Kruger Park Safaris Ranger Blog

Kruger Park Safari with Amaury and Elisa 2nd - 6th January 2012 Day 1 - 5

2012-01-07T07:32:00.001+02:00

We picked up Amaury and Elisa from there flight from Cape Town at Johannesburg international airport. We travelled through to Nelspruit and then on to the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park.
After check inn proceedures we made our way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop and after getting the guests into there accommodation and also giving the time to have lunch, we made our way out of the camp at 15h00 on our first game drive. We were making ouir way down to Skukuza in order for guests to utilise the automatic teller machines, and then we would come back to Pretoriuskop, getting back in time for gate closures at 18h30.

It was not long, after turning onto the Napi Road, that we encountered our first sighting of a male and female rhino, standing close to the road. and after getting some nice photos, we moved on. a short way further down, we came across a buffalo herd, standing close to the road and after this another buffalo herd was encountered. We passed "Transport Dam" which is the place where "Battle In Kruger" took place and about one kilometer further sa a leopard lying on the road. When we got closer, i saw it was my friend that we get quite often on the Napi Road. He stood close to the Open Safari Vehicle for quite a time, allowing photos to be taken of him, before slowly walking back down the road and then into the bush on the right hand side of the road. At this stage, we all knew this as going to be a good game drive.

We continued on towards Skukuza, getting good sightings of impala, kudu and giraffe. After everybody had finished using the ATM's, we took our leave of Skukuza as time was going and leaving us with less than two hours to get back t o the camp, before the gates of the camp were closed for the night.

We drove back down the Napi Road, and as we came to "Deleport waterhole", we watched as twelve lions had finished drinking and had started moving away from the waterhole. This was totally unexpected, and i still made the joke that e might see the cheetah and wild dogs, before we get back to camp.

We continued on, finding another herd of buffalo just past the "Transport Dam" turn off. While we were watching this sighting, another tourist stopped next to us, and told us that two cheetah were lying next to the road two hundred meters further on and that another one hundred meters past them, there was some wild dog lying on the road. After getting over the initial shock of being told this, we made our way hastilly in that direction. It turned out to be more than teo kilometers, before we came upon the two cheetah's lying next to the road, as as we looked further up the Napi Road, we could see the Wild Dogs, not more than fifty meters from where we were standing. This was one of the best sightings encountered this summer, as we spent more than half an hour with these cheetah right next to our vehicle and also having the sighting totally to ourselves as there was nobody around us. After the cheetah got up and had moved off into the bush, we drove onto the wild dogs that were still lying in the road. we had a great sighting of them as the dogs came up to smell the Open Safari Vehicle and proceeded to lie down next to it. Guests got the chance to take wonderful photos, before we continued on back to the camp of Pretoriuskop.

The first drive of this safari had turned out to be truly memorable and to think, i still had these people for another four days. Guests enjoyed an great meal in the camp restaurant, before going off to bed to get a good nights sleep, before the early start the next morning.

The next morning, it was up early and after enjoying tea and coffee, it was out on the road to see what we could find. We travelled down the napi road finding good sightings of rhino, buffalo and elephant, we then also found a good sighting of lions on the S112. We got a call over the radio of a leopard lying in the tree on Doispane, and as we ere going to the "Skukuza Golf Club" for breakfast, we decided to make our way in that direction to see if we could find it. About a half an hour later, we came onto the sighting, to see a male leopard lying in the tree about sixty meters from the road. After staying a while at the sighting, we decided to make our way onto breakfast.

After enjoying a great breakfast, we got back on the road and soon heard of another lion sighting near to the camp of Pretoriuskop. We decided to make our way in that direction as we were going to make our way back to camp for a middle of the day rest as temperatures had climbed into the early thirties. We encountered more rhino, buffalo and elephant sightings on the way to the lion sighting. We arrived on the lion sighting at about 11h45 and found them to be lying three meters off the road. after watching for a while, it was established that it was a mating pair (honeymoon Couple on the two way radio system). after a short while, the male got up and the female followed and soon there was a lot of love making in the the Kruger National Park. All was soon over, and the couple went back to doing what they do best, and that is "sleep". We stated on the sighting for a while longer, before leaving and making our way to camp. The afternoon game drive, saw us returning to the lion sighting to get some more photos of the mating pair. Guests got back to camp and enjoyed a great evening meal after which, it was off to bed.

Next morning, it as out early again after enjoying tea and coffee, great sightings were experienced through the day of rhino, elephant, buffalo and lion and many sightings of giraffe, impala, kudu, zebra and wildebeest. Guests had a great dinner, and then it as off to bed.

The next morning saw the guests having a sleep inn, as it was there honeymoon and were feeling quite tired from the previous early mornings. we left camp after a leisurely breakfast, but the day turned out to be quite with sightings of rhino, buffalo, elephant and wild dogs. Guests decided to take things easy for the afternoon, as they were going out on an evening game drive that evening. At 17h00, guests left on there game drive and returned at 20h30 having seen quite a bit to enjoy a great meal in the camps restaurant.

The next morning saw the guests again having a sleep inn as they had seen almost everything, and as they were going on to Thailand needed some extra rest. we left the park at about 10h00 and made our way back to Johannesburg, arriving mid afternoon in time for the guests to get some much needed washing done, before flying out on the next leg of there journey.

Feedback from the guests was that they had a wonderful time, saw more of the Kruger National Parks and African animals than they ever thought they would and enjoyed the experience immensely.

Kruger Park Safari with Catrien and Cor Van Der Bliek 29 December - 1 January 2012 Day 4

2012-01-01T18:40:00.003+02:00

We left camp at 04h30 and made our way down the "Napi Road", getting good sightings of wildebeest, impala, kudu and elephant. We turned onto the H3 and then onto the S112 with the knoledge that there are normally lions on this road. It was not long before e came across three rhinos in the middle of the road, and after about ten minutes on the sighting, they decided to move to the side of the road and let us pass. we carried on passing the " James Stevenson Hamilton" road, and it as not long before we heard the roaring of a male and female lion in the area. We came around the corner and got them standing in the middle of the road. They soon moved to the side of the road and lay down in full view of the vehicle. We sayed on the sighting for about twenty five minutes as when e saw the traffic building, we decided to make our move away from the sighting.

As we were driving away, we got a radio message of a leopard with its kill in a tree on the Dospane Road, e decided to make our way in that ddirection as it was close to were we were going to have breakfast. we drove down to the Doispane road and after finding the impala lamb hanging in the tree, but alas no leopard as she had already climbed down the tree. as we were looking at the kill, we received another message of another leopard on the River Road Link in a Marula Tree. e drove down, and were soon rewarded with a great leopard sighting. We watched the leopard for about twenty minutes, before she decided to climb out the tree and walk away. This is now the second time that Catrien and Cor have seen the "big five" in about four hours while on safari with Nhongo Safaris.

We made our way to breakfast in high spirits, and after enjoying a good breakfast at the Skukuza Golf Club, it was back on the road in the direction of Pretoriuskop Camp in order to get the guests transfered back to Johannesburg in order to catch there flight back to Holland.

Feedback from the guests was that they had a wonderful time, saw loads of great sightings and will be returning in the near future to enjoy another safari in the Kruger National Park.

Kruger Park Safari with Catrien and Cor Van Der Blieck 29 December to the 1 January 2012 Day 1 - 3

2011-12-31T17:47:00.001+02:00

we picked up guests in Johannesburg and travelled eastwards to the city of Nelspruit and then on to the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park. Guests arrived at the camp of Pretoriuskop, and after check inn procedures and time given to have lunch, it was out on the road at 15h30 to see what we could find. As we turned onto the Napi Road, we were contacted about a female lion walking on the road. We turned our Open Safari Vehicle around and made for the sighting, it was not long before we found her and followed her along the road. Other sightings while on the drive was giraffe, elephant, impala, kudu and rhino. Guests got back to camp and had a good dinner at the camp restaurant.

We left camp early the next morning getting good sightings of rhino, buffalo, hyena and elephant. We made our way to breakfast and as it was some guests last drive, before returning to Johannesburg, we decided to take another route back to the camp of Pretoriuskop. We made our way down the Doispane road, before turning onto the "Albasini Road" in the direction of the camp. We came across a good sighting of a leopard in the tree. After spending some time on the sighting, we made our way back to the camp in order for the guests to be transferred back to Johannesburg.
The afternoon drive saw great sightings of elephant, rhino, buffalo, kudu, impala and a number of good bird species. Gusts arrived back at the camp and enjoyed a great dinner in the camps restaurant, before retiring to bed for the next early morning.

After early morning tea and coffee, it was back on the road to see what the day would bring forth. We made our way down the Napi road and it was not long before we ran into a great sighting of rhino which consisted of a big male, two females and a rhino calf. After spending some time on the sighting, it was off again to see what we could find. Other sightings encountered we're impala, kudu, wildebeest, buffalo and elephant. We decided to make a turn at the Sabie River before breakfast, and as we drove down the bravo loop, we heard lions roaring. We decided to try and find them, and it was not long before they appeared from the "No Entry" road. They lay down close to the vehicle and we were treated to a wonderful sighting with some good photos been taken.

We made our way to breakfast for a welcome stop. After enjoying a good breakfast, it was out again onto the road. We received a radio message of a cheetah sighting, so we decided to go and have a look. We drove down the H3 and onto the S112, we're we found her walking on the road. She left the road and walked next to our vehicle and proceeded to sit and watch some zebra close by. We spent about forty five minutes with her, all of a sudden there was an explosion of power as the cheetah crossed over the road in a fast stalk and then into a full charge, closely missing the zebra foal by a very short distance. She went and sat down under the tree for some rest. While all of this was going on, a large build up of traffic had taken place so we decided to take our leave of the sighting. We made our way back to the camp, getting good sightings of rhino, impala and kudu on the way back to camp. Guests had a good afternoons rest, before leaving on a wet afternoons sunset drive.

Kruger Park Safari with Sanjay and Sarah 27 - 30 December 2011 Day 1 -4

2011-12-31T16:16:00.001+02:00

We picked up Sanjay and friend from Johannesburg International airport and made our way in an easterly direction to Nelspruit and then onto the "Numbi Gate" of the Kruger National Park".

After giving guests time to have some lunch, it was out on there first game drive. While on the drive, good sightings of rhino, impala, kudu and elephant were seen. Guests returned to camp and enjoyed a good meal in the camps restaurant.

The next morning, it was up early and after enjoying tea and coffee, it was out of the camp at 04h30. The day turned out to be a quite day on the cat front, with still good sightings of rhino, elephant and buffalo being seen from the "big five", and numerous antelope species also being experienced. Guests had a good dinner, and left for bed early as it was up early the next morning to find more animals.

The next morning, we left camp the same time and made our way down the "Voortrekker road", getting good sightings of buffalo, rhino and hyena. After turning onto the H3, we came across a cheetah crossing the road. We made our way northwards in the direction of Quagga Pan coming across some more rhino and buffalo. It was not long before we got a message about some lions that were lying around "Rhino Koppies Dam", so we made our way in that direction. The sighting turned out to be very distant with lions lying under a tree. We made our way to breakfast, and then it was back to camp for a rest, before going out in the afternoon again. The afternoon was also quite with rhino and elephant being seen.

The next morning brought another day for some great game viewing, with good sightings of rhino, buffalo, hyena and elephant. The afternoon game drive brought a great sighting of lion close to the camp of Pretoriuskop as well as rhino, buffalo and a possible leopard sighting that got out the tree before we got there. Guests left on a night drive, and returned at 20h00 to enjoy dinner in the restaurant.

We left camp early the next morning getting good sightings of rhino, buffalo, hyena and elephant. We made our way to breakfast and as it was the guests last drive, before returning to Jphannesburg, we decided to take another route back to the camp of Pretoriuskop. We made our way down the Doispane road, before turning onto the "Albasini Road" in the direction of the camp. We came across a good sighting of a leopard in the tree. After spending some time on the sighting, we made our way back to the camp in order for the guests to be transferred back to Johannesburg.

Guests said they had a good time, and would like to return on another safari to the Kruger National Park.

Kruger National Park Safari with the Davids family 24 - 27 December2011 Day 4

2011-12-28T20:50:00.001+02:00

The day started early as normal with guests enjoying tea and coffee before leaving on the final game drive of there safari.

Soon after leaving camp and traveling down the Napi road, we came across a great sighting of rhino standing next to the road. We carried on in the direction of Skukuza getting more good sightings of rhino, elephant, impala and kudu. We received a radio message of a female lion lying close to the camp of Skukuza and decided to take a look. Upon arrival at the sighting, the lioness was lying close to the road, so a good sighting was enjoyed by all.

After leaving the sighting, we made our way to the Skukuza Golf Club for a good breakfast, after which we made our way to the Numbi Gate getting great sightings of more elephant, rhino and giraffe..

Feedback from the guests was that they had a great time, all want to come back to experience a different part of the park on another visit to South Africa.

Kruger National Park with the Davids family 24 - 27 December 2011 Day 1- 3

2011-12-26T18:10:00.001+02:00

We picked up the Davids family from the Holiday Inn in Rosebank. We left Johannesburg in the direction of Nelspruit, stopping off at Millie's rest stop along the way. We arrived in Nelspruit were we changed over our vehicle into an open safari vehicle, before completing the journey to the 'Numbi Gate' of the Kruger National Park.

After check inn procedures at the gate, we travelled down to the camp of Pretoriuskop, we're the guests were checked inn and given time to enjoy some lunch before leaving on there first game drive.

We left the camp at 15h30 and made our way down the Napi Road. Sightings enjoyed on the first game drive was rhino, impala, kudu, leopard and lion. A truly great way to start an African Safari. Guests got back to camp were they enjoyed a great dinner in the camp restaurant, it was off to bed early as it was an early start the next morning.

After enjoying tea and coffee, it was off to see what we could find. It was not long before we ran into some rhino, wildebeest, zebra and impala. We turned onto the S112 and found a mating pair of lions on the road. After spending some time on the sighting, we made our way onto the S114, we're we had a quick sighting of a leopard female as she made her way between the rocks. On the way to breakfast more wildebeest, impala, zebra, warthog and giraffe were seen. After enjoying breakfast, we made our way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop, arriving back at about midday.

The afternoon game drive was a bit on the slow side with rhino, zebra, impala, kudu and lion been seen. Guests got back to camp and enjoyed a good Christmas dinner prepared by "Nhongo Safaris". After dinner, guests decided to get a good nights sleep as we were leaving again at 04h30 when the gates opened.

We left camp after everybody had enjoyed tea and coffee. We made our way down the Voortrekker road, and it was not long before we found buffalo, rhino and a pack of seven wild dogs walking in the road. We continued on and were rewarded with a good sighting of elephant, and two sightings of lion on the S23. We continued up to the camp of Skukuza getting more great sightings of wildebeest, zebra, impala, buffalo and elephant.

After a good breakfast at the Skukuza picnic spot, it was off back in the direction of Pretoriuskop, we're on the Napi Road, we came across two cheetah which had just killed a warthog piglet and was walking with it in it's mouth. Unfortunately the sighting had so many vehicles around it, that not a lot of time could be spent on it. Guests got back to camp in high spirits, and after a good afternoons rest have gone out on a sunset drive,

Kruger Park Safari with Ryan, Stephanie, Fernando and Jeff 18 - 22 December 2011 Day 5

2011-12-22T17:17:00.001+02:00

Today started off at 04h00 with tea and coffee, and then it was time for Fernando and Jeff to go out on there bush walk that left at 04h30. After handing the guests over to the Kruger Park Rangers, Ryan and Stephanie took a drive with us to see what we could find on the last game drive before leaving the park.

It was not long before we found another good sighting of rhino lying next to the road, after a good time spent on the sighting, we took our leave to see what else was going on. Things seemed to quiten down until e ran into another cheetah walking next to the road, this proved to be a quick sighting as he moved quite quickly into the bush.

We carried on and made our way in the direction of were some large male lions were lying yesterday with a kill just nine hundred meters from Quagga Pan. We turned onto the H3 and made our way in that direction. When we got to Quagga Pan, we saw quite a large number of vehicles parked next to the road, and as we got closer saw that irt was our lions lying about thirty meters from the road in full view of everybody. We turned the vehicle around and took our time at the sighting, spending about forty five minutes watching the lions while they moved around looking for shade from the already hot sun. Soon it was time to make our way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop to meet Fernando and Jeff.

One the way back to camp some good bird species were seen.

Guests enjoyed a good breakfast at the camp restaurant, before we loaded all the luggage and made our way out of the Kruger National Park. We made our way back to Nelspruit were e changed our vehicle over to one of our closed transfer vehicles and then proceeded to make our way back to Johannesburg.

Feedback from the guests were that they had a wonderful time and want to come back with other family members to experience another safari to the Kruger National Park.

Kruger Park Safari with Ryan, Stephanie, Fernando and friend 18 - 22December 2011 Day 4

2011-12-21T14:31:00.001+02:00

We left camp again today at 04h30 after enjoying tea and coffee. I decided to take a drive down the Voortrekker road which would free us up from any South African tourists in the area. After a short distance of about five kilometers we came across a nice herd of buffalo lying next to the road, after having a short discussion on them, we drove on finding a short distance down the road a nice male, female and young rhino calf standing in the road. These guys were enjoying our company and only moved away after a good fifteen minute sighting. We continued on down the road and a we came around a bend in the road we found a cheetah walking towards us. He walked past our open safari vehicle and walked up to the "No Entry" marker and jumped up to smell what was going on. After a few minutes of standing there, he jumped down and came to sit in the road in front of our vehicle. After a short while, he was off into the bush and away from the road.

We travelled on down "Voortrekker" road with everybody in high spirits, when we came across a nice elephant bull next to the road. We watched this guy, and as we were coming to the end of the road, we watched him cross the H3.

We turned right on the H3 and got to have good sightings of wildebeest, warthog and zebra on the gabro plains, before another tourist stopped next to us and told us of a leopard that had been seen on the main road. We decided to go and have a look, about one kilometer down the road, we came upon a male leopard trying to hunt some impalas, we watched anticipating a kill was going to happen, but unfortunately the impalas saw the leopard and disappeared into the bush. The leopard slowly made it's way to our open safari vehicle and proceeded to walk next to it in the road for the next two hundred meters, before moving off the road and making it's way in an easterly direction into the bush.

We made our way back towards the little Jock road and heard a messaage on the radio about some lions that had been spotted there and thought we would take a look. We travelled down the road for about three kilometers and found two lionesses lying near to the road with another seven lying deeper into the bush. After spending some time on this sighting, we decided to make our way in the direction of Skukuza for breakfast. We made our way back to the H3 and had not gone three kilometers in the direction of Skukuza, before we ran into a pack of nine wild dogs lying in the road. We followed them for a while, until they diappeared into the bush in the direction of Stolsnek.

We turned around and made our way in a northerly direction. After a short distance, we found more rhino and buffalo next to the road.

As we made our way up, we got a message from another open safari vehicle about six male lions that were lying next to the road, nine hundred meters before Quagga Pan. We made our way in that direction, and it was not long before we had them in our sights, lying next to the road. It was a great sighting as guests could also get some great photos of male lions.
We spent quite a time on the sighting, before leaving and making our way in the direction is Skukuza, stopping off for some good bird sightings.

We got in for breakfast at about 08h45, and after enjoying a good breakfast, it was out back on the road to see what we could find. We took a drive down Elloff Street towards the high water bridge. We got a good sighting of baboons, before we were told of a possible black rhino sighting. We made our way in that direction and found a black rhino walking towards the road. We got a great sighting of this male rhino as he crossed the road. We carried on with the rest of the drive been on the quiter side as the temperature had started to rise into the late thirties. We stopped off at the camp of Skukuza as the guests wanted to do some shopping at the camp shop, before returning to camp.

After leaving the camp of Skukuza, we made our way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop for a rest before guests would go out on a sunset drive. On our way back to camp, things had got really quite with only a sighting of more cheetah lying under the trees about five and a half kilometers from "Transport Dam".

Guests had a wonderful day, and as some are going on a morning walk and some are taking a drive, it remains to see what will be seen tomorrow.

Kruger Park Safari with Ryan, Stephanie, Fernando and friend 18 - 22December 2011 Day 3

2011-12-20T19:20:00.001+02:00

Today, it was an early start again, and after enjoying tea and coffee it was back onto the open safari vehicle to see what we could find. We left camp at 04h30 and it was not long before we had our first sighting of rhino, impala and kudu, we continued down the Napi Road and came across some wild dogs lying next to the road. We spent quite a time with the dogs as they were starting to look for something to eat. We followed them down the road for a while. We left the wild dog sighting and made our way in the direction of Skukuza, stopping off for more sightings of rhino, elephant, hyena, kudu, impala, wildebeest and zebra. We continued on down to the Sabie river to see if we could find some hippos, this was not the case as all seemed to be hiding from us. More elephant and rhino were seen with also good sightings of baboon. We decided to make our way to breakfast.

After a good breakfast was enjoyed by all we made our way back out onto the road to see what we could find. It was not long before we got a call on the radio telling us of a leopard that was up a tree close to quagga pan south of the camp of Skukuza. We made our way in that direction. Upon arriving at the sighting, we were greeted by a male lying in the tree with a young warthog kill above him in the tree. Guests got to see a wonderful sighting with some wonderful photos of him moving around in the tree as well. After finishing at the sighting, we decided to return to camp for a rest, before departing at 15h00 on an afternoon game drive.

Guests had chance to have some good lunch and catch up on some sleep before going out on the afternoon game drive. We departed the camp looking for a good herd of buffalo which proved to be ilusive, but we managed to find giraffe, rhino, elephant and three different lion sightings.one which was of a mating pair.we decided to stay there for a while after which we returned back to camp after the gates closed.

Guests then had a good evening meal at the restaurant before retireing to bed for a well needed rest.

Kruger Park Safari with Ryan Patterson and Stephanie Cicconi 18th to22nd December 2011 Day 1 and 2

2011-12-19T13:42:00.001+02:00

We picked up Ryan and Stephnie off of there flight at Johannesburg International airport and left Johannesburg for Nelspruit. After a stop along the way we arrived in Nelspruit. We changed from our closed vehicle into one of our open safari vehicles and undertook the last part of the journey to the "Numbi Gate" of the Kruger National Park. After check in procedures, we made our way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop. After checking in, guests were given the chance to get some lunch, before leaving at 15h30 on there first game drive. After leaving the camp, great sightings of rhino, elephant, impala, kudu and waterbuck were seen. Guests also got to see brown snake eagles, pearl chanting goshawks and many more bird species while on the drive. We arrived back at camp at 18h30 and after enjoying dinner in the restuarant, it was off to bed before and early start this morning.

We left camp at 04h30 this morning and were treated to four sightings of rhino as well as buffalo and elephant. We also took a drive down the S112, we're we found nine lions lying next to the road, we had a great sighting, a d after they moved off into the bush we went on finding more lions lying on the rocks on top of the lope as well as more elephant. We went on to breakfast as the Skukuza Golf Club. After a great breakfast, we made our way out were we ran into a large herd of elephants as well as hyena, impala more elephants and buffalo on the way back to camp.

Eleven lions killed a Zebra right next to our Open Safari Vehicle

2011-12-17T16:43:00.001+02:00

Eleven lions killed a Zebra right next to our Open Safari Vehicle on the Napi Road

between the camps of Skukuza and Pretoriuskop.

(Kruger National Park) (South Africa)

2011-12-17T12:26:00.003+02:00

A nice leopard walking on the Napi Road between the camps of

Skukuza and Pretoriuskop hile on safari in the Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Male Lion Lying in the Grass next to the H3 just South of the camp of Skukuza

2011-12-17T12:21:00.000+02:00

A lion lying in the grass next to the H3 just south of the

camp of Skukuza. Taken while on safari in the Kruger

National Park with Nhongo Safaris

A Nice photo of a Kudu Bull while crossing the road near to the camp of Skukuza

2011-12-17T12:16:00.000+02:00

A nice Kudu Bull crossing the road while on safari in the Kruger National Park

with Nhongo Safaris

A nice photo of a pied Kingfisher

2011-11-24T08:50:00.001+02:00

A nice photo of a pied Kingfisher taken on the high water bridge between the camps of Skukuza and Lower Sabie.

A Pied Kingfisher on the high water bridge.

Two great Kudu photos taken early in the morning

2011-11-24T08:39:00.001+02:00

Below are two photos of a kudu bull taken early in the morning on the Napi Road between the camp of Pretoriuskop and Skukuza

A nice Kudu Bull looking at us

Another nice photo of the same Kudu Bull on the Napi Road

One good photo of mating lions

2011-11-24T08:31:00.001+02:00

The below photo of two mating lions was taken on the H10 close to the camp of Lower Sabie

A lioness and Male Lion in the act of mating.

Some photos taken while on safari in the Kruger Mational Park

2011-11-24T08:00:00.001+02:00

Below are some Cheetah photos taken while on safari to the Kruger National Park with visiting tourists.

A nice Cheetah standing on a road marker.

Another nice photo of the Cheetah

Cheetah looking at around for something to eat.

Eleven Lions eating on a buffalo killright next to our open safari vehicle

2011-11-24T07:15:00.001+02:00

A video clip taken of eleven lions eating on a zebra kill

that they had killed right next to the road on route to the camp of Pretoriuskop

(Kruger National Park) (South Africa)

A Video Clip taken of Lions eating on a hippo near to the camp of Skukuza

2011-11-23T17:58:00.002+02:00

A lion guarding a hippo that was killed near to the camp of Skukuza

(Kruger National Park) (South Africa)

A Female Lioness eating on a Hippo Carcass

2011-10-24T15:54:00.001+02:00

A female lioness busy eating on a hippo kill close to the camp of Skukuza

(Kruger National Park) (South Africa)

Some more photos taken of African Lions while on safari in the Kruger National Park in September 2011

2011-10-24T11:40:00.001+02:00

Some more photos taken while on safari in the Kruger National Park southern section of the park.

Leopard crossing the road while on safari in the Kruger National Park

2011-10-24T11:32:00.000+02:00

Below is a video of a large male leopard crossing the road in front of our open safari vehicle while on safari in the Kruger National Park.

Some photos taken while on safari in the Kruger National Park

2011-10-24T10:49:00.007+02:00

Some of the above photos ere taken while on safari with Evelyne on the road btween Skukuza and Lower Sabie in the Kruger National Park.

Kruger National Park Safari with Evelyne from the 22nd - 24th September 2011

2011-10-24T10:21:00.000+02:00

We picked up Evelyne from her hotel and transfered her through to Nelspruit ere we changed over to our safari vehicle and travelled the last bit of the trip Numbi Gate. After check inn proceedures we made our way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop were Evelyne would stay for the next two nights. After a break for lunch, we left camp at 15h30 for her first game drive. Good sightings ere experienced on the game drive with good sightings of rhino, elephant and buffalo. We got back to camp at 18h00 and after a short break, enjoyed dinner at the camp restuarant.

The next morning it was up early and after enjoying tea and coffee, we left camp and made our way out on the Napi Road, good sightings were experienced throughout the day with great sightings of lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard. After a good day out, it was back to the camp for a good rest and some dinner before retireing for the night.

The folloing morning, it was up early again and after the normal tea and coffee, it was back on the road for the final game drive before returning to Pretoriuskop for breakfast and then on to Nelspruit to change over vehicles, before returning to Johannesburg. Great sightings were experienced on the morning drive.

Feedback was that Evelyne enjoyed her safari, and wants to return on another one, but only longer next time.

Kruger Park Safari with Mike Easterly and Friends from the 8th - 12th September 2011

2011-10-16T20:23:00.000+02:00

Picked up Mike, Josh and there wives for a five day safari to the Kruger National Park. We made our way to the park via Nelspruit. Arrived at the park entering through the Numbi gate and making our way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop, were guests were given the opportunity to enjoy some lunch before going out on there first game drive. While out on the game drive good sightings of rhino, buffalo and elephant were experienced as well as great sunsets.

After an early start the following morning, we drove through out the day on game drive making our way northwards to the camp of Olifants. Sightings were good with great sightings of lion, buffalo, rhino and large elephant being experienced throughout the day. Large herds of Zebra and Wildebeest were also encountered. After a good dinner and game drive in the evening, it was off to bed for a welcome rest.

Early next morning, it was back on the road in a southerly direction making our way through the park. We had wonderful sightings throughout the day with numerous sightings of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard finally coming through. later in the afternoon while making our way to the camp of Pretoriuskop to pick up Paul who was joining the safari, we came accross to cheetah lying a short distance off the road. Another great photo opporyunity was enjoyed by all. After a break after checking inn to the camp of Pretoriuskop, we left again on the afternoon safari, going directly back to the area of the cheetah were they were stll lying it up. We also encountered a large herd of buffalo on both sides of the road as well as a good sighting of rhino. Not bad for an afternoons game drive.

The following morning, it was out early again on game drive before breakfast to see what we could find. Josh, Mike and there wives were leaving us today and making there way back to Johannesburg with one of our transfer vehicles and Paul was staying on for another night.
After the game drive the group said goodbye and left on there way back to Johannesburg, and e went out onanother game drive managing to find good sightings of lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, rhino and more cheetah. We got back to camp late afternoon as Paul was going out on his night drive and needed to have dinner before he left.

The next morning it was out early again to see what we could find and after enjoying breakfast, it was time to leave the park and make our way back to johannesburg.

Feedback from guests was that they all had a onderful time and all want to return to bring other members of there family on safari in order for them to experience the onderful animals that we have in the Kruger National Park.

Kruger Park Day Safari with Mr and Mrs Witzenburg 7th September 2011

2011-10-16T08:08:00.001+02:00

Mr and Mrs Witzenburg ere pickup from Rissington Inn in Hazyview for a day safari in the Kruger National Park. Guests were picked up at 05h30 and we entered the Kruger National Park via the Numbi Gate. The day was spent driving around the park looking for as many of the african animals found in the park as possible. We enjoyed a breakfast break at the camp of Pretoriuskop, after which we made our way in the direction of the main camp Skukuza and then onto the sabie river road finding large numbers of animals as we went.

Throught out the day we came accross numerous sightings and at the end of the day safari, we had got to see all of the big five.

We left the park at around 16h00 and made our way back to Rissington Inn were the clients were dropped off as they were carrying on with there self drive holiday through South Africa.

Feedback from the guests were that they had done previos safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, but had never experienced such a day safari as they had done with Nhongo Safaris having seen the big five as well as numerous other animals all in one day.

Kruger Park Safari with Charlie Heron, Claudio from the 2nd - 6th September 2011

2011-10-16T07:55:00.000+02:00

Guests were picked up in Johannesburg and transfered to Nelspruit, were we changed our closed transfer vehicle for on of our open safari vehicles. We travelled the last leg of the journey to the Numbi Gaye of the Kruger National. After check in proceedures, we made our way down to the camp where clients were checked into there accommodation and given a chance to have some lunch and a break before going out on the afternoons first game drive.
Good sightings ere seen on the afternoon safari.

The following morning it was up early and after enjoying tea and coffee, e left camp to see what we could find. Guests got to see a lot of animals while on safari, with good sightings of lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant and numerous other game species. e got back to the camp in the late afternoon in time for the guests to have a break, something to eat and then leave on a night safari that returned back to the camp at 21h30.

The following morning, it was back up early and after packing Charlie Herons baggage as she was only on a two night safari, we left camp to see hat e could find.Great sightings ere experienced. Charlie met her transfer vehicle at the Numbi gate and made her way back to Johannesburg, before going onto Mozambique for a diving holiday. We left the gate after dropping off Charlie and made our way out on another game drive. Numerous sightings were experienced.

The following morning it was out on the road early again ith good sightings being experienced by all. We returned back to the camp late afternoon and after enjoying dinner, it was off to bed for a good nights sleep.

Early the next morning, after enjoying tea and coffe, it as back on the road for the final game drive before guests were going to be taken to Nelspruit for there transfer to Johannesburg airport. while on game drive, numerous animals were seen. Guests left us wanting to come back on safari and visit the Kruger National Park again although they had seen so many of the animals. Feedback was that they had really enjoyed themselves while on safari with Nhongo Safaris.

A Nhongo Safaris Video Clip of Elephants Drinking

2011-09-20T10:28:00.001+02:00

The following video clip was taken of some large elephant bulls busy enjoying the water at "Ngotso North" waterhole north of the camp "Satara".

Kruger Park Safari with Anna Liew and twelve friends 25th - 28th August 2011

2011-09-20T10:22:00.000+02:00

We picked up Anna and her friends from the Johannesburg International Airport and made our way to Nelspruit, were we changed over to two of our open safari vehicles. we traveled the last leg of our journey to the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park. After completing checking in procedures we made our way to the camp of Pretoriusop for a lunch stop so that the group could have something to eat. After lunch, we began making our way in the direction of the camp of Skukuza. Many animals were seen on this game drive, with good sightings of rhino, elephant and buffalo being seen. We arrived at Skukuza just before gate closing time and after checking in to camp and getting everybody into the chalet accommodation, it was time to visit the restaurant for a good dinner. The group were great wine lovers, so many bottles of wine were enjoyed over the course of dinner. After dinner, it was off to bed for some and another bottle of wine for others before all went off to sleep due to the early morning wake up for tea and coffee before leaving on the game drive.

Next morning after finally getting everybody together, the group enjoyed tea and coffee and then it was off to see what we could find. We made our way northwards in the direction of Mahlemale Dam stopping off for good a great sighting of a male leopard as well as sightings of rhino, elephant and buffalo. At the dam we found some good sightings of Hippo and a huge herd of approximately 800 to 1000 buffalo. ZThis was quite a sight to behold as the buffalo just kept coming. We then made our way to the picnic spot of Nkhulu were the staff had prepared breakfast for us. After enjoying a good bush breakfast of cereal, yogurt, eggs, bacon, sausages, tomato, toast, orange juice as well as tea and coffee, it was off again looking for animals that we could find for the group.
We came accross great sightings of giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, sable antelope with more rhino and elephant sightings as well. We got a radio message about a breading pair of lions that had been spotted on the bravo loop, and so we decided to make our way in that direction to find them. After arriving on the scene, we were entertained to some wonderful roaring by one of the male lions that was showing some dominance to his friend lying close by. He was in the process of mating with the female. We occupied the sighting for about half an hour, before making our way back to the camp of Skukuza for lunch and an afternoon break before going out late in the afternoon again. At this stage the group was in high spirits as they had already seen the big 5. We left camp at around 16h00 and made our way down Doispane road, were we found another leopard busy eating an impala in the Marula tree. Regrettably this sighting was a far away from the road for any great photos. We made our way back to the camp and got back to the camp with only 2 minutes to spare.
Guests enjoyed a good dinner, with again a large amount of wine was enjoyed by the group. It was then off to bed as some were really feeling tired from getting up early.

The following morning, it was up early again and after enjoying tea and coffee we left camp to find some animals. We made a turn at the lions that we had got the day before and were again entertained by the male as he was bust mating with the female. We made our way onto breakfast again enjoyed at the Nkhulu picnic spot. After breakfast we made our way in the direction of Kwagga pan and got to see some really great sightings of Zebra and wildebeest as well as warthog drinking at the waterhole. We made our way back to the camp around lunch time in order for the group to enjoy a relaxing afternoon shopping and having some down time. The group enjoyed another good meal in the restaurant, before making there way back to there chalets and off to bed.

The following morning, it was up early and after packing all the bags and enjoying tea and coffee we made our way out of the camp and back onto the road to see what we could find on route to the camp of Pretoriuskop were the group would have there final breakfast before leaving the park on route back to Johannesburg. We left the park at about 10h30 after experiencing a quite morning aboard the op-en safari vehicles. After arriving in Nelspruit, we changed vehicles into our transfer buses and made our way in the direction of Johannesburg.

Feedback from the group was that they had an awesome time, enjoyed all the game drives and the information they received while on safari and all want to return to experience another safari. All of the group have friends and family wanting to come to South Africa in the next year so we can expect some really good safaris next year from them.

Anna and friends, it was really good hosting your group in the Kruger National Park on safari and we hope it is not too long before we are able to meet again on another adventure to the great Kruger National Park.

A Nyala Bull eating next to the road hile on safari with Nhongo Safaris in the Kruger National Park.

2011-09-05T19:02:00.000+02:00

A nice Nyala Bull eating next to the road hile on the last safari in the Kruger National Park ith Nhongo Safaris.

800 - 1000 Buffalo going down to drink at Mahlemale dam in the Kruger National Park.

2011-09-01T16:14:00.000+02:00

A large herd of buffalo making there way down to the water to drink while on safari with Nhongo Safaris in the Kruger national Park.

Kruger Park Safari with Mr and Mrs Vis 3rd - 7th August 2011

2011-09-01T16:09:00.001+02:00

Mr and Mrs Vis were picked up in Johannesburg and transferred through to Nelspruit and then on to the Numbi gate of the Kruger National Park. After check in procedures were completed at the gate, the guests made there way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop were they were checked into there accommodation and given chance to enjoy some lunch, before departing on there first game drive at 15h30. Theodore and Danielle Vis joined Alysha and Gerard for the afternoon game drive. Guests got to see great sightings of elephant, rhino and lots of plains game. We arrived back at camp just in time before the gates of the camp closed for the night. Guests enjoyed a great meal in the camps restaurant, before it was off to bed for a good nights sleep before having to get up early the following morning for a new days game drives.

The following morning it was again up early and after enjoying tea and coffee, it was out on the road to see what we could find. We made our way up to the picnic spot of "Tshokwane", were the guests enjoyed breakfast before continuing on with our game drive on route for the camp of Lower Sabie. Guests had a good days game viewing and enjoyed one of the warmer days experienced, showing us that we were not far from summer.

We arrived back at the camp in the late afternoon after which guests enjoyed a good dinner in the restaurant before getting to bed early for the following morning would again be an early one.

The next day was spent driving around the Kruger National Park looking for that elusive leopard that we were still shorting and after a good day out came into the camp early as the guests were going out on there night drive. Guests enjoyed an early dinner and left on there game drive at 19h00.

The following morning we left camp at 06h00 after enjoying tea and coffee. We had decided to go down the Napi road and see what was going on, before having to return to camp for breakfast and say goodbye to Alysha and Gerard that were returning to Johannesburg airport in order to fly out of South Africa. The morning was quite slow with good sightings of rhino's, elephant and buffalo being seen. After breakfast and Alysha and gerard leaving on there transfer back to Johannesburg we decided to take a run down to the camp of Skukuza. Not much was encountered on this run. We stopped off at skukuza for lunch and as we were leaving the camp, we got a message of a leopard lying next to the road on the Kruger Gate tar. we decided to make our way in that direction and were met by a large number of vehicles around the sighting. We struggled to find the leopard as he had moved further into the bush watching some impala feeding close by. This proved to be a difficult sighting, however the guests did get to see him lying in the long grass. We made our way back to camp, arriving late afternoon. Guests had a good meal in the camps restaurant and were off to bed as they were quite tired from the long days being experienced on the open safari vehicles.

The next morning, it was on the road again at 06h00 after enjoying tea and coffee. We made our way down Napi and onto Kwagga Pan were found a pride of lions that were lying up for the day. However one of the females set out to try and catch some wildebeest and impala, however she being unsuccessful made a great sighting. She however came once or twice quite close to the vehicle so the guests got some great photos of the lioness. We ended up having a really good day of game viewing in the park with quite a number of species that were seen. We made our way back to camp in order for the guests to have a bit of a rest, before going out on the night drive. The guests enjoyed there meal in the restaurant and also enjoyed there night drive on the open safari vehicle.

The next morning it was time to pack everything as we were making our way back to Johannesburg in order for the guests to carry on down to Cape town. The mornings game drive was good with many sightings being experienced before enjoying breakfast. We left the park at about 10h00 and made our way to the city of Nelspruit were we changed over to our transfer vehicle and made our way to Johannesburg arriving late afternoon.

Guests feedback was that they had a wonderful time, saw lots of animals and got lots of photographs and will also be returning to do another safari in the Kruger National Park in the future.

Video Clip of a Leopard Sighting from the last Safari to the Kruger National Park.

2011-09-01T09:47:00.001+02:00

Below is a Nhongo Safaris video clip of a leopard sighting got close to Mahlemale Dam in the Kruger National Park.

Kruger Park Safari with Alysha Bourne and Gerard Radisson from the 1st to the 5th August 2011

2011-09-01T09:39:00.001+02:00

We picked up Alysha and Gerard in Johannesburg and made our way eatwards from Johannesburg to the city of Nelspruit. We changed over to one of our open safari vehicles and made the final leg of the journey to the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National park. Upon finishing check inn procedures at the gate, we made our way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop where we were going to stay for the next four nights. After checking inn and giving guests time to have lunch, we left on the first game drive at about 15h30.
While out on the game drive guests got to see good sightings of impala, kudu, buffalo, rhino and elephant. We got back to camp at 18h00 just before the camp gates closed.
After a good dinner in the camps restaurant, it was off to bed for a good nights rest.

The following morning, it was up early and after enjoying tea and coffee we left camp on route for the "Nkhulu" picnic spot where we would have some good breakfast. On route to breakfast, guests got to see good sightings of rhino, buffalo, elephant and lion. After enjoying a good breakfast the rest of the day was spent doing game drives through out the park. We arrived back to camp late afternoon and after a short rest, got together in the restaurant for a good dinner, before retiring to bed for a good nights sleep.

The following morning it was again up early and after enjoying tea and coffee, it was out on the road to see what we could find. We made our way up to the picnic spot of "Tshokwane", were the guests enjoyed breakfast before continuing on with our game drive on route for the camp of Lower Sabie. Guests had a good days game viewing and enjoyed one of the warmer days experienced, showing us that we were not far from summer.
We arrived back at the camp in the late afternoon after which guests enjoyed a good dinner in the restaurant before getting to bed early for the following morning would again be an early one.

Day 4 was spent driving around the Kruger National Park looking for that elusive leopard that we were still shorting and after a good day out came into the camp early as the guests were going out on there night drive. Guests enjoyed an early dinner and left on there game drive at 19h00.

The next morning it was up early again and after enjoying tea and coffee and packing all the baggage it was out on the guests final game drive before breakfast. The game drive was a slow one with very little being seen due to the cold morning experienced. We returned to the camp of Pretoriuskop for breakfast after which the guests left in there transfer vehicle for johannesburg.
Guests had a good time, and would like to return sometime on another safari to the Kruger National Park.

Some Zebras at the Waterhole while on Safari with Nhongo Safaris

2011-08-24T09:02:00.002+02:00

Rhino's Close to Open Safari Vehicle while on Safari with Nhongo Safaris

2011-08-24T09:01:00.001+02:00

A Kruger Park Day Safari with Nhongo Safaris

2011-08-24T08:58:00.000+02:00

Kruger Park Safari with Jim, Adrian and Ben Fama 20th - 24th July 2011

2011-08-22T12:24:00.000+02:00

Jim and Family were picked up in Johannesburg and transferred via Nelspruit to the Kruger National Park. After completing check in proceedures at the Numbi Gate we made our way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop were the group would stay for the first night. After checking in and giving the group chance to have some lunch we made our way out on a game drive at 15h30. We took a drive down the Napi Road and found some good sightings of elephant, rhino, impala and Kudu. We returned back to camp at 17h30 after which a good dinner was enjoyed by everybody.

The following morning, it was up early and after packing all of the luggage and enjoyed some tea and coffee before we left on the mornings game drive. We left camp and made our way down the Napi road towards the Sabie River. The mornings game drive was found to be a little cold and so fewer sightings were experienced. We made our way down to Nkulu for breakfast and after a good break we started making our way back in the direction of Numbi gate to drop off Jenna and Sam that were leaving us that morning. We reached the camp of Pretoriuskop just before lunch after having good sightings of elephant, rhino, lion and many other good sightings. Jim, Adrian and Ben decided to stay at the camp to have some lunch while I took Jenna and Sam down to the gate to get there transfer back to Johannesburg and for me to pick up the next group of twenty four that were coming into the park on a four day safari with some of our other guides assisting me. After the group had enjoyed a lunch break we were back on the road and making our way towards skukuza on the napi road when a radio message was received about a possible sighting of lions on the Marula Loop. Benno decided to go for these lions and would keep elcana and myself informed as to what was going on. We carried on making our way down the napi road getting good sightings of rhino and elephant as well as buffalo. We got closer to the camp of Skukuza and soon found ourselves on the way towards Marula Loop. It was not long before Benno let us know that he had the lions in front of him and that we should hurry as they were being chased by a breeding herd of elephants. The pace increased slightly in order to get there a little bit quicker. It was not long before we parked at the sighting with the large pride of lions sound asleep as they had used a large amount of energy trying to get away from the elephants. A great sighting was enjoyed and after being there about 20 minutes, we decided to move out to give other people chance to see the lions. We made our way back to the tar road and as Benno anf myself came onto the Mutlemuvie Bridge, we saw a young leopard female standing right next to the bridge. This was a fantastic sighting, and as we watched we managed to raise Elcana on the radio and get the message through to him about the leopard.
He moved away from the lion sighting and it was not long before he had arrived at the sighting and also managed to get a good sighting of her as well.
We finally began our trip back to the camp of Skukuza in high spirits as the group had only just arrived 4 hours ago and they had already seen the Big 5. This was awesome stuff.

The next morning, it was up early and after the group had enjoyed tea and coffee it was onto the open safari vehicles for a three hour game drive before breakfast. We made our way in the direction of Tshokwane and after benno had checked the marula loop to see if the previous days lions were still not there we decided to push on to the Manlimahle Dam, as Elcana and myself were pulling into the dam, we got a message from Benno that he had lion just of the bridge befor Olifant's Drinkgat. We turned around and made our way in that direction. As we were not to far behind we reached the area in about five minutes and were met by a sighting of one female and two cubs playing in the grass next to the bridge. While on this sighting, we received another message this time from one of the parks officials that there were eight lions busy hunting about 10 km's up the Tshokwane tar road. We decided to go for the. After a bit of an intensive drive to get there, we got there as the eight female lions were lining up on some impala close by. However the impala saw them before the female lions could get any closer. Another good sighting was enjoyed as the females made there way back to the dam walking right past our open safari vehicles. We decided to turn around and make our way back to the camp in order that the group could enjoy breakfast. On route back we came across a good rhino bull making his way to the road as well as a good herd of elephants. We got back to the camp of Skukuza at about 09h00 were the group enjoyed breakfast, before leaving again at 10h30 for another game drive. We made our way out of the camp of Skukuza and planned to take a southerly direction as all we were looking for now was wild dog and cheetah. Some of us took the S114 and others went down the H3, and it was not long before one of the other open safari vehicles let us know of a wild dog sighting on the Randspruit road. We decided to make our way in that direction. Benno was the first to arrive on the sighting and let us know that they were two meters off the road and lying down sleeping. It was about another ten minutes before we arrived on the scene and managed to get some good photos as they were now sitting up as the vehicles were close by. After this good sighting we made our way to the picnic spot called "Afsaal"for lunch. After lunch we took a drive back to Skukuza getting many good sightings of elephant and rhino as well as buffalo on route.

The next morning, it was time for tea and coffee and then it was out on the road. We decided tp take a run up the Napi Road and then down watergat and back to skukuza on the Doispane and Paul Kruger Gate main road before breakfast. The morning drive started quitely with little other than rhino and elephant seen all the way down the "Watergat Road". As we turned onto the Doispane road with Benno being a little in front of us, elcana managed to spot a leopard sitting at the base of the tree. We called Benno back and as he was making his way back the leopard started walking towards the road. We tried everything in our power to stop her from moving over the road before Benno got there, but we were unable to. As she ran across the road in front of us we could hear Benno's vehicle coming behind us. We decided to stay in the area to try and find her for Benno's guests. As it was to be, we did not have to wait long before this wonderful little female leopard climbed into a marula tree and lay there for all to see her. After this wonderful sighting, we made our way back to camp for breakfast. After a good bush breakfast and hearing on the radio that our leopard was still lying in the tree, we decided to make our way in a South Easterly direction on to the camp of Lower Sabie. We took a good drive down coming across a number of breeding elephant herds some great rhino sightings as well as buffalo crocodile and hippo's. We also came across another pride of lions that had just killed an Impala eating next to the road. about one km further on we came across another leopard sighting with it too eating an impala in the sausage tree. We finally arrived and stopped off at Lower Sabie and after a good break for lunch started our run back to the camp. We managed to pass the large numbers of vehicles that had started to back up when we saw the lions and the leopard and continued in the direction of Skukuza. Not long after passing by the high water bridge, we came upon a large number of cars in what looked like a traffic jam, upon closer inspection we found more lions lying in the river bed on the rocks enjoying the late afternoon sun shine. After enjoying this good sighting, we carried on in the direction of Skukuza. As we got past the entrance to the Bravo loop, something moved in the grass on top of the sand bank in the middle of the river, and after turning towards it to see what it was, we found more lions lying looking at us from the sand bank. This brought the total of lions in the two and a half days on safari to thirty six. Everybody was happy to get back to camp and have some rest time, but all were very happy how the safari had turned out this year. After a good dinner, it was off to bed so that everybody could have a good nights rest before another early start the following morning before breakfast and then the long journey home to Johannesburg.

The following morning after the groups final game drive, the group enjoyed breakfast at the Pretoriuskop camp restaurant and then it was out of the park on route to Johannesburg.
Feedback from the group was that they had a wonderful time, saw loads of animals and look forward to coming back to us for another safari in the future.

Some Photos taken while on safari with the Challenge Group from Australia

2011-08-16T13:10:00.000+02:00

Kruger Park Safari with the Challenge Group of Australia from the 21st - 24th July 2011

2011-08-16T12:38:00.002+02:00

The Challenge group was picked up by our transfer buses at Baptist House on the western side of Johannesburg and transferred through Nelspruit and onto the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park. After arriving at the Numbi gate and after check in procedures and a safety talk as well as an introduction to the rangers that were taking part in the safari had been completed, we were off on route to the camp of Pretoriuskop for a lunch break, before continuing on to the camp of Skukuza which would be home for the next three nights. After the group had enjoyed a lunch break we were back on the road and making our way towards skukuza on the napi road when a radio message was received about a possible sighting of lions on the Marula Loop. Benno decided to go for these lions and would keep elcana and myself informed as to what was going on. We carried on making our way down the napi road getting good sightings of rhino and elephant as well as buffalo. We got closer to the camp of Skukuza andsoon found ourselves on the way towards Marula Loop. It was not long before Benno let us know that he had the lions in front of him and that we should hurry as they were being chased by a breeding herd of elephants. The pace increased slightly in order to get there a little bit quicker. It was not long before we parked at the sighting with the large pride of lions sound asleep as they had used a large amount of energy trying to get away from the elephants. A great sighting was enjoyed and after being there about 20 minutes, we decided to move out to give other people chance to see the lions. We made our way back to the tar road and as Benno anf myself came onto the Mutlemuvie Bridge, we saw a young leopard female standing right next to the bridge. This was a fantastic sighting, and as we watched we managed to raise Elcana on the radio and get the message through to him about the leopard.
He moved away from the lion sighting and it was not long before he had arrived at the sighting and also managed to get a good sighting of her as well.
We finally began our trip back to the camp of Skukuza in high spirits as the group had only just arrived 4 hours ago and they had already seen the Big 5. This was awesome stuff.

The next morning, it was up early and after the group had enjoyed tea and coffee it was onto the open safari vehicles for a three hour game drive before breakfast. We made our way in the direction of Tshokwane and after benno had checked the marula loop to see if the previous days lions were still not there we decided to push on to the Manlimahle Dam, as Elcana and myself were pulling into the dam, we got a message from Benno that he had lion just of the bridge befor Olifant's Drinkgat. We turned around and made our way in that direction. As we were not to far behind we reached the area in about five minutes and were met by a sighting of one female and two cubs playing in the grass next to the bridge. While on this sighting, we received another message this time from one of the parks officials that there were eight lions busy hunting about 10 km's up the Tshokwane tar road. We decided to go for the. After a bit of an intensive drive to get there, we got there as the eight female lions were lining up on some impala close by. However the impala saw them before the female lions could get any closer. Another good sighting was enjoyed as the females made there way back to the dam walking right past our open safari vehicles. We decided to turn around and make our way back to the camp in order that the group could enjoy breakfast. On route back we came across a good rhino bull making his way to the road as well as a good herd of elephants. We got back to the camp of Skukuza at about 09h00 were the group enjoyed breakfast, before leaving again at 10h30 for another game drive. We made our way out of the camp of Skukuza and planned to take a southerly direction as all we were looking for now was wild dog and cheetah. Some of us took the S114 and others went down the H3, and it was not long before one of the other open safari vehicles let us know of a wild dog sighting on the Randspruit road. We decided to make our way in that direction. Benno was the first to arrive on the sighting and let us know that they were two meters off the road and lying down sleeping. It was about another ten minutes before we arrived on the scene and managed to get some good photos as they were now sitting up as the vehicles were close by. After this good sighting we made our way to the picnic spot called "Afsaal"for lunch. After lunch we took a drive back to Skukuza getting many good sightings of elephant and rhino as well as buffalo on route.

The next morning, it was time for tea and coffee and then it was out on the road. We decided tp take a run up the Napi Road and then down watergat and back to skukuza on the Doispane and Paul Kruger Gate main road before breakfast. The morning drive started quitely with little other than rhino and elephant seen all the way down the "Watergat Road". As we turned onto the Doispane road with Benno being a little in front of us, elcana managed to spot a leopard sitting at the base of the tree. We called Benno back and as he was making his way back the leopard started walking towards the road. We tried everything in our power to stop her from moving over the road before Benno got there, but we were unable to. As she ran across the road in front of us we could hear Benno's vehicle coming behind us. We decided to stay in the area to try and find her for Benno's guests. As it was to be, we did not have to wait long before this wonderful little female leopard climbed into a marula tree and lay there for all to see her. After this wonderful sighting, we made our way back to camp for breakfast. After a good bush breakfast and hearing on the radio that our leopard was still lying in the tree, we decided to make our way in a South Easterly direction on to the camp of Lower Sabie. We took a good drive down coming across a number of breeding elephant herds some great rhino sightings as well as buffalo crocodile and hippo's. We also came across another pride of lions that had just killed an Impala eating next to the road. about one km further on we came across another leopard sighting with it too eating an impala in the sausage tree. We finally arrived and stopped off at Lower Sabie and after a good break for lunch started our run back to the camp. We managed to pass the large numbers of vehicles that had started to back up when we saw the lions and the leopard and continued in the direction of Skukuza. Not long after passing by the high water bridge, we came upon a large number of cars in what looked like a traffic jam, upon closer inspection we found more lions lying in the river bed on the rocks enjoying the late afternoon sun shine. After enjoying this good sighting, we carried on in the direction of Skukuza. As we got past the entrance to the Bravo loop, something moved in the grass on top of the sand bank in the middle of the river, and after turning towards it to see what it was, we found more lions lying looking at us from the sand bank. This brought the total of lions in the two and a half days on safari to thirty six. Everybody was happy to get back to camp and have some rest time, but all were very happy how the safari had turned out this year. After a good dinner, it was off to bed so that everybody could have a good nights rest before another early start the following morning before breakfast and then the long journey home to Johannesburg.

The following morning after the groups final game drive, the group enjoyed breakfast at the Pretoriuskop camp restaurant and then it was out of the park on route to Johannesburg.

Feedback from the group was that they had a wonderful time, saw loads of animals and look forward to coming back to us for the eleventh time next year in July to find some new things that they have not yet seen.

Some Photos taken with Jenna Sapir and Sam Stein while on safari with Nhongo Safaris

2011-08-12T11:26:00.001+02:00

These photos were taken while on safari with Jenna Sapir and Sam Stein from the United States. To See how there safari went, please read the previous post on the feedback from there safari.

Kruger Park Safari with Sam Stien and Jenna Sapir from the 20th to the 24th July 2011

2011-07-30T12:25:00.000+02:00

Sam and Jenna were picked up in Johannesburg and transfered to the Kruger Park's Numbi Gate by one of our transfer vehicles. We picked up sam and Jenna and took them down to the camp of Pretoriuskop were they would spend there first night, before we moved onto the camp of Skukuza. After a break and time to enjoy lunch, we left the camp at 15h30 on an afternoons game drive and made our way in the direction of the lions. Upon arriving at the place were we had seen the lions earlier in the day, however there was no sighn of the lions, only tell tale sighns that they had been there. We decided to make our way up the road to see if we could find more rhino and would return there later.

The next morning it was up early again and after packing the bags as we were moving camp to Skukuza, after enjoying tea and coffee, we left camp for the final full day game drive. The morning started off slowly with good sightings of rhino, elephant and buffalo. We took a drive through to the picnic spot "Tshokwane" were we enjoyed breakfast and even had a vervet monkey steal some jam off the plate. Afterwards we left and took a drive down the H10 getting good sightings of rhino, elephant with also large herds of Zebra and Wildebeest being seen as well. We stopped off at the camp of Lower Sabie for a break and then took a drive to "Sunset Dam" were we stopped off to watch large numbers of crocodiles and hippos. Some good bird species were also seen at the dam. We left "Sunset Dam" and drove back in the direction of Skukuza coming past "Millenium Dam", we got a good sighting of giraffe drinking and a white rhino wallowing in the mud. Some great photos were got by everybody. All the way back to Skukuza. Guests had a good break for the rest of the afternoon, as Juliet was going on her night drive that left at 20h00 and returned at 22h00. We enjoyed dinner at the restaurant prior to Juliet going on the night drive, and once she had left everybody went off to have a good nights sleep, before the early start the following day.

The following morning, it was up early and after packing everything and enjoying tea and coffee, we left the camp and made our way down to the river and onto Nkhulu picnic spot for breakfast. Between Skukuza and breakfast, numerous numbers of elephant, buffalo and impala were seen. After enjoying breakfast down at the river, we slowly made our way back in the direction of Skukuza and then onto the camp of Pretoriuskop were a short stop was made, before making our way to the gate for Juliets transfer. After Juliet had left and all goodbyes had been said, it was off to Pretoriuskop for a break before going on an afternoons game drive. We checked into Pretoriuskop and had a chance to get some lunch. We left camp at 15h30 and took a drive down the Napi Road. Good sightings of elephant, rhino and buffalo were seen before making our way into the camp just in time before the gates closed for the night.

The following morning, it was up early and after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of camp to see what we could find. The day was spent driving around the park seeing as many good sightings as possible. great sightings of lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and the ever present impala were found. Also got to see some elephant herds really close up as they made there way down to the Sabie river to drink water. We got back to camp late in the afternoon before the gates of the camp closed for the night. Guests enjoyed a good dinner and then it was off to bed to get a good night sleep.

The following day, it was out early and as guests were going out on there night drive, we decided to get back to the camp early in order for them to have a good rest prior to going out on there night safari at 19h00. A good day was spent game viewing in the park and we returned at lunch time in order that they could enjoy lunch. The afternoon was spent walking around the camp and looking at some of the birds with Sam trying to catch every skink he could lay his eyes on. The guests enjoyed an early dinner in order for them to go out on there night safari. The guests left at 19h00 and found rhino, elephant and buffalo as well as white tailed mongoose and a number of Giant Spotted Eagle Owls and Scrub Hares.

The following morning, it was up early and as it was the guests last day we packed the vehicle and moved out of camp for the final drive. We made our way to the Nkhulu Picnic Spot for breakfast and after enjoying there final bush breakfast and watching baboons terrorize people who were trying to cook there breakfast, we made our way in the direction of the Numbi Gate for Sam and Jenna to catch there transfer back to johannesburg. We arrived back at the gat at around 13h00, just in time to meet there shuttle back to Johannesburg.

Guests were very reluctant to leave the Kruger National Park as they said they really had a good time, and are wanting to come back and have another safari in the near future. We at Nhongo Safaris would like to wish Sam and Jenna all the best in there studies at University and we look forward to you guys coming back to see and visit us again.

Photo taken while on Kruger Park Safari with Juliet, Jenna and Sam

2011-07-30T08:04:00.000+02:00

Below is a nice photo of a cheetah taken on the H3 in the Kruger National Park. If you are wanting to see more photos of this safari, you can do so by visiting our Flickr account

Kruger Park Safari with Juliet Watson from the 14th to the 18th July 2011

2011-07-28T09:00:00.001+02:00

We picked up Juliet at the University of Pretoria and transferred her through to Nelspruit, where we changed from our closed microbus into one of our open safari vehicles. After the short trip via White River, we reached the Numbi gate of the Kruger National Park. After check in procedures, and a safari briefing we made our way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop where we were going to stay for the first two nights. Upon reaching the camp and checking in, guests were given the time to enjoy lunch and have a short rest before leaving on there first game drive at 15h30. The first afternoons game drive was a slow affair as there was a huge number of visiting South African in the park due to the South African School holidays. Although this was the case, we still managed to find rhino and elephant as well as a good number of impala, kudu and zebra.

We returned to camp at 17h30 in time before the gates of the camp closed for the night.

After enjoying a good meal in the camps restaurant, it was off to bed in order to get a good nights rest before having to get up early the next morning to leave on the days game drive.

The next morning, it was up early and due to the weather the previous day we had decided to leave about a half an hour later to give it time to warm up so the animals could be out for us when on the game drive. We enjoyed tea and coffee at about 06h30, and left on the game drive at 06h45. We drove down the Napi road,but we were soon alerted to a sighting of twenty one lions at the transport dam (The same dam were the "Battle in Kruger" was filmed.) we decided to make our way in that direction. It was not long before we reached the dam and got to see a large pride of lions on the opposite side of the dam. After a good sighting and being able to watch them for nearly forty minutes, we received another call to say that some of the other open safari vehicles had found a cheetah lying on the termite mound next to the road. We watched for quite a while and then the cheetah suddenly got up, marked some territory and went and stood right behind our vehicle. He suddenly crossed over the road and started crouching as if wanting to charge down something. It was not long before some impala crossed his path, but alas they were to far away for a chase. After a while, we decided to make our way onto breakfast at the Nkhulu Picnic Spot. After a good breakfast, it was off again to find those elusive animals. We managed to get good sightings of rhino, elephant, buffalo and many of the antelope species as well as good sightings of numerous birds, but the cats still eluded us. We returned to camp in the late afternoon, and enjoyed a good dinner and then it was off to bed as everybody felt tired from a long day aboard the open safari vehicle.

The following morning, it was off at the same time as the day before after having enjoyed tea and coffee. Numerous animals were spotted during the day. Upon taking the Napi road back to the camp in the afternoon, we came across a pride of lions lying next to the road. We had a good sighting of the lions and decided to come back later to see if we could perhaps find them walking on the road. we left the camp on an afternoons game drive and made our way in the direction of the lions. Upon arriving at the place there was no sighn of the lions, only tell tale sighns that they had been there. We decided to make our way up the road to see if we could find more rhino and would return there later.

We found some rhino about 10km's up the road, and after a good sighting we dedcided to reurn to see if the lions had maybe come out onto the road. as we came around the corner in the road where the lions had been we saw them coming out of the thick bush towards the road, at this stage we were the only vehicle and as the lions were walking in the opposite direction, we turned the vehicle around and followed them. After a good sighting they slowly made there way off the road and into the bush, but as they were not far from a road, we made our way down there to see if we could cut them off to get even better visuals of them. We went a short way down the road and due to the time decided it was a good thing to turn back as it was still quite a distance from the camp. We made our way back up the road and to our surprise we found the lions lying on top of the rocks not too far off the road. After we had enjoyed a good sighting, it was off back to Pretoriuskop camp arriving about 10 minutes after gate closing time. Everybody was in high spirits due to the good lion sighting and after a good dinner, it was off to bed for a good nights sleep.

The next morning it was up early again and after packing the bags as we were moving camp to Skukuza, after enjoying tea and coffee, we left camp for the final full day game drive. The morning started off slowly with good sightings of rhino, elephant and buffalo. We took a drive through to the picnic spot "Tshokwane" were we enjoyed breakfast and even had a vervet monkey steal some jam off the plate. Afterwards we left and took a drive down the H10 getting good sightings of rhino, elephant with also large herds of Zebra and Wildebeest being seen as well. We stopped off at the camp of Lower Sabie for a break and then took a drive to "Sunset Dam" were we stopped off to watch large numbers of crocodiles and hippos. Some good bird species were also seen at the dam. We left "Sunset Dam" and drove back in the direction of Skukuza coming past "Millenium Dam", we got a good sighting of giraffe drinking and a white rhino wallowing in the mud. Some great photos were got by everybody. All the way back to Skukuza. Guests had a good break for the rest of the afternoon, as Juliet was going on her night drive that left at 20h00 and returned at 22h00. We enjoyed dinner at the restaurant prior to Juliet going on the night drive, and once she had left everybody went off to have a good nights sleep, before the early start the following day.

The following morning, it was up early and after packing everything and enjoying tea and coffee, we left the camp and made our way down in the direction of the Sabie River for the last time before going in for breakfast, . After breakfast, we started our drive to the gate in order for Juliet to meet her transfer back to Johannesburg.

Feedback from the guests were that they had a wonderful time although they did not get to see a leopard, and will be back in the near future to do another safari to the Kruger National Park with us. Juliet was taken back to her guest house for two nights and then was flying on to Tanzania to visit a friend stating there.

A Photo of a Giraffe at the Waterhole

2011-07-27T12:57:00.001+02:00

A nice photo of a giraffe at the waterhole while on safari in the Kruger National Park.

Some Photos Taken With The Gielens Party While on Safari in the Kruger National Park from the 29th - 2nd July 2011

2011-07-27T12:40:00.010+02:00

Below are some photos taken while on safari with the Gielens Party to the Kruger National Park.

Kruger Park Safari with the Gielens Party from the 29th June through to the 2nd July 2011

2011-07-27T11:36:00.000+02:00

We picked up the Gielens party at the Holiday Inn in Pretoria and transferred them through to Nelspruit were we changed from our closed vehicle into one of our open safari vehicles. We traveled via white river to the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park. After check in procedures and a safety briefing, we traveled to the camp of Pretoriuskop were we would stay for the duration of the safari. Upon entering the park, we heard of a lion kill on the Voortrekker road so decided to go there first before going to camp in order to get some good photos prior to the South African public getting there who were on school holidays, so the park was very full. We found the kill quite easily as it was in the middle of the road. We spent around two hours at the kill, before deciding that we would make our way to the camp for a break prior to taking another short game drive.

The next afernoon game drive was a lot peaceful with good sightings of elephant and rhino.

Upon returning to the camp, a good dinner was enjoyed and then it was off to bed for a good nights rest.

Next morning it was up early and after enjoying tea and coffee it was off to see what we could see. We took a drive down the Napi road and got good sightings of rhino, buffalo, elephant, wildebeest and zebra as well as many good impala sightings. We went on to the picnic spot on Nkulu for breakfast and spent the rest of the day on game drives in the park, arriving back at camp in the late afternoon. A great dinner was enjoyed by all.

The following morning it was up early again and after enjoying tea and coffee, we left the camp to see what we could find. A good days game viewing was enjoyed by all. Great photo opportunities were had through out the day to get some really good photos of animals in the park. Upon arrival back at camp guests had a good break before joining everybody in the restaurant for dinner. After dinner was enjoyed, it was off to bed for a good nights rest.

The next morning, guests decided to get up a little later due to the early mornings experienced over the last couple of days, so only a short game drive was enjoyed before breakfast at the camp of Pretoriuskop. After breakfast we took our leave of the park, making our way back to Nelspruit and after changing our vehicle we made our way in the direction of Pretoria, arriving at around 16h30.

Feedback from the Gielens party was that they had a wonderful time, and will be returning in the next year or so for another safari to the Kruger National Park. They were sorry that they could not stay longer, but had to return to Pretoria for a conference that they had come to South Africa for.

Kruger Park Safari with Amanda and Faye from the 21st to the 23rd June 2011

2011-07-27T10:23:00.000+02:00

We picked up Amanda and Faye from there guest house in Kempton Park and transferred them to Nelspruit were we changed into one of our open vehicles and traveled to the Numbi gate of the Kruger National Park. After check in procedures, and a discussion on safety while game viewing on the open safari vehicle, it was off to the camp of Pretoriuskop to check into the accommodation and have some time for lunch prior to leaving on there first game drive.

We left camp at 15h30 and made our way down the Napi road were we got to see good sightings of rhino, elephant and buffalo. Upon returning back to camp, it was time to enjoy a good dinner and then it was off to bed for a good nights rest, before leaving on the full days game drive.

the following morning, it was up early, and after enjoying tea and coffee we were off out of the camp looking for what there was to see. The day was spent around the park and driving down by the Sabie River. Good sightings of rhino lion, buffalo, elephant, impala and many other species was seen. We returned late in the afternoon to the camp.
After a rest it was time to have an early dinner as Amanda and Faye were going out on a night safari that left the camp at 19h00 and returned at 21h00. Lots was seen on the drive, but with regret no cats were encountered on the night drive.

The following morning, it was time to get up early again and after enjoying tea and coffee it was time to leave camp for the final game drive before enjoying breakfast and then leaving the park for the final drive back to Johannesburg.

While on the final morning drive, few animals were encountered due to the cold weather that the park was experiencing, so it was decided to go in for an early breakfast.
After breakfast we took a further drive on route to the gate were we found buffalo, rhino and lots of giraffe.

We left the park at around 11h00, and made our way to Nelspruit were we changed into our closed vehicle and made our way back to Johannesburg were the guests were dropped off at the City Lodge (Airport) in Johannesburg.

Feedback from the guests was that they had a good time, and would be returning next year over the Easter period for another safari to the Kruger National Park.

A Nice photo taken of the Female Lioness looking straight at us at the Buffalo Kill

2011-07-06T10:46:00.000+02:00

A nice photo taken of the female lioness while busy eating on the buffalo kill found on the Voortrekker Road on the 29th June 2011.

Photos taken on a Buffalo Kill Found on the Voortrekker Road on the 29th June 2011

2011-07-06T10:39:00.000+02:00

The Female Lioness in the photos below was eating on the buffalo kill and i managed to get some good shots of her. More photos will follow after the blog post on the safari experience.

Some More Photos Taken While on Safari from the 21 - 23 June 2011

2011-06-24T11:33:00.001+02:00

Some other photos taken while on safari to the Kruger National Park from the 21st - 23rd June 2011.

A Photo of a Cheetah taken through the Front Windscreen of the Open Safari Vehicle

2011-06-24T09:55:00.002+02:00

A photo taken by me on the last safari to the Kruger National Park of this cheetah unfortunately I had to take it through the front windscreen as the cheetah would have been scared away if i had stood up.

Some Photos Taken On The Last Safari To The Kruger National Park.

2011-06-20T18:03:00.000+02:00

Kruger Park Open Vehicle Safari with Dottie and Jane from the 16th - 18th June 2011

2011-06-20T12:53:00.000+02:00

Dottie and Jane were picked up from the Aero Guesthouse in Kempton Park and transfered to the Numbi Gate were they were met, and after check in procedures were taken down to the camp of Pretoriuskop were they checked in and were given some time to have lunch before leaving on there first game drive. We left camp at 15h00 and made our way in an easterly direction on the napi road. The afternoons game drive was a bit quite with a large herd of buffalo and elephant being seen. We made our way back to camp, arriving at 17h30. Guests got to enjoy a good dinner before making there way back to there bungalow for a good nights rest before leaving early in the morning again.

Guests got up at 05h00, and after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of the camp to see what we could find. After a short distance from the camp we came across some rhino, elephant anfd buffalo and it was not long before we got a female lion walking on the fire break next to our vehicle. We were also concentrating on a lot of the bird species as Jane was an avid birder.
We made our way down to Nkulu picnic spot to enjoy some breakfast before continuing on to see what we could find. We made our way to the Numbi Gate in order to allow other guests Connie and Theo to get there transport back to Johannesburg before we continued on. We took a break in the middle of the day to have a rest, before going out again from 14h00 as Dottie and Jane were booked on a sunset safari that left the camp at 17h00. After a slow afternoon we got b ack to camp just in time for a toilet break and then it was time for Dottie and Jane to be out on the Sunset Safari. While out on the Sunset Safari, they got to see a good sighting of leopard, rhino, elephant, civet cat and numerous other animal and bird species. Upon the return of the guests, it was off to the restaurant for some good dinner and then off to bed after a long day.

The following morning, it was up early and again after enjoying tea and coffee it was back on the road to find some hippo and crocodile as well as some ground hornbills that Jane wanted to see. We made our way in the direction of Nkulu and managed to find all of what we were looking for. We enjoyed a good breakfast, before making our way back in the direction of the Numbi Gate and the city of Nelspruit, were we changed over from our open safari vehicle and made our way back to Johannesburg and the Aero guesthouse.

The feedback from Dottie and Jane was that they had a wonderful time, got to see all the animals they wanted to see and more as well as got some wonderful photos while on safari. We at Nhongo Safaris would love to see them return to us on another safari sometime.

Kruger Park Open Vehicle Safari with Carolina, Thierry, Connie and Theo from the 14 - 17 June 2011

2011-06-20T12:29:00.000+02:00

We picked up Carolina and Thierry from the Rosebank Hotel and made our way through to Kempton Park and picked up Connie and theo at the Sunrock Guesthouse, before making our way through to Nelspruit were we changed over our vehicle to one of our open safari vehicles. It was then off to the Kruger National Park. We entered the Numbi Gate and after checking in procedures, we made our way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop. After checking in to the accommodation, we gave the guests a chance to have a rest and get some lunch before leaving at 15h00 on there first game drive.

At 15h00 we left the camp after getting to know that there had been a sighting of some lions about thirty kilometers from the camp. We decided to make our way in that direction, and it was not long before we got our first sighting of rhino. We carried on getting other sightings of elephant, impala and kudu before we came around the corner and saw a large number of vehicles in front of us. We approached cautiously and were met with a good sighting of two male lions lions not more than five meters off the road busy sleeping. Visitors kept coming and going, and after being there for almost an hour we took our leave in order to start making our way back in the direction of the camp before the gates closed at 17h30. upon our return journey we came across more impala and kudu as well as some buffalo, this giving the guests good sighting of four of the big 5 on the first afternoons game drive. Upon reaching camp, guests took a well deserved break before making there way to the restaurant for some well deserved dinner. It was then off to bed in order to get up early for the next day.

The following morning it was up at 05h00 and after enjoying some tea and coffee, it was off out of the camp and onto the road to see what we could find. We made our way down Napi Road and got good sightings of rhino, elephant, and a large number of plains game. We also got to find some hippo and crocodile, before making our way down to Nkulu picnic spot for breakfast. After enjoying a good breakfast it was back onto the open safari vehicle and out to see what we could find. We took a drive up to Jones dam about thirty kilometers away and were greeted by a huge number (about 200) zebra making there way down to the dam to drink, they were also joined by three buffalo bulls. This was really a lovely sight to see. After guests had taken some good photos, it was off back in the direction of Skukuza were the guests could have a good lunch break before continuing. On the return journey we came across some good bird species as well as a large number of vultures have a drink in the Sand River. After lunch we made our way back in the direction of Pretoriuskop, but decided to make a turn in the srea of were there had been lions spotted in the morning. We took a drive the Shebeni link road and instead of finding lions in the area, we came across a cheetah lying on the fire break. This was truly a good find. After the guests had a good sighting and got some pictures, we made our way in the direction of the camp, arriving back at 17h30.
Guests got to enjoy a good dinner and then it was off to bed after a long day on the vehicle.

The following morning it was up early again, and after loading Carolina and thierry's baggage it was out of the camp to see what we could find before taking them to the gate to get there transfer back to Johannesburg. As we turned back onto the Napi Road at 06h05, we came across some lions killing buffalo in front of us on the road. we watched all the action, and as the lions had killed in long grass we listened to them for a long time. We also got to see other lions coming to join in the eating that had been on the opposite side of the road as well as hyena that had smelt what had been going down. After a great sighting, we got to hear of two cheetah walking in the middle of thwe road, so we decided to make our way in that direction. We managed to find the cheetah, but only got a short five minute sighting as there were numerous numbers of vehicles around them and they made there way into the bush.
We were pushed to make our way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop in order to enjoy breakfast as we had not been able to get to far with all the action going on around us.
After breakfast we took another short drive back to the area of the kill to see if we could see anything, before making our way to the Numbi Gate so that Carolina and Thierry could get there transfer.

After the transfer had left with Carolina and Thierry and dropped off Dottie and Jane we made our way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop for a break before leaving on the afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive was a bit on the quite side as we only managed to find a large herd of buffalo and some elephant, impala and kudu. It was then back to the camp in order to have dinner before Connie and Theo left on there night safari. At 19h00 Connie and Theo left on there night safari, returning at 21h00 and having seen two good lion sightings, lots of owls as well as other numerous sightings of different species of animals.

The following morning it was up early and after loading the baggage of Connie and Theo it was off to see what there was out there. We got to see good sightings of Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and lion, before making our way to Nkulu picnic spot for breakfast. After having enjoyed breakfast, it was off in the direction of the Numbi Gate to meet there transfer back to Sunrock Guesthouse in Kempton Park.

Feedback was great fromn the guests as they had a wonderful time and got to see and experience a large number of animals. All guests on the safari want to return some time and will be telling a huge number of people about there experience to the Kruger National Park.

Some More Photos Taken While on Safari from the 22nd - 29th May 2011

2011-06-09T09:30:00.001+02:00

Kruger Park Safari with Dennis Wu and Joseph Yeow from the 26th - 29th May 2011

2011-06-08T12:34:00.000+02:00

After picking up Dennis and Joseph from their guest house Nhongo Safaris transfer vehicle made it's way in the direction of Nelspruit and the onto the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park were Silvano and Laura were waiting to be transfered back to Johannesburg.
After check inn procedure at the Numbi gate it was off to the camp of Pretoriuskop so guests could check inn to there accommodation and have some lunch before departing on the afternoon's game drive.

Guests left on there first game drive at 15h30 and after just a short distance we came across a white rhino walking on the road. We managed to get quite close to him before he realized that we were there he did not seem to worried and quickly went back to eating his grass not two meters away from our vehicle. We carried on with our game drive with good sightings of elephant impala and kudu. We decided to take a drive up to klipspringer kopies were we manged to find the Klipspringer antelope standing on the rocks. It was getting late already and we had to start making our way to camp in order to be back at 17h30. A short distance down the road we came across a national parks vehicle who had found some lions lying close to the road. We decided to join them for a while and enjoy the sighting. We spent quite a time there before deciding that it was time to move out and make our way for the camp, otherwise we would be late for the closing of the gates.

Upon arrival back at camp, guests were quite overwhelmed with what they had seen so far in such a short space of time. Guests enjoyed a good dinner at the camp restaurant, before making there way back to there accommodation for a good nights rest.

Next morning, after packing all the luggage and enjoying some early morning tea and coffee, it was back on the road to find more animals. We drove down the Napi Road on route in the direction of the main camp of Skukuza, and then made our way down to the Nkhulu Picnic spot to enjoy some breakfast. We had had a good morning with good sightings of rhino, elephants, and buffalo. After breakfast, we carried on with our game drives for the day, getting good sightings of Baboon, Ground Hornbills and many other species. We decided to go into the camp of Skukuza at about 14h00, in order to check inn to the guests accommodation and have a bit of a rest, before leaving on a later afternoon game drive as we were looking for a leopard. We left the camp at about 16h00, and immediately got a radio message that a leopard had been spotted on the road to the "Paul Kruger Gate".
We decided to make our way in that direction and see what we could find. When arriving in the area of the sighting, everything had disappeared. We decided to stay in the area for a while as leopards will always come back onto the road, especially late in the afternoon. After a while of driving up and down the area, we managed to find the leopard walking next to the road in the direction of the camp of Skukuza. We followed him for a while until he crossed the road in front of us and made his way into the thick bush were we no longer had anymore sighting of him. We decided to make our way back in the direction of the camp, only to come across a huge hippo standing in the road in front of our vehicle. Another good sighting experienced by all. We made our way back to camp, arriving with just minutes to spare.
After a good dinner guests went to have a good nights rest, before having to leave early in the morning again.

The next morning, it was up early and after enjoying tea and coffee, it was back on the road.
Just outside the camp we came across a leadwood tree with Marabou Stolks standing on the top of it, this made for quite a good photo. We left the sighting and made our way to the Tshokwane road, only to find that lions had killed a buffalo calf not one meter off the road. This was a major sighting, so we decided to sit and see what was going to happen. The traffic started to build around us. we stayed at the sighting for about an hour, and then decided to make our way northwards to the picnic spot of Tshokwane for breakfast. After a good breakfast, we decided to make our way down the H10, this proved to be a quite road and before long we were at the camp of lower sabie. After a rest and toilet stop, we made our way back in the direction of skukuza were the guests had a lunch break, before continuing on to the camp of Pretoriuskop for there final evening. Guests had a good day and after a good dinner and feeling a bit tired they went to bed.

The following morning it was up early for the guests final game drive, very little was seen on the drive as it turned out to be rather cold. We got back to camp at about 09h00 were the guests enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, before departing the park in order to change our vehicle in Nelspruit and then transfer back to Johannesburg.

The guests had a wonderful time, were so happy to have seen the big 5 while on safari in the Kruger National Park. All want to return, and bring more of the family to experience these safaris.

Kruger Park Safari with Silvano and Laura Lorenzato from the 22 - 26th May 2011

2011-06-07T13:10:00.000+02:00

We picked up the guests from the airport and made our way in an easterly direction from Johannesburg to the city of Nelspruit were we changed our vehicle from a closed mini bus to one of our open safari vehicles.

We made our way from Nelspruit through the little town of "White River" and on the the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park. After check inn procedures we made our way down the road to the camp that would be home for the next four nights. After checking in to the camp of Pretoriuskop we had a break in order to get some lunch before departing on the guests first game drive.

We left the camp at 15h00 and made our way down the Napi road as there was a good sighting of leopard that had been seen on the road earlier in the day. Our first sighting that we came across was a good sighting of rhino walking along the road this guy allowed us to get quite close to him. We traveled on and after seeing some good kudu and impala with a distant sighting of elephant we got into the srea were the leopard had been seen. We slowed down in order to see if he was not in the same tree as earlier but he had already left. we traveled a bit further down the road, and all of a sudden we spotted the leopard walking on the fire break busy marking his Territory. We followed him for a while and saw that he was coming closer to the road. We managed to watch this leopard for quite a time as he walked right next to our vehicle for about one kilometer. A truly wonderful sighting experienced by all.

It was then back to camp as the gates close at 17h30 during the months of winter. After guests had a good meal it was off to bed for another early start in the morning.

Guests got up early and after enjoying some tea and coffe it was off out of camp and onto the road to see what we could find. It was not long, before we ran into a good rhino sighting on the exit road to the boulder. We carried on and ran into some elephant impala kudu klipspringer and a good ground hornbill sighting.

We then made our way in the direction of Nkulu picnic spot for breakfast. After a good breakfast we got a message on the radio of some lions that had been spotted at the Mantimahle Dam, so we decided to take a ride in that direction. We manged to get to the dam still in time to get a good sighting of two lionesses and there cubs, although this was not for long as they were looking for a cooler place to rest a the day got hotter. It was not long before they made off under the trees and we decided to make our way to the camp of Skukuza for a break. Eralier I had heard of a double leopard sighting in the area of the Mutlumuvi bridge on route back to skukuza so decided to check this out only to arrive on the scene with two leopards lying under the tree in the grass.
Although the sighting was a little difficult guests still got to enjoy the sighting. After a while there was quite a build up of traffic, so we decided to take our leave of the sighting and make our way to the camp. On route to the camp, we came across a nice sighting of "Ground Hornbills" in the tree.

After a good break at the camp we made our way back to the camp for a good rest, before going out on another game drive later in the afternoon. Good sighting of elephant, rhino, impala and waterbuck were seen. Guests had a good dinner, and then were off to bed after a long day looking at all the animals.

The following day, it was up early and after again enjoying some early morning tea and coffee it was back on the road to see what we could find. On the morning drive on route to breakfast, we came across Elephant, Rhino, Watwerbuck, Serval Cat, Blackbacked Jackal, Klipspringer and many others. A we got closer to breakfast, we came across two lionesses and one male lion in the road in front of our vehicle on the tar road this was a very unexpected sighting, as nobody knew them to be there. After we had finished on the sighting and the lions had moved off we made our way back to camp in order for the guests to have a rest, before going out in the afternoon. the afternoon drive saw many good sightings of general game around the camp of Pretoriuskop. A good dinner was enjoyed by all, before going off to bed for a good nights rest.

The following day saw us still looking for the elusive buffalo, but taking a drive down by the Sabie river, it was not long before we had many good sightings of them. Guests also got to see three more sightings of leopard as well as good sightings of Elephant, rhino and lion.

The following day was the final early morning game drive, before guests would be picked up and transfered back to Johannesburg. Not much was seen on this drive, as it was a cold morning with only sightings of impala, kudu and waterbuck being enjoyed. After a good breakfast, it was off to the Numbi Gate to meet the transfer vehicle with it's destination being Johannesburg.

Upon saying "Goodbye" to the guests, the feedback from them was that they really enjoyed themselves, they got to see good sightings of numerous animals and also although being on honeymoon also learnt a lot about our African Wildlife. The guests want to come back, but also have friends that will be joining us in August for a safari to the Kruger National Park.

Some Photos taken on the last two safaris to the Kruger National Park

2011-05-30T13:50:00.001+02:00

Some photos taken while on safaris to the Kruger National Park from the 22nd - 29th May 2011.

Kruger Park Day Safari with six Veteniary Students from the "Care For Wild Centre".

2011-05-15T09:53:00.000+02:00

Students were picked up from the "Care For Wild" Rehabilitation Centre at 04h30, and started there journey to the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park. After going through entry proceedures, the game drive started with a route around the Shabeni Kopies getting to see some impala, kudu, rhino and elephant. It was off to the camp of Pretoriuskop for a toilet break, before continuing to the Afsaal picnic spot for breakfast. From Pretoriuskop the route taken to Afsaal was on the "Voortrekker road. While on the "Voortrekker, the students were entertained with a good sighting of a leopard walking in the road. After our stop for breakfast, we took the route via "little Jock" onto the S114 up to the camp of Skukuza. Sightings of rhino, elephant, buffalo, impala, kudu, Klipspringer and baboon.

After a good break for lunch, it was off down the "Doispane Road", were the students got to see quite a number of zebra, wildebeest, elephant, buffalo rhino and hippo. It was then time to turn onto the "Albasini Road that would take us back to the "Numbi Gate", were we would leave the park on route back to "Care For Wild" Rehabilitation Centre.

All in All the students had a good day with lots being seen and experienced, unfortunately the only animals not seen today was the lions, so how some where they had been able to hide themselves from us. But there are more days in the students itinerary for them to come to the park, so the chances in finding some are pretty good.

Photos taken by Brooke Photography while on safari with us from the 7th - 10th April 2011

2011-05-09T10:36:00.000+02:00

Some more random photos from Brooke Photography taken while on safari to the Kruger National Park with "Nhongo Safaris" from the 7th - 10th April 2011.

Kruger Park Safari with Alefiyah Tinwala and Leena Chainani from the 18 - 19 April 2011

2011-04-21T09:42:00.005+02:00

We picked up Alefiyah Tinwala and Leena Chainani from the Oracle offices in Johannesburg and started our trip towards Nelspruit. After a brief stop over on route we continued our journey, arriving in Nelspruit at around 12h30. After a brief stop over to change into our open safari vehicle, we made our way via “White River” and then onto the Kruger National Parks “Numbi Gate”.

After arriving at the gate, guests were checked through and after a briefing, we decided to start our game drive straight away as the guests were only with us for a short safari of one night, so we needed to find as much as possible in the shortest space of time.

We made our way onto the “Napi Road”, and was not long before coming across our first elephant. While on the drive, guests got to see elephant, rhino, impala, waterbuck, zebra and wildebeest. The afternoon drive proved to be quite slow in the numbers of animals seen as we got to camp at 17h45, just in time to check inn and get ready for dinner in the camp restaurant. We decided to enjoy dinner at 19h00. After a good dinner, it was off to bed in order to get some well deserved rest, before the early start the following morning.

We left camp at 06h00 and made our way onto one of the dirt roads close to the camp on route to “Pretoriuskop Kopie”, and as we came around the corner we found three lions walking in the road. After watching them for a while, they moved off into the bush and disappeared from view. We went around the area looking for them, but were unsuccessful in finding them again. We made our way in the direction of Skukuza, finding more elephants, rhino and after enjoying breakfast we came across a large herd of buffalo. Large numbers of birds were enjoyed as well.

We left the Kruger National Park at 11h15 on route for Nelspruit, and after changing our vehicle, we made our way back to Johannesburg, arriving Back at Oracle Head Office at 16h30.

All in all the girls had a good time, and saw a large number of animals in a short space of time. Guests have expressed a will to want to return to the Kruger National Park for a longer safari next time.

Open Safari Vehicles used while on safari in the Kruger National Park

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Some Other Photos taken while on Safari to the Kruger National Park 7th - 10th April 2011

2011-04-16T12:34:00.007+02:00

Some more photos taken while on safari to the Kruger National Park from the 7th to the 10th April 2011.

Kruger National Park Safari with Brooke and Jerrod from the 7th - 10th April 2011

2011-04-13T15:38:00.002+02:00

We picked up Brooke and Jerrod from the Metcourt Laurel hotel near the airport and started our journey north east to the city of Nelspruit, after a short stop on route, we arrived midday and after changing from our closed vehicle to our open safari vehicle that would be used for the safari, it was off on the last part of the journey before arriving at the Kruger National Park.

We arrived at the Kruger National Park at approximately 13h00, and after check inn procedures we made our way to the camp of Pretoriuskop. After checking in to the accommodation, a break was enjoyed by all and chance was given to have some lunch before leaving on the first game drive.

We left the camp just after 15h30 once the safari briefing had been done and made our way down the “Napi Road” in the direction of Transport dam where the “Battle In Kruger” was filmed. While on route we received a radio message that lions had been spotted down on the “Watergat Road”, so we decided to make our way in that direction. On route down the “Napi Road”, we came across our first sightings of elephant and rhino, and then it was on to the lions. We found them just 300 meters down the road lying in some long grass, and with it being the time of the year when the grass is still long, it was a very difficult sighting. We stayed at the sighting for almost one hour, but the lions were not interested in lifting there heads and looking around for anybody. After looking at the time, I decided to make a move back in the direction of the camp, as we still had a long way to go to get back before the gate closing time of 18h00.

After leaving the lion sighting quite dejected as I could see them, but the guests could not, we began making our way back in the direction of the camp. As we turned back onto the tar road, we received another call on the radio about a leopard that was lying close to the road on a termite mound, so we made our way in that direction, determined to find one of the cat species before the end of the day that the guests could get some photos off. After a tense 10 minutes, we got to the sighting and were able to get good visuals and photos of this wonderful cat as he lay on the termite mound totally at ease with us being there. We stayed with this sighting and with only half an hour to go before gate closing times, we decided to take our leave and get back to the camp.

After a good dinner in the restaurant, it was off to bed for a good nights rest, before getting up early in the morning to leave on the next game drive.

Next morning it was up early and after enjoying tea and coffee, we left camp looking forward to a good days game viewing. We traveled down “Napi Road”, this morning seemed a bit quite but as we came around the corner a “Klipspringer Kopies”, we saw a leopard walking in the long grass. We followed the leopard until we lost it near the kopies in the long grass. The rest of the day was spent driving around looking for the lions that were proving to be very illusive. We managed to get good photos of kudu, elephant, rhino, impala, zebra, wildebeest and bushbuck. It was then back to the camp in order to have a good dinner and get some welcome rest.

The next morning, it was up early and after again enjoying tea and coffee, we were back on the road to find those lions. While driving down the “Napi Road” about 3km’s from the boulders junction, I caught a glimpse of something standing on the rock, and after applying some heavy brake, we found our big male lion standing on the top of the rock. This was most welcome sight as it gave the guests good photo opportunities, but also completed there BIG 5 sightings. More animals were got throughout the day. We made our way back to camp in the late afternoon, as the guests would have to eat early due to them going out on there night safari.

The following morning, we got up early and left the camp to go down to one of the water holes to look for more lions, but the dam was quite, but as we left the area of the dame, I got a call of a cheetah that had been spotted close by, we made our way in the direction, and were very lucky to see it walking in the long grass. After a while it went a lay down, we waited in the area for another hour, hoping it would stand up and come towards the road, but alas no luck. We decided to make our way back to camp in order to enjoy breakfast as the time was going and we needed to leave the park and make our way to Nelspruit to change our vehicle before continuing back to Johannesburg. The trip back was very quite, as guests enjoyed a bit of a sleep before having to climb onto the Delta Airlines flight back to the United States.

Feedback from the guests was that they had a wonderful time, really enjoyed themselves and have got some wonderful photos and video clips of there safari.

Some Photos taken By Brooke while on safari to the Kruger National Park 7 - 10 April 2011

2011-04-13T15:11:00.001+02:00

Below are some photos taken by Brooke of "Brooke Photography" during there safari to the Kruger National Park.

Some photos of Lions taken while on safari with Leslie Young and the crew in the Kruger National Park

2011-04-13T14:27:00.002+02:00

Below are some lion photos taken while on safari with Leslie, David, Ann, Kristin, Maggie and Lakota to the Kruger National Park from the 2nd - 4th March 2011

Development of the Kruger National Park Through Eleven Decades of It's Life

2011-04-02T10:50:00.002+02:00

We thought you would be interested in the time line of development through eleven decades of the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park has a long history, and after being proclaimed in 1898, and known through out the world as the oldest national park in the world and also being at the for front of technology and new techniques to the preservation of our wildlife resources, it is good to see how the park has been developers over the years.

We hope you will enjoy this as it gives a pretty good insight into how and when things were developed and how the national park today is considered to be one of the most developed National Parks in the world.

1836 – Great Trek

Louis Trichardt was the first white Voortrekker to trek through the present-day Kruger Park to Delagoa Bay (Maputo) in Mozambique. Most of his party succumbed to malaria on this journey.

First Decade 1898 – 1907

1898 – Sabie Established

President Paul Kruger proclaimed the “Government Wildtuin on 26 March 1898. Its boundaries stretched from the Crocodile River in the south to the Sabie River in the north and from the Nsikazi River in the west to the Mozambican border in the east.

1899 – Boer War

During the Anglo Boer War, the proclamation of the Sabie Game Reserve was nullified. This was reinstated in 1902.

1902 – Stevenson-Hamilton

Major James Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed as Game Warden of the Sabie Game Reserve in July 1902 and, after a four-month period where he used a cottage at Crocodile Bridge, he moved his headquarters to the old blockhouse at Sabie Bridge in November of that year. He was 35 years old when he was appointed.

1903 – Shingwedzi Game Reserve

An area between the Letaba and Limpopo rivers was proclaimed a game reserve. This area was called the Shingwedzi Game Reserve.

1903 – Wolhuter

Previously a member of Steinaeckers’ Horse Regiment, Harry Wolhuter was appointed as the first game ranger in the fledgling park. That November he experienced a life changing incident when a lion attacked him and he managed to kill the lion with his sheath knife.

Second Decade 1908 – 1917

1912 – First Borehole

The first borehole was sunk at Skukuza.

1912 – Sabie River Bridge

Part of the old Selati railway line and bridge over the Sabie River, can still be seen at Skukuza.

1913 – Telephone Communication

A telephone line was established between Skukuza and Komatipoort, this was considered a huge step forward.

1914 – More Land

The area between the Olifants and Letaba rivers was added to the Shingwedzi Game Reserve.

1916 – Transvaal Game Reserve

Shingwedzi and Sabie Game Reserves were consolidated under Stevenson-Hamilton.

Third Decade 1918 – 1927

1918 – First Tourists

First tourists allowed access to the reserve despite reservations on the part of the governing Board.

1923 – Railroad

South African Railways ran “round-in-nine” rail trip of the Lowveld, along the Selati railway line. Tourists spent the night on the train at Selati Bridge.

1924 – Grazing Rights Terminated

Until 1924 farmers still had grazing rights, and to ensure good grazing for the winter, farmers burned the veld every year.

1926 – Kruger National Park Named

The Parliament of the Union of South Africa passed a National Parks Act, and renamed the Reserve, the Kruger National Park on 31 May 1926.

1927 – Tourism Begins To Grow

The Pretoriuskop section opened to tourists – entry fee One Pound. The route was from White River, via Mtimba to Pretoriuskop and back, on the same route, on the same day. Only three cars entered the Park.

Fourth Decade 1928 – 1937

1928-9 – The Firsts Huts Built

First huts for tourists were built at Satara, Skukuza and Pretoriuskop.

1930 – Visitors

900 cars entered the Park during the year.

1931 – Concrete Dam

The first concrete dam was built at Ntomeni Spruit.

1931 – Tents

Tents introduced into Skukuza and Satara.

1931 – Furniture

Purchase of furniture for huts approved.

1932 – Ablutions

A unit with four bath and four shower cubicles was built in Skukuza.

1933 – Baths

First baths installed at Punda Maria and Letaba. Charge one shilling per cold water bath.

1933 – Boreholes

The first boreholes to provide water for game were sunk.

1936 – Skukuza

Sabie Bridge camp was renamed Skukuza.

Fifth Decade 1938 – 1947

1938 – Hot Water

Hot water facilities were installed and camps were fenced off for the first time.

1935-46 – Eileen Orpen Legacy

Mrs Eileen Orpen bought and donated to the Park, a series of farms ilomete 24 528ha. A memorial plaque in her honour was erected south of Tshokwane in 1944.

1943 – Veld Burning

Lt Col Stevenson-Hamilton reported bush encroachment by tall unpalatable grasses.

1946 – Stevenson-Hamilton Retires

After 44 years service, Lt Col Stevenson-Hamilton leaves the Park.

1947 – Predator Culling

Culling of predators as a strategy to “bring up” the herbivore herds was stopped and left to the discretion of the warden

Sixth Decade 1948 – 1957

1950 – Researching The Park

The research unit was established in the Kruger Park. Dr T. G. Nel was the first scientist appointed followed by M. van der Schijf. Since then the science-management partnership has been very effective in ensuring the regular updating of park policies.

1951 – Electricity

Electric lighting installed. Huts received wash-basins with hot and cold water.

1950s – Veld Burning

Burning of the veld was re-implemented to establish more suitable conditions for grazers.

1954 – Fire Experiments

A series of veld-burning experiments was instituted in the four major vegetation types. This experiment continues to this day which makes it one of the longest fire experiments in the world.

Seventh Decade 1958 – 1967

1958 – Koedoe Tells The Story

The National Parks Board launched its scientific journal, Koedoe, where research conducted in or important to national parks was published.

1960s – Mosquito Gauze

Mosquito gauze was installed in huts throughout the Park during the 1960s.

1960 – White Rhinos Return

The first white rhino reintroduced to Kruger from Natal. In total 330 were introduced over a 12 year period. Their numbers have grown to about 7,000 in 2007 which is the largest white rhino population in the world.

1961 – Foot-And-Mouth

A fence was erected on the Park’s western and southern borders to prevent animals leaving and so spreading foot-and-mouth disease amongst cattle.

1960s – Liquor

Liquor became available to tourists at restaurants and shops during the 1960s.

1967 – Counting The Elephants

This first complete elephant survey was done and 6,600 elephant were counted. This was a very rapid increase considering only 10 elephants were seen in 1905. In order to limit excessively negative impacts on the environment, an annual culling program was initiated.\

Eighth Decade 1968 – 1977

1969 – Relocation

The Makuleke community in the Pafuri area were the last people to be relocated out of the park.

1970s – Engelhard Dam Constructed

The Engelhard Dam, funded by the well-known industrialist Charles Engelhard, was constructed.

1970-80 – Water

This era was categorized by a big “water for game” drive that led to the construction of many artificial waterholes.

1976 – Eastern Boundary Fence Built

The eastern boundary of the Kruger NP with Mozambique was fenced and the park became a virtual “island” which necessitated certain management interventions to compensate for the restrictions posed by the fence.

1977 – Cyclone Emily

The northern areas of the Park were struck by a cyclone.

Ninth Decade 1978 – 1987

1978 – Counting Animals From Aircraft

The annual aerial survey for large mammal was started using a fixed-wing aircraft. This long-term monitoring program has given insights in the responses of the large mammal populations to rainfall cycles.

1980s – Bateleur Camp Created

This camp was built in the late 1980s.

1980s – New Ideals

SANParks began moving away from discriminatory legislation.

1984 – Cyclones Cause Damage

Cyclones Demoina and Imboa struck the Park and rivers flood.

1984 – Berg-En-Dal Established

Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp was opened in 1984. Meaning “mountain and dale”, the camp was a departure from established styles.

1987 – Rivers Researched

The Kruger Rivers Research Program was launched in a response to the deterioration of the perennial rivers flowing through the park. This program played a big role in establishing adaptive management principles in the Park and shaping the new National Water Act that was promulgated in 1998.

Tenth Decade 1988 – 1997

1988 – Piet Grobler Dam Built

The largest concrete dam in the Park was built and named after Minister Piet Grobler in recognition of his work towards the proclamation of the Kruger National Park.

1989 – Cites Banned Ivory Trading

A CITES ban was placed on the international trade in ivory due to the poaching threat on elephant populations in Africa.

1990 – Thulamela Discovered

The Thulamela ruins were discovered by chance by ranger Flip Nel during an aerial game census.

1992 – Worst Drought Recorded

The Kruger NP experienced the most severe drought yet recorded and a number of herbivore populations showed severe reductions due to lack of grazing.

1992 – Thulamela Dug Up

The excavations at Thulamela began.

1992 – Mopani Camp Established

Mopani Rest Camp is one of the newest of all the rest camps. It opened in 1992.

1993 – Western Boundary Brought Down

The historic dismantling of the western boundary fence linking the private reserves of the Sabi Sand and Timbavati with the Park commenced.

1994 – Elephant Cull Stopped

SANParks placed a moratorium on elephant culling.

1997 – Elephant Hall Created

A museum dedicated to elephant and funded by the Gold Fields Foundation was opened at Letaba.

Eleventh Decade 1998 – 2007

1998 – First Black Director Appointed

The first black director of the KNP was appointed in 1998, David Mabunda. Dr Mabunda is now the SANParks Chief Executive.

1998 – Makuleke Rewarded Land Claim

The northern Pafuri area of 24 000ha was returned to the Makuleke people, who elected to use the land as a concessionary conservation area.

2000 – Huge Floods Happened

Severe flooding occurred in the Kruger NP in February with much damage caused to infrastructure.

2001 – Fire Tragedy Hits Pretoriuskop

Large areas of the park were burned due to the high grass biomass resulting from the high rainfall in 2000 fueling fires. On 4 September a great tragedy was experienced when 4 rangers and 20 grass cutters died when a runaway fire engulfed their camp.

2002 – Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park Treaty Signed

The treaty is signed by Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe which ratifies the creation of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which will become the greatest conservation area in Africa extending over some 35 000 square Kilometers.

2002 – Private Concessions Established

Jock of the Bushveld Camp, the first private concession in the Kruger, opens. Six other concessions follow.

2003 – Scientific Experience Published

The first scientific book about research in the Kruger NP, called “The Kruger Experience – ecology and management of savanna heterogeneity” was published.

2003 – First Million Reached

For the first time, the KNP received more than one million guests in a 12 month period. Visitor statistics broke through the magical mark on 8 March 2003. Since that time, the park regularly gets more than one million per year, with the current statistic standing at 1,3-million.

2004 – Junior Scientists Programme Initiated

Junior scientist program was implemented in Kruger with funding from the AW Mellon Foundation in the US. This program aims to help young black scientists achieve their Masters & Doctorate degrees.

2006 – Management Plan Written

For the first time, the views and ideas from outside stakeholders are incorporated into an all encompassing management plan as per the new Protected Areas Act.

2006 – Giriyondo Opened

The presidents of Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe officiated at the opening of the Giriyondo Tourist Access Facility. This facility opens the border between the Kruger and Limpopo national parks in South Africa and Mozambique respectively as a major initiative of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

So as you can see, it has taken eleven decades to develop the Kruger National Park to what it is today, a truly great place to visit, and a must see and experience for the International visitor to South Africa.

Some photos taken while on safari in the Kruger National Park

2011-04-01T12:34:00.001+02:00

Below are some photos that have been taken by previous guests, rangers of Nhongo Safaris in the Kruger National Park during some of our safaris.

These photos are intended to show you what can just be seen while on safari in the Kruger National Park. Not only the animals that live in the park, but also the diverse landscape of the park, as well as wonderful sunsets.

We hope you will enjoy looking at these photos, and would sometime in the future like to visit the world's oldest national park.

Kruger National Park Budget Safari with Leslie, David, Ann, Kristin, Maggie and Lakota from the 2nd - 4th March 2011

2011-03-31T10:44:00.002+02:00

Leslie Young, David Bradner, Ann Grover, Kristin Hawk, Maggie West and Lakota Beckhorn were picked up from a guest house in Boksburg. After loading all of the luggage in the trailer, it was off on our way firstly to Nelspruit and then onto the Kruger National Park. After stopping off on route for a toilet stop it was onto Nelspruit were we changed vehicles and hitched the trailer onto the back of the open safari vehicle. We left Nelspruit and made our way to the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park. After gate formalities and a briefing from me, we were off to the camp of Pretoriuskop for a lunch break, before moving on to the camp of Skukuza which would be our home for the next two nights.

After lunch it was back on the road and out to find some good animal sightings. The group had named there trip to South Africa the “African Shenanigans” and they have a facebook page that kept everybody at home informed of what they were getting up to while on vocation. On route to our next camp we managed to find some good rhino, elephant, impala and kudu and with a little bit of on and off rain we still had some good sightings. After arriving at the camp of Skukuza, we checked in and made our way to the “Safari Tents”, were we would stay for the next to nights. Guests went and took a walk down to the river that flows past the camp, and I got the dinner on the go as the guests wanted a “Barbeque”, which in South Africa is known as a braai.

After cooking all the meat, everybody enjoyed a traditional South African braai of numerous different meats, Salads, Garlic bread and Wine.

The following morning, it was out early, and after waking the guests at 04h45, we enjoyed tea and coffee and left the camp to find some animals. I decided to take a drive down the “Napi road” and then turn onto the H3 and see what was going on down there. After finding some good elephant, buffalo and rhino, I was keen to try and find some lions as the group were only with us for a very short time. We turned off the H3 and made our way down the 112 finding more elephant on this road. I decided to drive a short distance down the N’watimhiri road to see what was going on. We had only travelled down the road for about 6 Km’s, before we ran into a pride of lions (two Females and seven cubs) lying right in the road. As we were the only vehicle, we pulled to the side and had a wonderful sighting. Guests got to take a number of photos with the cubs playing with one another. We stayed at this sighting for more than an hour, and decided to leave once we heard that the other open safari vehicles were close by and on route to the lion sighting. We slowly made our way to our breakfast stop, after which we would be looking for more animals.

After breakfast we took a drive down to the camp of “Lowe Sabie”, on route getting good sightings of elephant, buffalo, rhino, as well as giraffe, hippo and crocodile.

After a good morning of game viewing, we had a lunch stop and then started making our way back to the camp for a short rest, before the group would depart on there afternoon / evening safari. The group left on there safari conducted with “National Parks Rangers” and had good sightings of rhino, hyena, elephant and buffalo together with lots of owls. While the group was on there safari, I busied myself with getting dinner prepared. Guests got back at 20h15, and went straight into there dinner. There was not a lot of time to sit around the fire, as everybody had to be up early at 04h30 to go out on a bush walk. Guests departed on the bush walk at 05h00 and got to see a leopard lying in the tree, some good spoor of lions and leopard, rhinos as well as a number of spiders, including the golden orb spider. Upon getting back into the vehicle to head for camp, we got to see another leopard close to the vehicle as she crossed the road slowly. A short distance up the road, another leopard crossed the road, this time a lot quicker than before leaving little chance for any photos. Upon returning back to camp, we made our way to breakfast. After breakfast was enjoyed, it was time for our last game drive on route to the “Numbi Gate”. After the last couple of photos and a toilet stop, we were off in the direction of Nelspruit were we changed vehicles back into our minibus, and headed for Johannesburg. The vehicle was very quite on the way back as many of the group was quite tired for there experience and the early mornings that they had to get up.

Feedback from the group, was that they had an awesome time and loved every minute of the safari, and will be returning to us in order to do another safari in the future.

African Shenanigans Facebook Page

A short video of one of the Sable Antelope found in the Kruger National Park

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below is a short video clip taken while on safari to the Kruger National Park of a "Sable Antelope. The park is home to only a very few of these antelope and it is always a special sighting when one comes across one.

Kruger Park Safari with Andrea Differding 17th - 19th February 2011

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After picking up Andrea from the Balalika Hotel in Sandton where she had been stating for the last week on business, it was time for me to show here what a wonderful place the Kruger National Park was.

We travelled from Johannesburg via Nelspruit, where we changed over from our transfer vehicle into one of our open safari vehicles. After a short break in Nelspruit while changing the vehicles it was off via the little town of "White River" and then onto the "Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park. After the formalities at the gate were completed, we made our way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop which would be our camp for the next two nights. After checking in, we had a bit of a break just to get to know the surroundings and a chance to have some lunch.

At about 15h30 and after a briefing from me, we left the camp and made our way down the "Napi Road", which is known to be good with animal sightings late in the afternoon. We managed to find Rhino and then elephant as well as impala and kudu on the route down. I wanted to leave the return journey as late as possible in order to try and find some lions that night have been on the road in the late afternoon. After taking a short drive down the H3, we decided to turn around and start making our way in the direction of the camp. After turning back onto the "Napi Road", i got a call on the radio about lions that had been spotted on our road, so we decided to speed it up a bit and see if we could find them. We got to the area after about five minutes, only to have 14 lions in the road in front of us. We pulled off the road and watched, keeping one eye on the clock as we were still quite a way away from the camp. After about 5 minutes, the lions got up and came to lie right next to our vehicle, only to find that we were totally surrounded by them. At this stage Andrea was taking quite a number of photos as well as feeling quite scared by the closeness of these big cats.
We had this wonderful sighting for about another 20 minutes, before the lions got up and started making for the bush on the other side of the road. It was truly a wonderful way to start a safari getting that close on the first afternoon.

Early the next morning, after waking Andrea up a 05h00, we enjoyed tea and coffee, and then it was off to see what we could find. The road was a bit quiter this morning, but as we were driving down the road, we came across 5 male lions lying next to the road. This proved to be a short sighting as they moved further back into the bush after seeing a large number of open safari vehicles stopped around them. After leaving the lions we made our way down the road, and got some good sightings of elephant, buffalo and rhino. As we were driving further down the road, we came across a leopard lying in the Marula tree, he did not look happy with us, and only stayed around for about 5 minutes, before climbing out of the tree and disappearing into the long grass. We made our way onto "Transport Dam" and after a short stop, we carried on. As we passed the intersection between "Napi Road and the "H3", we came across wild dogs in the road busy hunting, this was a wonderful find as these dogs cover large areas in a day and are very active hunters. After having a wonderful sighting, we went onto breakfast, arriving a bit late but in good spirits after having some wonderful sightings.

After a good breakfast, it was off to see what else we could find. We took a drive in the direction of the "Kruger Tablets", two commemorative plaques embedded in a rock remembering the formation of the first "Game Reserve" in the world in the year 1898.
On route we came across a large herd of female elephants and there young busy bathing in a mud bath next to the road. This was absolutely amazing as it was not 5 meters away from our vehicle. We stayed and watched them for almost an hour and after seen some of them move off, we decided to make our move as well. The rest of the day was spent driving around and getting good sightings of the animals found in the park. we arrived back at camp at around 18h00. After a good dinner, it was off to bed for a good rest before another early start the next morning.

The next morning after enjoying tea and coffee, it was off to find some animals on Andreas last game drive. We got some good sightings of buffalo, rhino and elephant while on the drive, before returning to camp for breakfast. After breakfast, it was time to prepare the vehicle to leave the park as well as pack all the kit.

We left the park at 11h00 and made our way to Nelspruit were Andrea met Mark, and then was transferred back to Johannesburg in time for her flight back to Germany.

Please find a letter, as well as some photos received from Andrea

Hello Verity and Dean!!

Thank you very much for your mail! I had indeed a very nice time in Kruger! Dean was awesome, very professional and answering the million questions I had :-). Everything was better than expected, especially because I got to see many animals. It was very exciting, a wonderful place and I was very comfortable with the accommodation.

I send you here some pics of the lions and also from the Leopard we got to see the last day, it's incredible how camouflage works with these animals! I made lots of pics, many more from the lions, from elephants playing in the mud, from wild dogs, hippos, giraffes,landscape, Kudu, etc,etc! I can send some others if you like.

Thank you very much for such a great experience, very well organized!

I wish you success and also fun with all visitors!

many regards,

--

(`*·.¸ (`*·.¸¤ ¤ ¸.·*´) ¸.·* )

..::¨`·.¸** Andrea ** ¸.·`¨::..

.(¸.·*(¸.·*´ ¤ ¤ `*·.¸)*·.¸).

Letters of THANK YOU received from recent guests that were on safari with Nhongo Safaris

2011-03-29T14:52:00.002+02:00

Below are some "Thank You" letters received from some of our recent guests that were on safari with us to the Kruger National Park.

Dear Dean

Thank you very much for a wonderful 5 days safari into Kruger National
Park 12 - 16 March. You were a fantastic guide and host with the bonus of seeing on the last day the elusive leopard!

We will sing your praises for a long time.

Thanks again,

Les and Christine Corfield.

Dear Dean, Verity and Mark,

We enjoyed our visit to Kruger this past week and mark was a fine guide. Many thanks for providing such excellent service. We have had repeated problems with email here in Madagascar.
Many thanks in advance,

Steve Goodman

Hello Verity,

I just wanted to thank you and Dean for the Safari experience. We really enjoyed it and will definitely recommend Nhongo for anyone that is travelling to Kruger. We were able to see: lions, impalas, buffalos, jiraffes, and even a cheetah... Please find attached a nice photo of a Rhino we saw at the road.

Regards,

JOSE

Hi Verity/Mark

Jake and I would just like to thank you both so much for the amazing trip we had at Kruger.
It is the most beautiful and amazing place and Mark was fantastic, knowledgeable and fun. Thank you also Verity for driving us all the way from J’burg to Kruger – what a trip! If was great to be able to ask you questions about live in South Africa and about the park.

We will definitely be recommending Nhongo Safaris to friends and family.

We certainly felt like to left as friends.

Thanks again

Adelle & Jake Van Der Linden
Melbourne, Australia

Dear Dean and Verity,

I would just like to thank you for the unforgettable safari I have had two weeks ago. It has been the envy of my colleagues in Switzerland as well as in South Africa. I hope we can repeat the exercise some time soon!

Kind regards,

Andreas

P.S. I'm really looking forward to your Biltong recipe.

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