Hello, Bonjour and Sawubona from South Africa. It’s been some exciting days during the past time. After getting my 4×4 with a rooftop tent close by the Airport in Johannesburg, I drove straight to Ezemvelo Nature Reserve. I had certainly no intentions to stay any time longer than needed in the big city.
On my way to the reserve
By the time I arrived at the reserve it was unfortunately already dark but everything went fine and the night guard opened the gates for me. At the campsite I spotted a giraffe eating calmly some tree leaves. I build up the tent and was happy to sleep as the jet leg started to kick in. Next morning I could witness a stunning African sunrise with all the red shaded colors you can only imagine, followed by birds, impala, eland and ostriches that made their way towards the waterhole.
Stunning sunrise view from the camp spot
Camping spot at the reserve where I saw giraffes, Impalas, Kudus and ostriches
Male ostrich enjoying the morning sun
It was time to move on and head towards Graskop, close by the Blyde River Canyon, where I chose to stay at Graskop Backpackers Valley View for 2 nights. I visited God‘s Window and the Three Rondavels viewpoint that offered a fabulous view over the Blyde river, especially during the late afternoon hours. I took the advantage of the city and went to see a doctor to get my spider / tick bite checked. Apparently, it’s healing nicely but can take over a year to be fully recovered. Nevertheless, I know now that it actually is very likely to be a spider bite, even though I can’t do anything anymore but wait for it to not hurt anymore.
Afterwards, I made my way towards Kruger National Park and entered at Parabowra gate at the east side. Now I am in a malaria-endangered area but I think it’s not yet the crucial time for to get this disease. As we are heading from winter to spring season it’s atcually one of the best time of the year to watch wildlife and I can’t wait what will come accross my way here!
Three rondavels at Blyde River Canyon during the afternoon hour
Welcome to Kruger National Park
Close by the entrance I spotted my first elephants drinking calmly from a bassin, followed by giraffes, impala, waterbucks, kudus and birds. I was heading for Letaba Rest Camp, where I wanted to stay 1 night. The hut I was sleeping in was on the front row and very close to the letaba river bed, where I spotted a herd of elephants walking around. It’s looking like this is going to be an elephant paradise.
Preparing dinner at Letaba Rest Camp
Elephants coming for a drink to the waterhole
The next morning started with my own game drive towards Ngotso as apparently there should be two leopards mating. However, I didn’t see them, instead I saw some giraffes, ground hornbills and kudus before I stumbled right into a herd of elephants that were very close to my car, crossing the dirt road in front of me. A young bull even tried to mock charge me in my car, showing off his power but then he dedcided he was actually not too much interested in me and went busy eating and following the rest of his friends.
Dirt roads within the park
Elephants Crossing the road
From here I drove back up direction towards Letaba and back down again to do my check in at Olifants Camp for Balule Satellite Camp, a very remote campsite without any electricity. On my way I saw a herd of buffaloes crossing the dirt road just ahead of me, giraffes enjoying the olifants river and elephants taking a mud bath.
Giraffe between the leaves of trees in the beginning of spring time
Endangered Southern Ground hornbill looking for some food
Big buffalo herd before crossing the road in front of my car
Elephants enjoying the much needed rain and mud
At the campsite I was greeted by a curious hyena that was wondering if she could find anything to eat here. The night was full of hyena callings that I could hear all too well from my little roof-top tent.
Hyenas Looking for some food
The dust on my boots and the rhythm of my feet and my heartbeat say… AFRICA!
Vusi Mahlasela
My new lessons learned during my travels around South Africa:
- African sunsets are just special – the Three Rondavels in Blyde Canyon are a great spot for a sundowner;
- Hyenas are very curious creatures – they can make you feel as you were the interesting object;
- Elephants can just appear out of the nowhere – huge but gentle in their own way!
Cheers to wandering the world and the wonders of our lives – bye bye, salut and sala kahle ∞
