After a strong cup of African-grown coffee to pry open our sleepy eyes, we headed out to Kruger National Park just after dawn in a “game viewing vehicle” driven by our Afrikaans host and local guide, Olaf. Even before entering the park, we saw many animals along the way, including elephants & giraffes. The poaching of these two species, as well as of black & white rhinos, is a major concern to both conservationists and African governments alike….and measures have been taken everywhere to discourage the widespread slaughter. The regions where these animals live are too vast to surveil, so anti-poaching efforts are mostly ineffective. Not only is the wildlife being killed and tourism impacted, the money made from the sale of ivory & horn often funds terrorist groups. Bad business all around!!
On a brighter note, there are still a LOT of wonderful animals of every stripe (inc. zebras!) roaming wild & free in southern Africa..especially in the enormous acreage set aside in Kruger. Below is a small sampling of what we saw there. ( More pix will follow .)
During the dry season, the best viewing spots are above the few watering holes or reservoirs found throughout the park. In just an hour’s time, we watched wave after wave of animals cautiously approach the water to take a long needed drink. A couple of lions were within attacking range, but apparently weren’t in “hunt-mode” as they dozed contently in the shade nearby.
Kruger Park is home to more than 500 species of birds and ~ 150 kinds of mammals..plus many types of reptiles, including the infamous Nile crocodile which can grow to 20 feet long. We saw a few smaller crocs sunning by a waterhole, but they blend into the surroundings so well that I wasn’t able to get a good photo of them. Guess I’ll just have to go back!
Dab's Travelogue 