you insist.” Sarah tugged on Dave’s sleeve to follow.

They climbed off and stood next to the truck. Ahead, the bushes shook, a lion broke through, lazily sauntering over towards them. Another appeared close behind. Sarah sucked in a breath. Spikes covered the ends of their tails, gold strands streaked their hair, and small horns accompanied their pointed ears.

Dave gaped. “A special safari indeed.”

The approaching lions stopped, glinting eyes on Dave and Sarah.

Simon grinned. “This might hurt.” The lions roared, causing Simon to cower in his seat.

“Children!” Sarah held out her arms. “We knew we’d find you!”

The lions sauntered over towards their parents, tails whipping with excitement. One lion pressed into Dave’s body, shuddering as he ran a hand over its coat. Sarah embraced the other lion, then planted a kiss on its head.

Simon looked up from his fetal position. “Children?”

Sarah scratched behind the lions’ ears. “They were stolen a few years ago, and we’ve been searching for them ever since.” She nodded her head toward Simon. “We brought you a snack, lovelies.”

Dave smirked at Simon. “Looks like this will be a feeding safari after all.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Felicia Change graduated with a BA in Creative Writing and her work has appeared in YOU Magazine, Coffin Bell, and CommuterLit. She writes in all genres, but her favorites are fantasy, horror, and fairy tale retellings. When she isn’t carving stories of magic and mischief, she is traveling, exploring museums, or on the lookout for a dog to pet.

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