Kruger National Park has something for every interest. The birds and animals 〈especially the big ones) are obviously the main attraction. But on those quiet drives where the animals and birds are scarce, you will find other wonders if you take the time to look.
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A story about The Baobabs
Since the very first moment I saw one of these trees I‘ve firmly believed that it is the pace where fairy-tales are written. The amazing trunk and the vast canopy just looks like the perfect place for fairy tale creatures to live.
During this trip I was privileged to visit the Tree at the Timbavati picnic spot as well as the Southern-most Baobab.
The Tree at the Timbavati picnic area has the most amazing trunk.
The Southern-most Baobab is equally impressive.
It was also the first time I saw the flowers of these trees up close. Truly beautiful.
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A story about something that deserves a song
When I think of a Kruger Sunrise the son “Morning has broken” sticks in my head. Every time. It was heavily overcast when I arrived, and the conditions continued on the Saturday. I had to wait until the Sunday morning to see my first sunrise. It was absolutely worth the wait.
On the Monday morning I drove north, and this awaited me.
My last sunrise at Satara left me speechless. This was on the H7 just before Nsemani dam.
It is not just about the sunrises – the sunsets are quite special as well. On the day that I arrived I thought I would not see a sunset due to the overcast conditions. But it cleared up a little just as the sun went down.
The Tamboti sunsets are not to bad either!
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Stories about stopping and smelling the flowers
Many people tend to rush from sighting to sighting. But if the Big 5 is not the only reason you come to the Park, there are many other things to look at. The flora in the Park is as diverse as its animals, and certainly worth a second look.
The Park had good rain in the early parts of summer, and there were pretty little flowers everywhere.
Another interesting tree is the Rock Fig. It is amazing to see how the roots grow into the rocks.
There were also a few butterflies about. This a beautiful Scarlet Tip.
And one of the Cupid species.
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A story about the weather
The weather in the Park went from one extreme to the other. From rain and somewhat cool temperatures to 43 degrees on one day.
On the Saturday I was driving to Olifants. It was overcast, and as I approached the Olifants camp I could see the rain approaching.
I drove back from the Sweni hide and it was extremely hot. There were absolutely no animals around so I went back to camp. It was very hot, but all of a sudden the clouds rolled in and it started raining. I sat on the chalet’s veranda and just enjoyed the sound and the smell of the rain. It rained for more than 2 hours. It was just what was required after the very hot morning.
There were a few more rainy hours during the next few days, and it just added to the magic of the trip.