Kruger Magic

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We are very lucky to live an hour away from the Kruger National Park, which is fondly referred to by many as “the best place on earth”.

We always leave as early as possible to get to the gate as early as possible. This particular morning we crossed the Olifants River on our way, and it was absolutely incredible with the sun coming up, turning the river into a copper shimmer.

You just never know what a visit to the Kruger will hold in store.

Popping past a smallish waterhole to have our first early morning, in the Kruger, cup of coffee – there’s nothing like this particular first cup of coffee – we came across this little family of zebra, with the 2 babies (older babies) having a nap. One always has to wait for them to sit up and move – just to make sure…!

As I said, it was still rather early in the morning, but this is very suitable for some, who were already out there, advertising their kingly selves, atop their very spectacular castle!

The castle obviously being this very mighty termite mound, which you can see is still a work in progress. I’m sure there are a lot of very busy workers around.

My most favourite animal to see.

I love elephants.

We had a variety of different ellie sightings, but this male was just magnificent.

It was such a typical African Savanna setting, with the wind blowing through the grasses, the elephant eating from the bushes, the birds swooping all around, the skies moody with the threat of rain.

Absolute perfection.

As I have said, the Kruger is never short on offerings. From the magnificent elephant to the call of the African Fish Eagle.

There is nothing like either of these to remind you that you are very present in the African bush.

We were lucky enough to be treated to both a perfectly beautiful call, as well as a great fly-by by the fish eagle.

As you can see, we were very lucky to be blessed with some raindrops – and a crocodile. This was a perfect photo opportunity with great light and good timing, before he disappeared under the water, nowhere to be seen.

Such beautiful antelope the waterbuck, with their majestic horns and heart-shaped noses.

But shame, these all had so many ticks. I always feel so sorry for the animals covered in ticks. I do wonder how itchy the bites are for them, because for me they are super itchy. I’m not a fan. But they’re definitely a fan of me!

This trip was also very rich in birdlife. And even though the sky was grey which meant a white background for my pictures, I think it did make for some of these pictures to turn out quite nicely.

We came across quite a number of rollers, who were very obliging.

These two zebra just need to be shared. The one with the beautiful unusual markings which meld together, and the oh so very cute and fluffy baby.

Bee-eaters are another of those special colourful birds which are always so delightful to see. The Southern Carmine bee-eater is one of my favourites as well. Again the weather didn’t bring out the best of his colours, but I was still very happy to see one.

And the white-fronted bee-eater is always happy to put on a show.