Greetings from Kruger National Park day 1, 2014 of the South Africa diversity EcoTour.
After driving in circles and camping at Hans Merensky Dam in Tzaneen we headed for Kruger National Park. Entering through Phalaborwa Gate we made reservations for two nights at the Tsendze Rustic camp. An elephant greeted us along the way.
We stopped at Shipandani Hide to be further welcomed by a herd of Impala.
Woodland Kingfisher and Carmine Bee-eater
The bird hides offer an opportunity to get out of the car, stretch the legs a bit and enjoy the view.
We arrived at Tsendze, where you must get out of your vehicle to open the gate, to discover it’s rustic beauty included no electric power which would have been fine if we didn’t have computer work to do.
So instead we drove to Letaba to camp. Set up along the fence a bushbuck strolled by several times. Bought some Wors (sausage) to braai (BBQ) for dinner and enjoyed a peak at the sunset before calling it a night. Bedtime comes early on safari as wake-up call happens around 4:30 am. An ungodly hour for me but always worth it to get out for a morning game drive when the animals are still active.
Turtles! I never think of turtles in South Africa, but for sure they’re there. I guess that there are no predators in the water, or else crocs don’t like hard shells,,,,
Both turtles and tortoises are found here but Crocs don’t eat turtles.
What an adventure.. A safari is on my bucket list. I love the animals, Great shots.
Safari should be on everyone’s bucket list.
You know, the Impala and the Elephant alone, seeing them in the wild, would be worth the whole trip to me.
I’m really enjoying your posts. I always do but especially now.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Haven’t been commenting much, but I’m enjoying all your blog posts from Africa. There is nowhere else that matches the diversity of animals you see IMHO. I went on Safari once many, many years back, but would love to take Paul on one.
Nina
Thanks. I agree with the issue of diversity. Paul and you should definitely go on safari. Hope these pics tease you into it.
My mouth is watering at the thought of those wors and I bet you have some biltong on hand as well….. yum yum yum. Diane
Come on over and join us Diane. I will make sure you have wors and biltong. 🙂
What an invitation, watch out for a parachute dropping down near you 🙂 I wish.
The wors is wonderful but neither of us are really into biltong. Shall I send some your way?
SO – wonderful – – Wish I was there, it seems so cold here today – – even with the sun – –
Loved the elephant photo —- Just a note, y Bandon renter is moving in with his new wife, and I will have a house
empty in Bandon! He rented from me there for SEVENTEEN years – imagine. I love you being there, and all kinds of folks are following you and that is SO grand – – hope you are sleeping softly but soundly. Love you both ( hope to meet Joan sometime soon. Berta
Would love to meet you too Berta. 🙂 Dont worry, I am seeing to it that Gaelyn not only gets some sleep but has a good time too ….. although you know she does not like being told what to do. LOL!!
We are literally melting here with heat and humidity. Joan invites you over, or would love to spend our summers in AZ.
Hmm, a house in Bandon. Thinking of summering there? Or look for another renter.
Am falling asleep to the distant roar of lions and waking way too early to get out for the best time of game drives.
Miss you.
What a great time we have had here especially with the Big 5 day yesterday.
Yes indeed, and more good times, and ice cream, to come.
So lovely — every time I get a few posts behind here I say to myself, I’ll only comment once to save Gaelyn from being bored, but every time I have so much to say on each of your lovely posts that I can’t restrain myself. Thanks for taking me along on your wonderful vacation.
I always love to read your comments.
Some gfeat sightings for Day ! and the perfect spot next to the fence for sightings from your tent