A Walk on the Wild Side

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.