Menu

Category: Mpumalanga

Kruger National Park South Africa – Day 2

Cruising through Kruger National Park on the second day proved to be full of wildlife, both big and small.

Sunrise Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

If you’ll remember, Joan and I saw ALL the BIG 5 on our first day in Kruger National Park. You might think that would be hard to beat. No way. Joan had me up before sunrise every day. Of course she also had the coffee made, such a sweet woman.

Waterbuck Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

We would be out the gate at sunrise, the best time to catch some animals like this waterbuck in the golden light.

Wildebeast giraffe zebra marabostork kudos Kruger National Park South Africa

wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, marabou storks, kudus

Then spend the morning slowing cruising the roads, scanning back and forth. By noon we’d seen over a dozen species.

Gaelyn driving Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

Joan let me practice driving on the right side, seemingly wrong to me, of the vehicle and left side of the road.

Olifants Rest Camp Kruger National Park South Africa

And we had lunch at Oliphants Rest camp plus saw some Bug Lady wildlife.

Turtles Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

Continuing on safari we were attacked by these turtles…

Crocodile Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

…as this crocodile lay idly by…

Snake Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

…and this snake tried to ignore our plight.

Baobab Tree Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

But we were able to seek shelter, first under this ancient Baobab Tree,

Elephant skeleton Elephant Museum Letaba Rest Camp Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

and then at Letaba Rest Camp where we hid in visited the Elephant Museum. (See what happens when the turtles get to you.)

Lion Night ride Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

Back to camp for dinner and then a guided “Night Ride” with a very unfunny thought he was a comedian driver/guide.

Zebras Night ride Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

We did get to see a few animals.

Sunset Night ride Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

But the best part of the night ride was the sunset.

Kruger National Park, South Africa , , 13 Comments

Kruger National Park South Africa – Day 1

Orpen Gate Kruger National Park H7 East Mpumalanga South Africa

After five days touring in South Africa Joan and I finally made it to Kruger National Park where I hoped to see abundant wildlife.

Orpen Gate Reception area Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

We checked in at Orpen Gate,

Map showing general route Kruger National Park South Africa

one of several entrances to the park.

Wild Card South African National Parks

I bought my Wild Card which came in handy when visiting other National Parks throughout South Africa.

Guinea fowl Kruger Natioal Park Mpumalanga 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.

Impala Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

Then saw an Impala.

Impalas Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

And several more.

Impalas Kruger Natinal Park Mpumalanga South Africa

And then herds. The bloody Impalas were everywhere.

Rabelais Ranger Hut Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

Stopped to see how the Rangers used to live at the Rabelais Hut.

Windmill & water tank Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

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.

Hippo Sunset Lake Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

At Sunset Lake a hippo drank.

Fish eagle Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

While overhead a fish eagle soared.

Wildebeasts Kruger Nationa Park Mpumalanga South Africa

Saw wildebeests playing.

Zebra Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

The zebras looked so friendly, I really wanted to ride one. But we had to stay in our Toyota cage.

Rock leguan monitor lizard Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

This 3 foot Rock leguan monitor lizard ambled across the road in front of us.

Giraffe & White Rhinos Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

The white rhinos roamed with the giraffe.

Ant hill Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

I’m not sure how big the termites are, but the mounds were over my head.

Grasshopper Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

At least the grasshoppers were small. I was with the Bug Lady after all.

Sunset from Satara camp Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa

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.

South Africa's Big 5

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.

Click to see more elephant and lion photos.

Kruger National Park, South Africa , , , 12 Comments

Three Rondavels Mpumalanga South Africa

Map of where I visited on the Mpumalanga Escarpment South Africa

I feel like Joan gave me the royal tour of the Blyde River Canyon area. And the Three Rondavels was the icing before we headed for Kruger National Park.

Three Rondavels overlook Mpumalanga South Africa

The Blyde River Canyon is 10 miles (16 km) long starting at Bourke’s Luck Potholes and ending at the Three Rondavels.

Three Rondavals Mpumalanga South Africa

The Three Rondavels viewpoint, also called The Three Sisters, is 4527 feet (1380 m) above sea level.

Rethatching a rondavel roof Letaba Rest Camp Kruger National Park Mpumalanga South Africa 

These rock tops appear to have a hut-like rounded roof like the traditional African style house called rondavels.

Three Rondavels overlook Mpumalanga South Africa

The landscape of the northern Drakensburg is overwhelming beautiful, lush and rich in life. I hope to return and spend more time hiking. Yet more adventures awaited as Joan and I headed to Kruger National Park.

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, South Africa 11 Comments

Lijit

© Copyright 2008-2024. Geogypsytraveler.com