Kruger Park Safari

My very first weekend in Swaziland I actually left and went to South Africa for a three day camping safari! I had an amazing time getting to explore the Kruger nature reserve. My first day of the safari I arrived at the reserve around 1pm and then had a 1 1/2 hour drive to my campsite. On the drive in I was able to spot some cape buffalo (part of the South African big five animals to see on safari) as well as many impalas. once set up in camp I got changed into warm clothes for my sunset safari drive. The sunset drive was incredible. Almost as soon as we left the camp site we were able to spot a lioness with 6 cubs! Once the sun set we used spotlights to spot animals who are out at night. We saw many more impalas, a few buffalo and spienbok (small deer like creatures). Towards the end of the night someone in my car spotted a hyena. While watching the hyena someone else in my car noticed another set of eyes reflecting which ended up being a cheetah! The cheetah then proceeded to walk along the road giving us all a clear look at her. Unfortunately though it was too dark to take pictures of her.

The next morning at 4:30 int he morning I woke up from a cold night of camping to go on a walking safari. Myself, three other volunteers who were on the safari with me, and two safari guards drove out into the bush to start our walk. As soon as we arrived at the spot and got out of the car we spotted 5 lions who continued to run around the area we were about to venture into. On the rest of the walk we spotted an elephant which we were able to get very close to, some zebras, impalas, and more lions as we made our way back to the car.

On the final day of my trip we did a morning drive at 6:30 in the morning then packed up our camp and started our drive back to Swaziland. Overall we were able to spot 4/5 of the big five. We saw a lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros but sadly no leopard. We did see a total of 7 lions however (not counting the 6 cubs) some of whom we got to see feeding on a buffalo, and two cheetahs! It was a great trip overall!

Now I am back in Swaziland working on my internship at All Out Africa. There will be more to come about the work I am currently doing and I can't wait to share more photos of what I am doing this summer!

Stay tuned,

Kelly

(also check out my photo gallery for safari pictures!)

#Travel