Sunrise Kruger National Park
After two marvelous weeks touring Kruger National Park Joan and I headed for iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the southeast coast.
Made a stop along the way in Badplass and stayed at a Forever Resorts facility. Camping was very reasonable and a natural hot spring provides for warm pools. Forever is also the concessionaire at the North Rim Grand Canyon.
Plus the awesome water slides which we big kids enjoyed immensely. So much in fact that we’re back for two days after the second round at Kruger.
Drove to Kozi Bay in the north of the park. Unfortunately you really need a 4×4 to get to the coast so instead we camped in town at Lala Lapa Lodge. The the next two nights we camped at Sodwana Bay National Park known for fishing and diving. We walked the beach in the morning where I got a little too much sun on my lily white back. In the afternoon we took chairs into a shady area above the beach and watched the dive and fishing boats literally power up onto the beach where a tractor pulling a trailer haul them to storage.
Wandered through tide pools looking for whatever small life we could find. Plus ate quite a bit of ice cream as it was hot.
Joan, also known as the ‘Bug Lady’, caught a gorgeous Gold-banded Forester with her butterfly net then let it go in her small tent, now called the lab, so we could take photos before setting it free.
Next we stayed at Sugarloaf Camp also part iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the St Lucia Marine Reserve along the coast for three nights. The estuary no longer runs into the Indian Ocean yet provides a sanctuary for hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds. Some rivers that do flow into the sea were muddy due to the large amount of rain which caused the muddiest waves I’ve ever seen. A most unusual sight.
Our second day there we took a drive to Hluhluwe iMfolozi National Park for a little wildlife and that is what we got, only a little, but the landscape with gentle rolling hills and valleys was picturesque. They have the large population of white rhino in the world. It got very hot so I don’t blame the animals for hiding.
On the way back to Sugarloaf we stopped for a late lunch in Mtubatuba then then took advantage of the swimming pool in camp. Afterwards I discovered my computer and bath bag were missing out of the truck. Not only an expensive laptop but already 1000s of photos taken in Kruger. A police report was filed but I know I’ll never see it again. And why would someone want my toothbrush? When I return to the States I’m told to file a claim with Travelguard Insurance. At least I still have my cameras and quit using the memory cards so think I’ll be able to recover some of the photos later.
Spotted tree frog, Spider dung beetle, Duikar & Spoonbill, unidentified flower, Heron and Kudu
Our last day we drove to Cape Vidal, part of the St Lucia Marine Reserve, about 22 miles (35 km) up the coast. Of course it took us three hours because of all the birds, animals, flowers, bugs, views and such to see along the way.
The actual beach was crowded and hot but some of the tide pools were interesting.
And I guess the fishing was good. Sure would have liked to sample this Barracuda for dinner.
Sunrise over St Lucia estuary
Left the coast in the early morning as we decided to return to Kruger National Park for more sightings and photos with a stop in Nelspruit along the way for me to buy another computer.
I will try to keep up with our travels and catch up on the first visit to Kruger as I can. Sorry I have no to read blogs but know I’m think of you all.
Because I lost so many photos I’d like to thank Joan for graciously allowing me to use some of hers.
So sorry about all your losses It spoils a wonderful holiday!
Thank goodness I could replace the computer and hopefully recover some of the photos later.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your laptop. But the holiday looks fantastic.
Awesome lady!!!! I’m loving your treks!
Thanks Chris, so am I.
I’ve been enjoying your journey via FB and now have wonderful photos in this post as well. Stay well and keep the stories coming!
Eeeeek – Not good news re the computer 🙁
So pleased you were able to ‘borrow’ some of Joan’s images to remind you of what was obviously an amazing trip 🙂
Thank goodness Joan was also taking photos of where we’ve been so far, granted not as many as I had. But there will be a whole lot more coming.
That chocolate sea was unbelievable!!
Too bad we couldn’t have enjoyed a chocolate drink from it.
I’m so glad you got to borrow some photos from Joan..and I loved every one of these. Somehow, this post , more than anything else I’ve read or you’ve posted, really helps me “get” how huge this country is…
Was fortunate that Joan was also taking photos. The country is huge, and we haven’t even left the eastern part yet. Just wait until you see us heading west and north. A very diverse place indeed.
It is sad that you lost your laptop, I hope there was not too much private stuff on it as well as the photos. Thank goodness Joan had also take photos to help out. She must be the most awesome person to travel with as I am sure she sees creatures that would miss the normal person’s eye. I am quite good at game spotting but I miss the little creatures. It sounds like you are both having a fabulous time despite the laptop loss. Keep well and enjoy. Diane
Thank goodness I’d removed all the personal stuff and done a total backup before leaving the States. Joan is an awesome person to travel with and certainly sees everything both big and small plus knows their names and lots of info about them.
Wow, you are having a trip and a half. What an adventure.
Sure is and have many more coming.
All of these photos are soooo tempting. I like the beach one best…and I too would have liked to have sunk my teeth into that barracuda. Better that than the other way around….
Especially as I’ve never eaten barracuda.
Glad you are able to get some photos from your friend and retake some of the rest.
Me too. And now we’re off to the coast and more new adventures.
The St Lucia area is another I’ve never been to but would love to visit. Also, like you I really enjoy resorts like Badplaas. Not just for the KidZ but also because it brings out the kid in me.
Yet another beautiful place you need to visit in your own country. And yes, Badplaas certainly brought the kid out in me. Had a great time on the slides.