Rhinos lots of Rhinos ... but still no Cats

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The last stop on my 24 day journey through Africa was Kruger National park. Kruger is probably the most famous of the game parks in Africa. It is very large - about the size of Switzerland.

We arrived in Kruger late afternoon and decided to get an early start on our game drive. Impala here, impala there, impala everywhere - we were eventually playing punch buggy impala!! Chris our guide showed us the markings of a Rhino and explained how they mark their territories. We then played at tracking the Rhino and eventually found it. Fun!!

Back to our camp, dinner and then early to bed - was not feeling well so even earlier to bed for me. Next morning was another early start for our game drive. The plan was to spend the whole day driving through the park. We had heard people talking about how they had seen lions and leopards so we were very hopeful. First spotted ... a rhino, giraffe, zebra, elephants and then another rhino and then another, but still no big cats. It's funny because I've talked to a lot of people who saw cats but were complaining that they didn't get to see rhinos. Guess it just wasn't in our cards... A reason for me to come back to Africa maybe?!?! 😊

Although we didn't get to see any lions (well kinda - we did see the dying one but somehow it doesn't feel like it counted!), leopards, cheetahs or hyenas we did have an amazing elephant encounter. We pulled up to an elephant on the left side of the road and watched it as it stripped the bark of a tree. The elephant who seemed to be watching us started creeping towards the car. It's funny because as the elephant got closer, we all got quieter. Eventually he was right in front of the car, smelling and touching the hood with his trunk. I was in the front passenger seat and probably no more than meters from him. He just kept coming closer until Chris thought he was too close (could have reached in through my open window and touched me!!!) and started the car. The elephant started, trumpeted - ears out - did a little stomping and then walked away. We were all completely awed!!

After that we drove to Hazyview and stayed in an amazing lodge. Good food drinks and goodbyes!

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Photos

Friendly elephant
Watching us

Elephant at the truck
See how close he is!?!?!

Red beaked something :)
Can't remember the name... will update later

Comments

[Deb]

You look fantastic in the Southern Circle crew picture. Africa has agreed with you!