Covid-19 has taught us to never take anything for granted – being able to spend time with loved ones, giving someone a hug, being able to leave your house whenever you want and the ability to travel. Even if you do not have a confirmed booking, you know that one is jut a phone call or a click of a mouse away. And that makes things bearable until you make your next booking.
When someone then tells you that you are not allowed to make that phone call or make the online booking, it changes everything. Suddenly the thought of not being able to go to Kruger (or any other destination for that matter) makes life unbearable.
In 2020 we have learned to really appreciate that which we have taken for granted. When it comes to spending time with people and loved ones and being able to travel,’ I hope that we will always appreciate the ability to do so.
The emotions I felt when I parked my car next to my chalet in Satara are difficult to describe. Relief. Joy, Gratitude. Happy. Blessed. Thankful. Excited. Relieved. Hopeful. Lucky. Privileged. The list is endless.
So we will start this trip report with some of the birds we tend to take for granted when we visit Kruger.
Francolins and Spurfowl can be found all over the Park along the roads. We tend to overlook them and just drive past as we look for that next “big” sighting.
Starlings, especially the Burchell‘s Starling can be found in numbers across the Park. The Cape starling is also a garden bird for most of us, and we rarely stop for these shiny birds. 
No matter where you go in South Africa you will find Blacksmith Lapwings. Taken completely for granted, these birds are actually very pretty with their black and white feathers. The Blacksmith Lapwing at Transport dam is always inquisitive.
Another little bird that can be easily ignored if they are not in the large flocks they are known for are Red-billed Queleas. This little one was close to Afsaal.
And last but not least, the Helmeted Guineafowl.
Even though I have appreciated all my travel opportunities and all the aspects of the Park until now, this year has made me more grateful to be able to visit the Park. I will never take anything for granted when it comes to my Park visits.