Safari in Kruger

Trip Start Nov 07, 2007
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Trip End Ongoing


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Saturday, December 29, 2007

We arrived at Tangala Lodge on the 28th after a 6 hour taxi ride having left Pretoria at 6am. As strange as it sounds, it worked out about the same price to take a taxi than to hire a car so we decided to take the easy option. Probably a good decision as it was a long but very scenic drive so we got to have a little sleep and admire the views on the way. The Blyde River Canyon that we passed was absolutely amazing!

The safari lodge was on a private reserve next to Kruger in a place called Thornybush. We were told the private reserves were much better places to see wildlife as you are allowed to drive off the road if you see the trail of any animals, so you can get really close.

We were very lucky already on our first drive - we saw the very elusive leopard, a pride of lions, lots of implala and even a python. The lodge did not have electricity so we had a parafin lamp lit room, quite atmospheric but not very good when you went to the toilet or shower as you could not see what you were doing very well. The room was also incredibly hot as there was no electricity to power any fans, so we did not sleep well that night. Unfortunately the next drive was scheduled for 5am the next day so we woke up very bleary eyed. Again we were lucky and saw lions, leopard, buffalo, elephants, rhino and giraffes. We were very happy as it meant we saw almost everything you could other than a cheetah. Next morning our wish came true and we saw a cheetah, sleek and agile, a magnificent creature.

If you do a safari in South Africa we highly recommend arranging a safari on a private reserve, as you really get to see the animals such as lions and leopards close up, and it is a great experience even if you are slighly worried they may decide you are their next meal.


Dom and Jonna
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