Kruger National Park
Vast expanses of land cluttered with exotic trees, rising up into hills and down into the crocodile infested river beds characterises this part of South Africa. It is terrain where the animals roam free, masters of their own survival and destiny. Man is visitor to this land and a guest of the animals. From the breathtaking sunrises to the sublime sunsets, visiting the Kruger is an experience to cherish and to savour.
The early rays of the sun filtering through the gaps in the curtains engulfs one with excitement, a sense of expectation at what is in store for one during the course of the daylight hours. The Kruger never fails to deliver. Every day is rewarded with a fair number of sightings of the big 5 animals either in their entirety or at least most of them and other animals that have this land their home.
The young lion cub exudes an air of importance as if already claiming the title of king of the jungle. The hard working lionesses carry a look of exhaustion as they search for the next prey to feed the pack. The male lion gives a steely look that says that he is the master of this part of the universe.
Herds of elephant comprising big and small members trample the forgiving earth as they trundle the bush feeding off its trees, shrubs, grass and fruit. One wonders how they grow so big on a daily diet of grass. Trust not this big mammal as the bull amongst it is renowned for its temper especially when in musth as he is likely to turn upon you with a full exhibition of elephant terror.
Then there is the rhinoceris both white and black heavy footed form their extreme weights yet capable of giving chase at speed and underlining another of nature's paradoxes. The white rhino flourishes in this habitat after being delivered from the throes of extinction and in spite of the attentions of despicable poachers destroying marvels of creation for just their tusks. The hippopotami are kings of the waterholes and easily display their ferocious set of teeth at the slightest encroachment into their territory. The leopard is the master of ambush and retreats into the nearest tree to protect its kill.
There are a plenty of our fine feathered friends adding their unique colour and exclusivity to the Kruger landscape. There are rollers, owls, storks, raptors of all kinds, larks and the nightjar making its appearance on the roads of the Kruger. Many of the bird species are endemic to this part of the world and are sought after by birders from near and far.
As the sun slides away into the distant horizon on its never ending route to lighten up another part of the globe, a momentous day in the African bush comes to an end...for the humans who must now retreat to their gated areas and retire for the night. For some of the animals, the day has just begun and in some unkind way the land becomes the killing fields of those that must eat and drench its soil with the blood of its killings. But this is the law of the jungle that ensures survival of some at the expense of others.
My heart, soul and every bit of my being yearns for a repeat of this experience. So will yours.
Location: Central Kruger Park, Mluwati concession, Imbali Safari Lodge, Imbali game drives
June 2011
Please respect the copyright that exists over all material used in this blog.
The early rays of the sun filtering through the gaps in the curtains engulfs one with excitement, a sense of expectation at what is in store for one during the course of the daylight hours. The Kruger never fails to deliver. Every day is rewarded with a fair number of sightings of the big 5 animals either in their entirety or at least most of them and other animals that have this land their home.
The young lion cub exudes an air of importance as if already claiming the title of king of the jungle. The hard working lionesses carry a look of exhaustion as they search for the next prey to feed the pack. The male lion gives a steely look that says that he is the master of this part of the universe.
Herds of elephant comprising big and small members trample the forgiving earth as they trundle the bush feeding off its trees, shrubs, grass and fruit. One wonders how they grow so big on a daily diet of grass. Trust not this big mammal as the bull amongst it is renowned for its temper especially when in musth as he is likely to turn upon you with a full exhibition of elephant terror.
Then there is the rhinoceris both white and black heavy footed form their extreme weights yet capable of giving chase at speed and underlining another of nature's paradoxes. The white rhino flourishes in this habitat after being delivered from the throes of extinction and in spite of the attentions of despicable poachers destroying marvels of creation for just their tusks. The hippopotami are kings of the waterholes and easily display their ferocious set of teeth at the slightest encroachment into their territory. The leopard is the master of ambush and retreats into the nearest tree to protect its kill.
As the sun slides away into the distant horizon on its never ending route to lighten up another part of the globe, a momentous day in the African bush comes to an end...for the humans who must now retreat to their gated areas and retire for the night. For some of the animals, the day has just begun and in some unkind way the land becomes the killing fields of those that must eat and drench its soil with the blood of its killings. But this is the law of the jungle that ensures survival of some at the expense of others.
My heart, soul and every bit of my being yearns for a repeat of this experience. So will yours.
Location: Central Kruger Park, Mluwati concession, Imbali Safari Lodge, Imbali game drives
June 2011
Please respect the copyright that exists over all material used in this blog.
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