Apr 19 -21 Kruger Park

 Apr 19  - Flight to Kruger Park

Today was a travel day to get to our second lodge, Senalala Safari Lodge.  Once again we were excited to see our cabin and all the amenities of this stop.

 

 

An elephant across the riverbed from our deck!

After checking in, and a brief orientation we were off on our first game drive!  Sightings included

A young hyena

Sorry, can’t recall the names - but we saw so many different birds!

A couple of playful bull elephants - well…. Apparently not too playful

                                        A pair of zebras

                                     And a lovely sunset!

 Back to the lodge for a buffet dinner and then to bed.  Tomorrow’s safari starts at 6:00 AM!

The Tired, but Delirious Travellers!

Apr 20 - Senalala Safaris

A new day!!!  New experiences!  In AFRICA!!

We left at 6:00 AM in our warm clothes.  This morning’s sightings took us to more elephants!  We are so fortunate to have seen a herd down at the river eating and drinking!

Walking to the river in groups of two or three…

And then……

                             Africa’s largest eagle..  Marshall Eagle

                                                                     A fabulous landscape

A warthog family

A red headed cormorant

                                                                  Helmeted Guinea Fowl

A giraffe

And the ever present impala

After a leisurely morning, the drums sounded for lunch and we were back at the table!!  A relaxing afternoon, and then ready to go out for our late afternoon Safari.

It is still hot, but it will be starting to cool off a bit shortly after we leave.  No down jackets needed for the evening game drive, just a jacket or sweater.  Tonight we went off in search of lions; Johan, our guide, had seen tracks earlier and wanted to find them.  However, no luck!  But we did see lots of birds….

And a beautiful sunset,

We met up with the other two groups for drinks as the sun was setting.  By 7 it was dark and on the way back to the lodge Johan took us to an open area for stargazing!  Amazing!  We saw the Milky Way, satellites, the Southern Cross, Venus, Orion, Gemini, and a few others!  

Dinner time!  BBQ’d lamb chops, roasted mini potatoes, green beans with almonds,  cauliflower bake, garlic bread, garden salad - and of course, an open bar!  YUM!

It’s after 9, so we are ready to turn out the lights as 5:15 AM comes early!!

We’ll see what tomorrow brings!

Night! Night!

Apr 21- another Safari day

Another early morning- up and on the road at 6:00 AM.  Johan and James had been out last evening trying to track an elusive rhino and this morning we found fresh tracks, but the rhinoceros never came into view.  Camera shy, I guess!

However, right away, we were lucky enough to spot two giraffes!

Not much farther along we saw two bull Cape Buffalo, munching their way towards the water hole!

After not finding the rhino, Johan took us to a clearing for a quick talk about animal tracks and how they help the guides find the animals.  It’s not nearly as simple as driving around in a jeep looking for wildlife! Johan, born in South Africa, graduated with a degree in Biology and pursued his dream of becoming a guide. Every day he shares his vast knowledge, and demonstrates his passion for his work, and his appreciation for nature - and we are fortunate to be the beneficiaries!  

Not only is Johan full of information, but he can make great French Press coffee served with Amarulla and muffins under Mary and Dee’s supervision!  LOL

One more mini lesson about the cork tree…

Johan cut a piece 

of the bark from the stump (behind him)for us to see the cork-like qualities.

And we headed back to the lodge for breakfast.

I will send this now, and then pick up today’s activity in the next edition!  Time to relax on the deck and wait for the elephant to come to the waterhole across the riverbed!

Oh!  Did I mention how much we are loving this trip?  It is so beautiful and serene here at Senalala!

Stay tuned….

The Happy Wanderers