Kruger National Park
Trip Start
Aug 11, 2008
1
5
Trip End
Aug 18, 2008
Where I stayed
Rest Camps Kruger
Kruger National Park,
South Africa
Saturday, October 25, 2008
We set off early on Monday 6th October 2008 and arrive at Phlawabora Gate not long after it opened. The weather was rather cloudy and we did get a very light shower of rain but it didn't last long. We had a nice meal at Letaba camp for a late breakfast/early lunch before we set off for Mopani Camp where we were to stay for the night. On our way up there we saw loads of game including 2 enormous elephants, fish eagles, and secretary birds. We were given Hut 101 which was absolutely lovely with views overlooking the river and dam area. We went for a walk around the camp, had a really nice meal in the restaurant, and finished the 1st night with a night game drive in one of the big game viewing trucks. We saw a pride of lions, hyenas, tssebe, and had a really interesting time. Neil was allowed to have a spotlight to look for game which he enjoyed using.
Day 2 was at Tomboti Tented Camp. The weather had improved and we had another great day game viewing on our way to the camp. The safari tents were great, 4 single beds, fridge, fan, communal kitchen and bathrooms, verandah with table and chairs overlooking the dry riverbed. The camp was having problems with baboons and one did make it's way up the steps whilst Sue was sitting enjoying the view. Neil got rid of it but close up you realise just how big they are!!
Day 3 meant we were travelling from Tomboti to Pretorioskop, and we stopped at a picnic site on the way to have our lunch, very nice. On the way we saw the remains of a giraffe kill and it was in the process of being 'cleaned up' by cape vultures. Stop at Skukuza camp for a quick stop, and continue onto our next camp. On the way we are so lucky to see a mother leopard and cub by their den on the rocks by the roadside!! Absolutely awesome, especially as we hear her roar at the cub for giving away the den position. Another great day's game viewing. Nice meal in the restaurant, the hut is pretty basic but clean. Kept awake by a mouse, a very large one which managed to move my cookie from one side of the shelf to the other very easily. Well three of us were kept awake, Ray managed to sleep through it all, until we managed to get it out of the door.
Day 4 meant Ray's one wish was granted, he came to Africa to see a cheetah and as we were on our way at 5.30 am what was strolling along the road but a cheetah. Not bothered by us or the car as we happily took photos as it just took it's time crossing the road. The weather today was very hot 39 degrees. Saw lions sunning themselves under a tree. We were trumpeted and charged by a bull elephant on our way to our next camp, quite an interesting experience to say the least! Arrive at Lower Sabie Camp and our luxury bungalow is out of this world as is the camp as a whole. Sit on the viewing verandah watching the animals on the river, including a rather large male lion which came down to the water for a drink in the afternoon.
Day 5 meant Neil and I got up early to view the sunrise over the river, and enjoy the sounds of Africa until a troop of baboons decided to come into camp by way of the verandah where we were sitting. As we left Lower Sabie Camp we come across 4 cheetahs just lying under a tree sunning themselves. We decide to travel back up to Letaba Camp and see if we can stay another night in the park. Luckily we can and Sue and Ray have a bungalow, and Neil and I have a safari tent (the last two units). This is another great camp with lovely views. More game viewing with giraffes, elephants, marabou storks and ground hornbills.
Saturday 11th October meant we had to return to Campfires. Saw so much game over the last 5 days I had to keep a notebook with all the details. Too many to write down here. The highlights were the leopard, lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. We saw the Big 5 and the Dangerous 9 in those 5 days and we know we were really lucky.
Sunday 12th October meant we had to pack and get ready to move on from Africa. Sad to leave Africa as we have really enjoyed it and have every intention of returning someday. Monday 13th October meant we flew from Hoedspruit to Jo'burg, Neil didn't enjoy the flight as rather a lot of turbulence due to the high ground temperature, 36 degrees. Arrive in Jo'burg okay and get the suttle bus to our hotel. The Airport Grand Hotel is only a 3 star but is absolutely excellent, more like a British/Irish 5 star hotel!! Food, room and service really great, staff very friendly.
Just going to upload a few photos for Kruger. Neil took most of them on his camcorder so you'll all have to wait until we get back.
Next stop Thailand.
Comments
a great week in Kruger!
have just read your blog. It was nice to read through our Kruger visit. It seems a long time since we were together at campfire. Hope your are both well, will email you soon.
Love Sue
A great week in Kruger!
Have just read your blog. It was great to read through our week in Kruger. It seems like such a long time since we were there. Will email you soon.
Love Sue