Overland Tour - Part 1 (Kruger Continued)

Well we survived our first nights camping and were up at the crack of dawn. This would be the pattern for most mornings to come, up at sunrise to make the most of the daylight and best time to see the animals.

Today was the first of our 2 day game drive in the Kruger National Park. With a short drive to the main gates, we grabbed a cuppa and then we were off.  The aim was to see the Big 5 (Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Rhino). We very luck and managed to see all of them on the first day, albeit with the Leopard and Rhino at a distance/undergrowth. but we still managed to see a lot. Over the 2 days we would see

• Elephants
• Lions
• Rhino
• Leopard
• Buffalo
• Hyena
• Wildebeest (Gnu)
• Kudu
• Steinbok
• Vulchers
• Zebra
• Giraffe
• Baboons
• Eagles
• Jackal
• Hippos

• Crocodiles
• Staval Cats
• Wild dogs
• Water buck
• Warthog (pumba)
• Impala (lots and lots and lots)

The best bit of the day was the part where a lion walked straight past the vehicle we were in, i mean "oo'er misses" close.

It then decided to sit down right in front of the car and chill out. It had actually been in a fight, so was trying to catch its breath, but still, to see that walking towards you was amazing. Not exactly Eddie walking through the lounge for some food....! Just look at the size of its paws - eek !

So after 2 full days of driving the Kruger, we were rewarded with seeing some truly wonderful wildlife.

The weather was kind during the day but seemed to lash it down at night. This was proper thunder and lightning with heavy rain to match. But the tents held up and by morning the sun was out and the ground quickly dried.

After our short stay in Kruger it was time to head back to Joburg, ready for the second leg of the Overland Tour. So another very long journey back, this time 15 hours in a van back to Joburg. That would have been alright if it wasn't for the 13 hour drive the following day to Botswana.