My weekend with Dineo Ranaka

24 February 2015 - 16:23 By Andile Ndlovu
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There was a jittery moment, while roadtripping through Nelspruit, this past weekend - and it had nothing to do with my ophidiophobia (such are the snakes on that part of the country and the Lowveld generally).

A video posted by @dineoranaka on

But our hostess with the mostess, Dineo Ranaka, fell horribly ill and had to be rushed to hospital - after she was struggling to speak and breathe and walked around rather gingerly. It was not a hangover from the previous day's drive (the team was not shy) or heat exhaustion from exposure to the stifling weather.

But like the trooper she is, Ranaka eventually returned to lead the party - it probably would've put a damper on things, considering there was a television crew filming hers and our every move since departure. The Times understands the filming was for SA Tourism, and not the fourth season of her reality show, Dineo's Diary, which we also understand is not far off.

Ranaka teamed up with South African Tourism on a Sho't Left campaign they hope will "encourage a love for travel" in young'uns around the country. She's picked journalists, bloggers and fellow celebrities for the campaign - with two day roadtrips over the next few weeks.

All one had to do was pack for the unbearably warm weather in Mpumalanga, a sense of humour, an ability to navigate social media, and a strong enough liver.

A photo posted by @dineoranaka on

Conversations on the trip occasionally got heated and the decibel levels rose sharply, but was worthwhile - ranging from sex and sexuality, the Proteas' chance of winning the Cricket World Cup, banting diets, and Rihanna's endearing fearlessness.

A photo posted by @dineoranaka on

We departed Friday morning as part of the first batch, and despite the slow start, made it just in time for a game drive around the Kruger National Park.

A video posted by @dineoranaka on

A video posted by @dineoranaka on

Spotting the animals was a seriously testing exercise - not many could be bothered to come out and play, save for a triumvirate of elephants, a rather pissed off hippopotamus which hovered wearily in the waters, a sole rhino, some kudu, and thankfully no snakes.

A video posted by @dineoranaka on

The following day involved quad biking and microlighting trips, and a delicious lunch at the five star Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa lodge. It came highly recommended, and it delivered (you must try their Rump stacker - which is an open sandwich of rump, horseradish mayo, gherkins and a side of chips).

A photo posted by @dineoranaka on

Despite two hours of loadshedding, we wrapped the evening with a braai at Ituka Guesthouse, and Ranaka's declaration, "I've had it with you people now, I'd love to bring someone special here". One couldn't help but agree.

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