During our recent Easter visit to the Giant’s Castle Game Reserve in the Drakensberg we encountered numerous black-backed jackals, and most of them turned and made a run for it the moment they realised they were spotted.
“On the Move” is the theme for this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge
02 May 2014, Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp, Kruger National Park
We find ourselves in the far south-west corner of the Kruger National Park, at Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp, on the last leg of our current visit to the reserve. Translated from Afrikaans, “Mountain-and-Valley” is a very apt description for these beautiful surroundings.
29 April 2014, Orpen Rest Camp, Kruger National Park
We had a long drive southwards today, moving from Shingwedzi to Orpen Rest Camp in the central Kruger National Park. A long drive, but richly rewarded, with sightings of hyena, jackal, lion, elephants (including big tusker Masthulele), various antelope, warthogs, zebras, giraffes, baboons and monkeys.
And to cap off our day, a splendid cheetah sighting at sundown…
28 April 2014, Shingwedzi Rest Camp, Kruger National Park
We’ve just arrived back at camp after a fantastic morning drive along the Kanniedood Dam and Shingwedzi River.
Apart from the beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere, we enjoyed numerous good sightings of elephants, zebras, waterbuck, impala, baboons, monkeys, lots of crocodiles and hippos, two satiated hyenas, a myriad of bird species and this magnificent male lion.
Heaven on earth is spelt S-H-I-N-G-W-E-D-Z-I…
Yes indeed, we’re back in the Kruger National Park, and kicking of our visit with three nights in our beloved Shingwedzi Rest Camp! We had a great first day with sightings including two promising new tuskers (elephant bulls with heavy ivory), four roan antelope and even a lone pelican hundreds of miles away from the nearest ocean.
“Letters” is the theme for the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge
21 April 2014
We left Giant’s Castle before dawn this morning, hoping to beat the Easter Weekend traffic back to Pretoria (which we did). Between the packing there was just enough time to take a picture or two of the Drakensberg illuminated by moon- and starlight.
Look out for more from Giant’s Castle Game Reserve in an upcoming edition of de Wets Wild!
20 April 2014
We happened upon this adder sunning itself on an open patch next to the hiking trail this morning. Just goes to prove that even when hiking in such exquisite surroundings as here at Giant’s Castle, you have to keep a sharp look-out for dangerous situations.
This female baboon has been spending the last couple of minutes foraging around the chalets here at Giant’s Castle Resort, and the rooftops make excellent vantage points from where to plan her next kitchen raid…
“On Top” is the theme for this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge
19 April 2014
We’re still having a wonderful time out in the fresh Drakensberg air, exploring the beautiful Giant’s Castle Game Reserve.
18 April 2014
With this view of the giant and his castle, it’s not difficult to imagine that the beautiful resort at Giant’s Castle Game Reserve is located smack in the middle of the colossus’ front garden.
This is a small piece of the magnificent view from the veranda and master bedroom of the chalet we’re spending the Easter weekend in.
Yes, we’re bragging ;-).
Wishing you all a blessed Easter!
The view from our chalet at Giant’s Castle Game Reserve
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