Before dawn on the 15th of August ’21, Joubert and I had the Duster packed and were ready to set off for the Kruger National Park. The whole route from Pretoria to Malelane Gate we drove under overcast skies, with thick mist and occasional drizzle.
Signing in at Malelane was a breeze and in no time at all we were on our way to Skukuza. With Afsaal picnic site packed to the brim with visiting people when we arrived we decided to give it a miss. We enjoy the Park packed with animals of all description much more than jostling with other picnickers for a spot at a table.
Right at Skukuza’s gates we found this elegant nyala bull – only to find that he wasn’t as elegant as first impressions suggested…
At Skukuza’s reception our check-in went just as smoothly and pretty quickly we were unpacked and settled into our bungalow, allowing us a chance to stretch our legs and gawk at Skukuza’s resident birds.
By the time we hit the road for our afternoon game drive there was only about three hours left before the gates would close, so we stuck to the roads around camp and along the Sabie River.
After our braai (barbeque) – what else would two South African men be eating when they’re forced to feed themselves than “pap en wors” (maize meal porridge with barbequed sausage) – and before going to bed, we walked around camp with our torch looking for nocturnal creatures.
We think this might be a baby Turner’s Thick-toed Gecko (photo by Joubert)
On Sunday we’ll tell you about day two as we prepared to tackle the Sweni Wilderness Trail from Joubert’s birthday.
de Wets Wild 
Julle het sommer al baie diere en voels op die eerste dag gesien, Dries!
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Die Krugerwildtuin stel nooit teleur nie!
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😊
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Loving the narrative!
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Thank you Kathy. More to come soon!
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Fantastic! I love it when I see a variety of animals. Great photos, both of you! 🙂
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Thanks a lot, H.J!
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That Njala! Beautiful
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Sure is, Marie! Welcome here!
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This is a good starter – I am right there behind you!
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Glad to have you along, Anne!
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Definitely an excellent birthday…with more to come. I like the shot of the klipspringer springing. 🙂
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Thank you, Janet! Klipspringer are so dainty and yet very sure-footed on those slippery boulders.
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I am always in awe of the number of different kinds of wildlife you feature in the parks.
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We’re blessed to live where we do, John. South Africa has such abundant wildlife and our national parks are real treasures.
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Your wonderful photography brings these animals to life. I’m in love with the brown headed parrot, but all are truly remarkable photos.
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Thank you kindly!
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