TRAVELLING NORTH TO OLIFANTS

The entrance to Olifants Camp. The gates are locked at night.
Only SANParks Rangers can go out at night on safaris.
Electric fences surround the perimeter, keeping guests in the camp and animals out!

The kudu with its impressive horns. Every turn denotes
 approximately three years growth.

Giraffes everywhere! They are so funny to watch.
They have very long tongues, long dark eyelashes and comical faces.
A group of giraffes are called "a journey or a tower of giraffes".

Every zebra has a different pattern of black and white stripes.
They are beautiful. The babies are adorable.

We went out on a late night safari with the rangers and we spotted a leopard!
He was sleek, muscular and had the most gorgeous coat.
Leopards have "rosettes", not spots.

And as we were leaving the park, we saw our lions!! Four!!
Two big males and two lionesses. We watched them for quite a while (and so did some others.
There actually was a traffic jam in the bush!)
They were stalking impala.

They crossed directly in front of our vehicle! We were so excited.
The lions were oblivious to us.

Ryan took this photo. Now isn't that the image of Africa?
We were so excited and felt so blessed to have seen all of the "BIG 5" and more.
I call these "pinch me moments".

WALKING WITH RHINOS SAFARI

We surprised our sons on the night before, giving them all a "Save the Rhino" bead bracelet ,

a red rhino horn for their car/s and a  "Walking With Rhinos Safari" cap!

This was their first adventure in true safari style. 

Our gear loaded up, we locked our car and got into the safari jeep.
Off we headed to the camp.
The boys had no idea what was planned!

Plains Camp. 

Safari Tents

In true African style. 

"I say, old chap…see anything?"

"Badger. What is it chap?"

Camping in the African bush veld 

Happy parents!

The lads relaxing.

The view from the pool and tents.

Our first safari during our stay. A sunset trek.

With sundowners, of course!

Ranger Mark and Tracker 

Afternoon hike in search of wildlife.

Our afternoon trek had us finish at the treehouse camp.

Another braai with sundowners.
Life is good.

Rhinos, dead ahead!

Two! We had to stay "down wind"of them. At one stage the five
 of us were standing on top of a termite hill! The rhinos were that close to us!

It is a wonderful experience to be in a safari jeep driving through Kruger Park.

The experience goes to a whole new level when you are on foot, walking in the bush, and spotting the African wildlife just metres away from you! You can smell, as well as hear the animals up close and personal. The rangers and trackers are unbelievably gifted in their jobs. They have incredibly keen eyes and a wealth of knowledge.  This was an experience of a lifetime!

WALKING WITH RHINOS SAFARIS

KRUGER PARK, HERE WE COME!

As we drove into the park, we spotted rhinos straight away!

Then two more at a water hole. They looked like a
 "push-me-pull-you" out of "Doctor Dolittle".

On our first day we saw about a dozen rhinos!

After unloading our gear into our  accommodation, we headed
 to the waterhole to watch the animals at sunset.
It is a tradition  to have "sundowners" at this time.
We honoured that tradition in style!

Animals taking their turns to drink at the waterhole.

Hippos have big mouths and make a lot of noise grunting!

The African braai shuffle.

Cooking boerwors for dinner with chakalaka!

The next morning as we turned out of the camp gate,
we were met with a herd of elephants crossing the road!

And walking down the road!
When driving through the park, people must be careful not to get
 in the path of the elephant (especially a Mum and baby,
or a male in musth.) or they will charge the car!

These big male elephants walked in front of us on the road as
we were about to turn into the camp/cafe. They were metres behind us!

See how close they are to the boys? 

Funny baboons!

A hawk that had caught a wild hare.

We came across a "hide" next to  a waterhole.
When we entered we were so excited to see three big, male elephants directly in front of us!
Magical!

The one in the foreground was such a poser for the camera.
Whilst in the hide, people have to move very slowly and speak
in whispered voices, so as not to disturb the animals.

The we happened upon two cheetahs in the distance. They are below the tree.
Can you see them?

Tomorrow, we have a very special surprise for our sons! 

THE ROAD TRIP BEGINS!

Our trusty steed, THE BEAST, with it's Red Rhino Horn attached.
(Sales of these plastic horns raise awareness and money to stop rhino horn poaching.)

Happy Mum in between two sons!

The road trip begins with shenanigans and much laughter!

Road works delay for over an hour. The lads decide to quench
their thirst and stretch their legs.

Lunch at a favourite spot called THE DECK at Malelane.
The restaurant is right on the Crocodile River which borders
Kruger Park. Wildlife passes by right in front of you! 

Watching the African wildlife for the first time!

Let the African Adventure begin with….
AFRICAN SHIRTS!!!!

Proudly wearing their new shirts.
(I always get the sizing wrong!)

Fooling around!

Staying at the Pestana Hotel and enjoying the sunset over Kruger Park

Glorious sunset. 

Cute, but noisy hippos come out at sunset to graze all night long.
They return to the water in the morning at dawn.

Now….what will tomorrow bring?