Hi There to all from the Kruger National Park,
This is a report received from one of our guides Mark while on safari in the Kruger National Park with Erwin Doorenspleet from the 29th November to the 2nd December 2009
Now this had to be a wacka of a trip as the first animal we came across on entering the Kruger Park was a massive White Rino bull. This chap was big and I estimate him at approximately 1.8 Ton easily. Massive main horn, honed to perfection. Rather placid while the vehicle was next to him, approximately 3 - 5m away from us on the left hand side. We proceeded to Pretoriuskop to have a quick bite to eat and to book in to the rest camp for the duration of our stay.
As you know me, I couldn’t wait to get back into the bush. Fortunately as it was my guests first day in the Kruger, they to were happy to get out there. After a quick bite to eat we left Pretoriuskop camp, my route planned for the afternoon was Shebeni Koppies, Albesini north to doispan Road East to River Rd Link. Turn around and follow exactly the same route back. Later this worked in our favor as by the time we got back to camp many animal species were seen.
On the Doispan road 1,8kms before the River link road at approx 16h15 we got sight of a female Leopard lying in an African wattle tree facing eastwards. (Typical postcard photo). further on down the road a herd (20 plus) of elephants crossing from south to east.
Back to Albasini, we found a herd of buffalo crossing over towards Mestal dam. It felt good to be in the park and within 2.5 hrs we had see 4 of the “big 5″. With this in mind it was time to head back to camp.
As you all know, early rise with a cup of coffee we left camp heading North. My idea was to head along the main road between Pretoriuskop and Skakuza. Something that stood out for me, was our sighting of 2 Sable antelope approximately 10 - 15m off the road facing us (What a sight as I thought back to when last I saw one so close.) We continued North and approx 1kilometer from Matekanyane view point we had a sighting of a Black Rino bull moving eastwards.
Approx 2.2kms past the H3 junction which goes down to the Malalane gate, we spotted 2 Female Lion sleeping in the open. Not the best sighting as I would estimate them to be approx 30m of the road.
As we crossed over the Sand River, I decided to take the Marula Loop road and 500m down came across 2 humongous black mained male Lions. Both were lying on the edge of the road and brilliant photos were taken.
Up to the Tshokwane picnic spot we saw lots of general game and fabulous amounts of birds were encountered. After eating a brunch (very late breakfast - due to the amount of animal sightings) we moved Eastwards on the H10 to Lower Sabie. While on this road a number of good sightings were encountered of rhino, buffalo, elephant and general game.
At the junction to Mlondozi Dam off the H10, we came across a pair of mating Lions. Good to see nature is still on the go and the Lion is still king.
Looking up into the east, I could see a cloud build up and decided to head back to Pretoriuskop. After a visit to the camp of Lower Sabie, we made our way back to Skukuza, stopping off at various sightings of elephant and buffalo as well as general game along the way. After a short stop at the camp of Skukuza, we made our way back to camp for the night and the potential of some heavy rain.
The night sounded like a battle field in the sky’s as the thunder roared. This was confirmed the next day with little animal movement and sightings. What also played a major role was the sudden drop in temperatures. Even the new Impala lambs where aware of the change in weather.
We decided that we would take advantage of the weather and visited many different historical sites during the course of the day. Always enjoying the general game viewing as we spent our time in the African bushveld.
The night was cold and the next morning we had breakfast at Pretoriukop. On leaving the park its always interesting to see what is the last specie of animal is, to come out and say goodbye. Strange to this we had a sighting of 8 Sable antelope, wishing our guests
” Goodnight, God bless and Goodbye”.
Till next time and we meet again,
Mark
Senior Guide Nhongo Safaris
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