Disclaimer: the
content of this website is mine alone and does not necessarily reflect the
views of the U.S. government, the Peace Corps, or the South African Government.
On the eastern borders of the provinces of Limpopo and
Mpumalanga lies Kruger National Park.
This is one of the largest National Parks in South Africa, and is home
to many species of bird, reptile, and mammal, including Africa’s Big 5. The park covers over 7500 miles which, for
those looking for a comparison in the United States, is more than double the
size of Yellowstone National Park in Montana and Wyoming. Because Human Rights Day, a day that
commemorates the sacrifices made on the path to democracy in South Africa, fell
on March 21 (the anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960), I had a long
weekend that enabled me to visit Kruger with three of my fellow volunteers. We were driven through the park by a South
African friend who has been going on game drives since childhood and was able
to spot signs of nearby animals, helping us to see as many as possible on our
drive.
We began our drive around 11am, entering the Phabeni Gate
near Hazyview in Mpumalanga. We drove
slowly through the roads, keeping an eye out for animals, for about two
hours. After the early part of our drive
we stopped in Skukuza, a small rest stop with lodging and dining options inside
the park. After a break to have lunch
and rest a bit we embarked on an afternoon drive for another three hours. We exited the park through the Numbi Gate and
made our way back to Hazyview for a light dinner at Tanks Bush Pub near the
backpackers where we were staying.
There are benefits and drawbacks to a safari based on the
time of year in which you choose to go.
One of the greatest benefits of a game drive this time of year (the
rainy season) is that the landscape is absolutely breath-taking. Everything is green and lush, rivers are
flowing, and there are baby animals all around.
While all of this is aesthetically pleasing, it can make spotting the
animals very difficult. We spotted two
lions, but it was impossible to get pictures as they were sleeping in tall
grass and only raised their heads long enough for us to know they were there
(lions sleep about 20 hours per day).
Taking a safari during the dry season means that you will not experience
the same foliage as during the rainy season, but it will be much easier to see
the animals, especially because nature forces them to gather around limited
water sources.
We were very fortunate on our drive that our expert guide
was able to help us see three of Africa’s Big 5. The Big 5, an old hunting term, includes lion,
elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, and leopard.
We were unable to see the elusive leopard or the rhino, although we were
told that both were very nearby. I have
yet to see a rhino in the wild, which is absolutely crazy considering how big
they are! In addition to the Big 5 we
saw giraffe, waterbuck, wildebeest, hippopotamus, cheetah, kudu, warthog, tortoise,
and more impala than I ever cared to see in my life. The elephants were my
absolute favorite, as I have been waiting to see an elephant since my arrival
in Africa over a year ago, and it terrifies me just a little that I have yet to
spot a crocodile because they hide so well (definitely not getting into the
water here!).
Kasey, Sharsyea, Chris, and me at the Phabeni Gate |
Visiting Kruger was a great experience, one I definitely plan
to repeat before I leave South Africa. When
I looked at the prices of safaris before leaving the United States I thought
that I would never be able to afford one, but there are very cost effective ways
to visit Kruger and other safari destinations with proper research. I highly recommend trying to have an
experience like this at least once in your life…it is incomparable.
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