Kruger!

Well not really but it was a small jet that could fly right into the bush airport in the Kruger National park. Very few people on board as we transitioned from Cape Town to the bushveld of the Transvaal.

Very hot and muggy as we deplaned, picked up a rental car for our two week stay, and went looking for our accommodation. A rondavel on the perimeter overlooking the Sabi river – nice.

First game we saw were two hippos grazing on the far river bank. Unusual as you usually see only their eyes as they float around the rivers.

Took an afternoon drive to see what we could find. The camps where you stay at night are fenced in and they are very strict about you being there during the night. The gates will open about half an hour before sunrise and promptly close at 6:30pm – you had better be inside by then! We had two hours to cruise as I set 6 pm as my mental deadline, 30 minutes for unexpected things.

This elephant had found a puddle of water and was cooling off in the hot afternoon heat. For the most part the animals are oblivious of you, especially when they are off the road and in their own bush territory. Giraffe always amaze me. They are such unique animals and I enjoyed seeing this guy on the road. He walked ahead of us for while and then ambled off into the bush.

Rino scare me a bit. That is one hellava tank with a horn that could destroy my little rental in one attack. Luckily this one was happy to continue munching away.

There are tarred roads and numerous sandy gravel ones that are not always open. Rain does a number on them and can muck them up especially at river crossings. The one above had a rough patch at the far end of the wash and reminded me to be careful – no fun getting stuck out here!

Next stop is the Lower Sabi camp but internet and blog time compete with the animals so we’ll see how it goes.