BACK ON SAFARI

Once again, I am in South Africa doing much loved safari trips.  This time, I am in Timbavati a private game reserve area adjacent to Krueger National Park.  Krueger’s immense size (7,523 square miles, or essentially the size of New Jersey!) is further enhanced by many of these reserves along its western border. The rules and regulations are different but the animals are able to roam freely between the reserves and the park itself. The daily accommodation fee here includes all meals, drinks and two 3+ hour guided safari trips each day. Our wonderful guide, Anna does the driving and Albert sits on a jump seat attached the front of the Land Rover to do the spotting. These spotters are always amazing at what they see as we move through the bush, scanning for animal tracks, and spotting well camouflaged animals to either side. I do not think much of anything misses their eyes, while Anna’s true passion for the animals and guiding really adds to the experience! My resort, King’s Camp is located in the central part of the area where it is much dryer than further south. This creates a different ecosystem and different animals thrive here than in other areas. A key reason that I love the Kruger ecosystem is that the immense size allows one to stay in different parts and experience different animals in different settings. So far, on two safari’s I have gotten nice close ups of a seriously endangered white rhino, elephant, giraffes, hyena cubs, steenboks, impalas, baboons, cape buffalo, and even a hippo. (surprising to me due to the dry conditions)

A white rhino. A rare and mixed emotion sighting.  Truly a majestic animal, so peaceful as they graze, but with the rate of poaching going on those in the wild will all be gone in less than 10 years.  All due to a mistaken belief in Asia of the horn’s sexual benefits.

A young male.  Far better sightings will occur later, but the first one is always special.

Tuesday morning gathering of female buffalos.  Resting to get ready for a  very hot day ahead.

I liked this close up shot. Contemplative it seems, but, knowing the buffalo, probably more like a  blank stare. but nice either way.

Young hyenas waiting for mom to come home with dinner

Nice close up.  how can we look at this cute child and mesh that with the reputation of hyenas?

Impala’s.  The most common sighting in the area, but always nice as they are so attractive and graceful. Seeing them run full tilt leaping 15+ feet at a time is truly exciting. Not easy to photograph, though.

Baboon in tree. classic.

these baboons were part of a troop of 50 or so.

A yellow-billed hornbill.

I always love the old dead trees out in the bush.