I’m spending six weeks in the Kruger National Park, researching an online guide for Getaway and basking in the fact that I’m on a trip of a lifetime. As you might have read in my first week’s blog (Photoblog: #CrossingKruger), this is my very first visit to the park. And as overwhelming as it was during the first days, as close to normal it has become to me during the second week. The rustling in the thatched roofs at night and the laughter of families around the braai are standard evening noises while my natural speed limit averages at 30 km an hour. I don’t know if I can ever drive faster than that again.
I spent some time in Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp and then drove on to stay in Kruger’s headquarters, Skukuza Rest Camp this week. Here are some pictures of the journey. Follow me on my trip with these weekly photo blogs or find the hashtag #crossingkruger on Twitter.
Matjulu Waterhole, just outside Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp is a popular place for giraffe to come and drink, as I saw on a late afternoon visit.
The Berg-en-Dal Dam, spread out in beyond a walkway at this rest camp is beautiful at any time of day. The restaurant overlooks the dam and I've seen hippos bask in the shallow waters here one late afternoon.
Pretoriuskop is the oldest camp in Kruger to offer accommodation to visitors. This hut, found in the camp, is one of the original accommodation units built. You can see where the Kruger architecture came from.
I met Pumba! I don't know exactly why he was on his knees, but I was pretty happy to see him none the less.
Tea time at Afsaal Picnic Spot. This popular public picnic spot has gas braais to hire and the smell of bacon and sunshine wafting around. The pancakes and waffles sold here come highly recommended, making it a great spot to stop off, even if you're not geared with your bacon. The shop also makes delicious takeaway meals.
Then this young one poked its head out from behind a tree.
Silly me decided to drive on and missed the beautiful moment when the entire herd crossed the road.
But lucky for me, a few kilometres further I came across a massive bull, chilling it out on the side of the road.
My favourite lookout point (and sunset spot) so far is at Mathenkanyane.
Lovely treat to see a tortoise cross the road in the middle of the day.
On a cloudy morning I set off to visit Lake Panic Hide. I've heard so much about it and was absolutely blown away by its beauty. It literally hangs over the edge of the water.
Skukuza Rest Camp is built along the banks of the Sabie River and the Jackalberry Tree Restaurant offers beautiful views across it. Best place to sit and look out for crocodiles or hippos in the river.
A little love between parent and sibling on the road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie one morning.
Nkuhly picnic spot is another great place to stop of if you're on the Skukuza-Lower Sabie Road. It has beautiful views over the Sabie River, but some greedy monkeys and baboons, so watch your food carefully.
I just couldn't resist the urge to put a few postcards in this attractive little red post box. Most of the large camps at Kruger sell postcards and stamps and have boxes that are emptied out twice a week. Maybe you'll also be inspired to put a letter in the mail the next time you visit.
It is interesting to see that there is still remains of flood damage at some of the bridges in the park. The rivers have all but disappeared but you can still see the effects of the hectic floods from earlier this year.
June, my trusty rental, after two weeks in the bush. I think she needs a wash
Shops in the camps cater for every type of alcoholic need. This might well be the most expensive bottle of Crackling I've ever seen
