Kruger Safari

South Africa’s biggest wildlife preserve, The Kruger National Park treated us to some incredible sightings and pretty pleasing additions to the photography portfolio, even if I say so myself.

We just got back from a trip to South Africa’s biggest wildlife preserve, The Kruger National Park. We were treated to some incredible sightings and really enjoyed being out in nature.

Our two boys (who are now 8 and 5) continue to sprout forth facts that they learned on the trip – an amazing learning experience for them – and us!

We stayed outside of the national park itself, in a glamping tent in the area of Hazyview. We opted to do a guided drive on our first day and then on our second day, we got a day pass and did a self-drive. This was a great call, as our lovely guide taught us about the lay of the land, and then we could take things from there the next day.

From past trips to game reserves, we have noticed that the most prized sighting for a wildlife guide is not a lion, elephant, or even a leopard. Instead, it’s a pack of wild dogs. So our guide was delighted when he managed to track down this large pack of wild dogs, who had clearly just enjoyed some breakfast. Many of them were so close that I couldn’t even capture them on my long lens! There was a group of about ten of them huddled together just next to our vehicle – trying to warm up in the chilly morning air.

Of course, the hyenas were hot on their tails to clean up the scraps. I was delighted with the shot I got of the hyena with the early morning sun on its face. For what it’s worth, I think they are very unfairly portrayed in The Lion King #justsaying.

Later on our drive, we were greeted by this madala (big man). He was in must, meaning he was looking to mate and his testosterone levels were off the charts. All in all, this made for a cranky, aggressive elephant. He completely dominated the road, not letting us or any other vehicles pass. He wasn’t charging us, but he just kept this slow, dominating lope towards us and our guide had to put the vehicle in reverse. After all, when a guy this size, with those tusks says you cannot pass, you’re in no place to argue.

On our self-drive, we considered getting a bumper sticker that stated: “I brake for birds”! Seriously, the bird life was wonderful to behold and our boys particularly enjoyed finding and identifying the birds.

We decided to drive along the Sabie River Road on our trip back and were rewarded with some excellent sightings, including a baby elephant and its mother bathing in a pond of water, and an impressive kudu bull with his crowing horns to crown off our safari.

Overall, a super memorable trip. We’re planning the next one already!