After five days touring in South Africa Joan and I finally made it to Kruger National Park where I hoped to see abundant wildlife.
We checked in at Orpen Gate,
one of several entrances to the park.
I bought my Wild Card which came in handy when visiting other National Parks throughout South Africa.
First we spotted a few birds. We saw Guinea Fowl many times and referred to them as breakfast as they aren’t very smart or fast about moving off the road.
Then saw an Impala.
And several more.
And then herds. The bloody Impalas were everywhere.
Stopped to see how the Rangers used to live at the Rabelais Hut.
Where are all the animals? Eyes constantly scanning back and forth, along the ground and in the trees as we slowly cruised along the roads for many hours.
At Sunset Lake a hippo drank.
While overhead a fish eagle soared.
Saw wildebeests playing.
The zebras looked so friendly, I really wanted to ride one. But we had to stay in our Toyota cage.
This 3 foot Rock leguan monitor lizard ambled across the road in front of us.
The white rhinos roamed with the giraffe.
I’m not sure how big the termites are, but the mounds were over my head.
At least the grasshoppers were small. I was with the Bug Lady after all.
We camped at Satara Rest Camp watching the sunset and enjoying a sundowner while the hyenas paced back and forth on the other side of the fence about 20 feet away.
After I went into the tent I just had to record the night sounds. Yes, that’s the hyenas serenading me to sleep.
And I dreamed about seeing all the Big 5 on my first of five days in Kruger National Park wondering what I’d see the next day. All thanks to Joan’s excellent guiding skills.
You got such wonderful pictures Gaelyn and it makes me long for those days again. Seeing the Big 5 all in the first day was a great achievement. There are VERY few people who can say they say them all even if they stayed there a week.
So glad I checked in…another wonderful trip…do Rangers comp each other? Did you get to stay in their hut?
This post was just like watching a nature program. Love this stuff.
You were so lucky. I have seen leopard in the wild, but never in a game reserve!! That recording brings back so many memories….. and yes those bloody impala, as you say they are everywhere. No photos of Wild dog though, I know there are not may at Kruger but I was lucky enough to see them on my last visit. Diane
That looks amazing, it's something I'd love to do one day. The sunset photo is truly classic.
What a lot of wildlife you saw! It's a wonder you were able to sleep at all that night.
These great photos make me want to head to Africa…maybe after INdia….
Remember Chevrolet Impalas? Still made? 🙂
Although I've been to many game reserves in the Eastern Cape, I have never been to Kruger.
You had such a stunning first day, I am actually jealous. I love game reserves and its been a while since I've spent a couple of days in one.
The funny bit about Impala is that some rangers refer to them as the Mcdonald's buck (because of the 3 black lines on their legs and tail looking like a M), fast food of the veld.
As for those hyaena sounds, spine chilling stuff. Nothing to rock you to bed than the sounds of nature.
You saw an amazing number of African animals in a natural environment and got great photos of them, too. Loved hearing the hyena serenade!
You were indeed blessed to see all 5 on the first day. Well done to Joan and well done to you for the beautiful photos. I loved the hyena serenade. Satara is such a lovely camp. I just had to pop back here and read your post. (((Hugs))) Jo
This hyena call gives me a little breeze.
This one is a call to others hyenas,meaning "come here,I found something interesting".
And if this sound is close to you,it means the interesting thing maybe is…you.
What a great trip and a productive day at the park. I cannot get the video to load. When I click play it jumps to the collage of pictures.