Our Travels Through Africa….Part 3

After a week in Uganda, we jumped on a plane and headed to South Africa and Kruger Park where we would take our first African safari.

Lions and Leopards and Jackals, Oh my!!!!

Next our journey took us to Kruger Park, located on the eastern border of South Africa. We crowded into a van with our guide, Daniel, and then we were off. He drove us into Kruger Park through the Orpen Gate. As soon as we were through the gate, we spotted zebras, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, waterbucks, warthogs, and baboons…just to name a few. Daniel drove slowly to help us catch sight of all the wildlife that surrounded us. He had a great knowledge of the area and all the flora and fauna.

We arrived at Satara Camp site with just enough time to sign up for a night drive through the park. We boarded a large open-sided vehicle that held 4 huge spot-lights. (better to see the animals in the dark) We drove along the paved and unpaved roads of Kruger National Park with a guide from the campsite. The drive was slow, but the wildlife was amazing. We saw herds of zebra and impala. Kudu, wildebeest, and steamback (a kind of antelope) were grazing in the fields. Baboons roamed throughout the park.

As dusk fell the animals were harder to find. But with the use of the spotlights we were able to see many of the nocturnal animals of the park. There were hippos feeding just off the side of the road. (They only come out of the water at night because their skin is so sensitive to the sunlight.) We also saw jackals, hyenas, an African wild cat, white rhinos and a civet. But the biggest treat was to come across two lionesses with 4-5 cubs. The lionesses had just killed a zebra and they were feeding the young. It was fascinating to see.

We were back at the campsite by 7; and just in time for dinner. There was “venison” on the menu. We learned that venison is the generic term for wild meat. Later I found that kudu was prepared and served for dinner. It tasted good. But it was tough.

We woke early the next morning and took another drive with Daniel. We were out on the road by 6 am in hopes of finding more animals. We saw many of the same hoofed animals like impala, wildebeest, waterbuck, and zebra. But we were fortunate enough to spot 4 giraffe eating near the road and one elephant munching on a tree (amazing to say but we almost drove right past him) There were birds: grand hornbill, yellow hornbill, kite, fish eagle, long-tale strikes, and starlings perched in the trees along the way.

After breakfast we packed up the car. We left Satara that morning and drove to Timbavati, a private game reserve that borders Kruger National Park.

And the safari continues!