After a 14 hour flight from New York to Johannesburg I was very glad to land in South Africa and get off my butt. Joan was waiting for me after I picked up my luggage. Then off we headed out of Joburg west to find a place to camp for the night.
The Lover’s Rock Caravan Park had a classic car show going on and I was very surprised to see so many vehicles I actually recognized.
Monday we went Maropong where I toured Sterkfontein Cave. Then drove to Kruger National Park.
The gate was closed by the time we reached Crocodile Gate so we crawled into the back of the truck and slept until about 4:30am. First in in line we drove in at 5:30 registered for five nights to camp and bought my Wild Card.
Wildebeest
Almost immediately we saw wildlife. And I took several hundred photos on just the first day.
Also saw plenty of birds.
This little sweetie gave us the eye.
Plus these two in the stripped pajamas.
And this croc was just lying about. Saw a whole lot more.
Before the end of the day.
Wow! To see all those critters in the wild. I hope you brought your camera charger and some extra memory cards.
Thanks to you I signed up for postcrossing.com. I’ve sent a few, havent’ received any yet but that’ll be soon.
It looks like you are enjoying your trip.
YAY! I’m so excited to read more about your trip. I know you’re enjoying yourself thoroughly.
Fabulous!! The variety of wildlife and birds are just amazing! Keep having fun!
You must be very happy to be back in South Africa again. The photos and their subjects are wonderful! Quite an adventure! Sue
This is so fantastic! I hope you have a good camera battery charger or whatever yours takes; I wouldn’t be able to stop taking pictures. Wow.
Great photos, not sure if I could sleep in the back of a truck. Looks like a great adventure.
Wonderful start to your trip! I love the photo of the giraffe and the “end” of the post. I was on a road trip this last week, not nearly as exotic, but through the mountains and down to Anchorage. The scenery is a mite different, and we didn’t see much in the way of wildlife, not like you did.
Gaelyn, I’m excited for you – all that wildlife. The photos are up-close and amazing. Stay safe and have a grand adventure!
This blog is worth reading. You have explained here wildlife of South Africa here very carefully with wonderful pics.
Starting with a bang! Awesome! I really must make a plan to visit Kruger.
Keep the photos coming – – On a “what is happening here” note, Nancy got a call that someone has found “Bob” one of her kitties on a farm of sorts about 20 Miles from where the accident happened – she is on her way to get “Bob” The photos are amazing.
Love – B
Wow, what a fabulous time you’re having so far. The photos are just incredible! Keep up the good work for us “armchair travelers!” 😉
Delighted to hear that Joan was waiting for you and that you have seen as much as you have, a few still to go to the big 5. Wish I was with you both Diane
Wow, what wonderful pictures! Looks like a morning arrival is just the ticket. I’ll bet your shutter finger was sore after taking all those pictures….
Finally catching up … our one trip to Africa was to Botswana, and we still talk about it. Working on the timing for a return trip to Africa … this time we want to do a self-drive around South Africa. The images you posted bring back such wonderful memories of the wildlife … especially the elephants that came crashing through the night to our tent, which was on an elevated deck. Such a thrill.
Hurrah, photos of South Africa! Wonderful adventures and sightings.
Gaelyn, you are in your element! I am so glad that you arrived safely and that you are having so much fun!
Very nice Gaelyn! Such cool critters! Thank you!
Just wait til you see all the bird photos.
I am in love with the elephant accross the top of your page! Oh, what a wonderful trip you are having. I can’t wait to find some time over the weekend to read your past posts and catch up!
I’ve seen lots more elephants and will try to post more photos soon.
So great to see some of your first pictures! You make me want to be there!! I hope you are having a most magical time, and enjoying every ounce of experience that comes along for you!
I think I could retire here.
These are fabulous, Gaelyn! So good to hear from you. Can’t wait for more…Lynda
Thanks Lynda.
Now you’re having fun! and so are your readers. Hope you can keep the photos coming, and thanks!
Box Canyon Mark
Internet connection hasn’t been consistent so I’m hoping to get more posts and photos out.
WOW Gaelyn you are seeing magnificient things and you just got there. I love that you were first in line to get camping in the park. It was terrific to come back from 2 weeks in the Everglades with no internet to such a great post. Can’t wait for the next installment.
We actually slept at the gate to get that first place position.
South Africa’s wildlife is really astonishing! (but sometimes scary, especially the crocodiles and lions) 🙂
I think Africa has the best wildlife in the world and I hope it will be maintained and protected.
The bonus is one can’t get out of the car in lion country so no worries.
WOW! What kind of bird IS that? SO beautiful!!!!!!!!!!