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.
