Aaaaah, It Was Wonderful To Go Back To The Bush! June 12, 2008
Posted by Julia in : Animals, Safari, ecotourism , trackback
Upon entering Klaserie Game Reserve we were delighted with the welcoming committee of a solitary Brown Snake Eagle perched high on a dead Leadwood as we zooted off to our unfenced camp. It was an amazing setting on the banks of the Klaserie under a canopy of Jackalberry trees. With an armed ranger and tracker, we explored the treasures of their concession. On our final evening of the 3 nights we spent there, we came across a mating pair of lion on the game drive. After our supper their calls continued echoing across our camp and to our surprise we were later surrounded by calls from 2 other lionesses. There’s nothing like those decibels to get your adrenalin going!
We bid our goodbyes to the Klaserie and entered Kruger National Park via Phalaborwa gate. The first 1.5 days were extremely disappointing and tiring to say the least as we had barely spotted Impala and Elephant. On our final full day in the park, our guide had a good feeling about the day and he was quite right - not only did we see a huge Elephant herd, Buffalo bulls, Rhino and calf and 3 bachelor Lions, but we were graced with a sighting of the elusive Leopard precariously feeding on an Impala carcass high in a Sausage Tree, as well as of a small pack of four Wild Dog trotting off into the oblivion of the savanna. It is true, the animal movements are extremely unpredictable making every sighting a very special moment in time!
It was my first experience staying in the chalets at the various restcamps. Although we didn’t spend much time in the restcamps, both chalets were comfortable and restcamp facilities were adequate.
Our final trip back to Johannesburg entailed a trip back in time to Pilgrim’s Rest, and capturing the awe of God’s Window and Lisbon Falls.
We took back home to Cape Town many photographs and I clocked up to 40 lifers mainly all thanks to Rob, the specialist! By the end of the trip my husband was enthusiastically identifying the various animals. It was a trip I’ll keep very close to my heart!
Comments»
Your picture of the lactating elephant is AMAZING!! I would like to pass that on to a few friends, if that’s ok? Sounds like a fabulous trip - sure makes me miss the bush (which here in Albany NY we don’t have much of lol!).
Hi Andy! Apologies for the delay - yes, you may certainly pass it on to your friends. *Be sure to tell them that Julia Hayes of ecoAfrica Travel is the photographer* and feel free to contact us for your next trip to the African bush!
Julia