On Safari With Curtis 23 July 2015

23 July 2015

Today we welcomed two new guests to the Kruger National Park as we started a new tour.

The highlight of the afternoon was probably the numerous zebra sighting throughout the drive. We saw around a hundred of them with all of them exploring and taking advantage of the new shoots of grass which are popping up on the recently burnt area.

Our second highlight was our giraffe sighting. A big old male using every inch of his six meters to get the tastiest of morsels. Then when we left him we found two more further down the road.

Also seen two lions relaxing in the distance, white rhino hiding in the bush, elephants, Waterbuck, kudu, Impala, blue wildebeest, dwarf mongoose, vervet mommies, hippos Sunbathing, and a not fully grown croc ( but, at six foot, still not to be messed around with)

Birds included African fish eagle, bataluer, black stork and Wooly necked storks, grey heron, oxpeckers and helmeted Guiana fowl.

A good start to the safari, here's hoping for more tomorrow!!!

On Safari With The Challenge Group From 16 July 2015

16 July 2015

As we left camp on a Pm drive we came across a small herd of elephants. After this and towards the return to camp we found a African buffalo crossing over the road and guests could get great photos of this beautiful beast. Furthermore to this, 1 of my clients called out as a leopard was spotted in the thick grass next to our car. It was great to see this female walking along and could hear how she was calling her cubs. Not the best photo opportunity but great to see the elusive cat.

17 July 2015

This morning we headed down the Napi towards skukuza and apart from the general animals seen we found a lioness with 2 Cubs lying on rocks enjoying the morning sun.

Fantastic elephant Bulls along side the road with great facial photographs taken we moved on. Our day didn't provide any more cat sightings but it was great to spend time with general game as the afternoon drew to a close.

18 July 2015

This morning we knew we were in for a bumper as the first animal spotted was a herd of buffalo (200 strong).

On our way down towards breakfast we came across a herd of elephants with young ones crossing over the road. Further down the road we were in luck with the 3rd sighting with a youngster. This was the white rhino and her calf app 10m from our car.

We then heard, the lions had come out on the rocks and all 3 Cubs were playing out in the open.

We responded and found them.

Just before breakfast, we got word of a leopard down the road and responded. Both Rob and I found it lying on the top of a termite mound and guests were happy to have Big 5 before breakfast. This changed on our return cause not very far from our original leopard Rob, found a further one but this time we were in luck as it was a female with a young cub. This meant all big 5 were seen this morning with a young one with them.

Most other general animals were spotted thought the safari and many different bird species.

19 July 2015

The safari drew to a close with 16 happy clients with what they had seen and all looking forward to their return next year.

On Safari With Karen 17/18 July 2015

17 July 2015

Our highlight this morning was seeing lion cubs play around. As we arrived at the sighting we were lucky to come into a nice spot where we could see them nicely.

Three of them were tumbling over each other and stalking each other while a fourth was being adventures and explored between the rocks. Mum was there too, but snoozing between the rocks and let them go on. When it was time to go we were unable to move much as a lot of traffic was given us a major traffic jam and we just couldn't get through. However it came with a bonus as the second mother of the cubs (there are two mothers, not sure which has how many cubs on these rocks) came walking through the traffic. She had not a care in the world for the cars and walked up the rocks where she greeted the babysitting mum. And then of course the cubs, who were happy to see her too. When the family went to snooze all together an opening appeared in traffic and we took our opportunity to leave this great sighting. 

This afternoon we came across a crash of four white rhinos. They were walking around in a meadow and then it looked like they might cross. So we sat and waited patiently for the rhinos to investigate us and see if we were any danger to them. A SANParks helicopter was flying over three times around this time and it made the rhinos quite nervous about the strange noises. One of them started to panic, but one of the others put her straight again and all settled down. It settled down enough for the rhinos to finally cross. Well, half-way they did and then stood three in a row looking at us blocking the road, before walking off into the bush on the other side.

Nonetheless giving us a great photo opportunity of this magnificent species!

Other interesting sightings: a steenbok, waterbucks, a lone vervet monkey, hyenas, impalas, elephants, zebras, common grey duiker, reedbucks, a large herd of buffalos crossing the road as well as some lone bulls, kudus and giraffes. 

18 July 2015

On our last morning we experienced how cold it can get during the South African winter in the Lowveld! Wrapped in multiple blankets we set off for our last drive of this safari. It turns out most animals were hiding away from the cold. Smart choice, but therefore a bit of a quiet drive for us. We did see a new animal for the last remaining guests: two klipspringers. These antelopes have a good thermoregulatory fur so the cold didn't bother them at all. 

We also came across our last sightings of elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, kudus, common grey duikers and our last sighting before exiting the park was impalas. Even on the KMI Airport we saw them again! 

I hope all our guests during this safari enjoyed their time with us and I hope they all continued their travels safely. Thank you for joining us George and Timeya, Brent, Niek and Ruth as well as Emilio Sr, Emilio Jr, Daniel and Carmen! Maybe one day we'll see you back with us.