Blogs from Mpumalanga , South Africa, Africa - page 8

Oh to have friends who love nature! Rock Fig safari lodge is based in the Timbavati and at the moment sleeps 8 people in 4 rondavels. The main entertaining area over looks a small dam and a water hole. There is a pool from which you can also see any visitors who would like a drink. We had driven from Joburg into the Timbavati and met the rest of our group, who had flown into Hoedspruit, our drive was approx 5 hours. As soon as we arrived I knew this was going to be an awesome experience. For me it was the first time at Rock Fig. For the rest of the group, including the owners, this was a yearly trip. Our luggage was taken to our accommodation and we met everyone at the sofa area ... read more

Geo: -23.926, 31.4209What a beautiful Sunday morning. Saw 6 rhino today. While a foot we had a close encounter with a bull elephant. Rule number one, don't run! He made a couple of charges and vocalized he didn't want us any closer. He finally backed away and we did too. We later tried to find the lion pack that had killed a buffalo but they had left for water. Maybe this afternoon. We have having extraordinary luck. Some of the encounters we have had our guide hasn't experienced in months. It's not always the photos but the behaviours too. We watches two rhino heading for a watering hole. It was just mud. The guide said you could see the disappointment almost. They had another walk ahead of them to another watering hole. They did like the ... read more

Geo: -23.926, 31.4209Early morning. Depart lodge at 5:30am. Arrive airport by 7:00. We have a couple of hours to waste in OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg before heading to Skukuza our gateway to Kruger. Uneventful trip to Lions Sands Reserve in Kruger.We arrived in time for the afternoon game drive. Again we found lions. It was a hard time getting to them this time. Over VERY rocky and rough terrain. There were two males and a female. Dinner was served in the wild under the stars. A very nice start.... read more

Geo: -25.0557, 31.1318A friend asked us to give some information about camping in Kruger National Park and which ones were our favorites and so hopefully this will answer many of those questions.In South Africa, areas set aside for sleeping, eating and shopping overnight are called 'Rest Camps.'We have experienced many of the camps at Kruger National Park and do have our favorites to be sure. Before we actually get to the park, Robert especially does a lot of research and reading information on the SanParks Forum. There you can ask questions and read what others are saying about the park.This year one of our concerns was the drought that is affecting all areas of the park. The further north you go the drier it gets. Of course we can only speak for the park as far ... read more

Geo: -25.0557, 31.1318Drove to the park from Hazyview. Was crowded at gate but having the Wild Card made things move much faster! One of the first things we saw was a leopard in a river bed but was quickly lost to sight. We then came upon a large group of elephants and there was one young male that was misbehaving and ended up being admonished by the large females! It was so funny to see him cower and clearly know he had done something wrong. There was one of the elephants that kept kneeling on one leg but we are not sure what the reason was for this behavior. Finally made our way past the elephant show and continued on our way.Stopped at Skukuza for brunch, yoga and a walk before carrying on. As we headed ... read more