Kruger National Park: The Animals

^^Elephant crossing!^^

 ^^the closest I got to wild animals ha^^

 The thing about going on an African safari is that you expect to go and only care about the big animals. The classic Africa animals. But then you get out in the bush and realize that everything is different from anything you've seen before. So since it's all new, you are equally fascinated and excited to see new plants, trees, birds, and even termite mountains (they are huge!). I spent just as much time being fascinated by the vivid colors of birds as I was being in awe of those majestic animals like the lion, elephant, and giraffe. I have never cared for bird watching before but I was converted!

^^photo by one of our safari mates Ellen who is moving to Okinawa in a few months such a small world!^^

^^elusive owl. I had the hardest time seeing him he is blended in so well^^

 

^^Zazu! photo by Ellen^^

 
^^This colony of birds was so cool! The males make the nests to impress the ladies. I'm impressed. See all the pretty yellow birds?^^

 ^^Catch of the day^^

 Then there are the BIG FIVE. They are called the big five because they are considered the five hardest/most dangerous African animals to hunt on foot. We saw four out of the big five. We missed seeing the leopard. I thought I would be so disappointed to not see one, but when you are out in the bush realizing that this is not a zoo and these animals are doing what they are supposed to be doing in the wild, you don't feel disappointed at all. It's very surprising to say ha! Our guide Thulani saw a leopard cross the road while we were watching an elephant, and we missed it. The grass was so tall and the leopard is so incredible at blending in, it was impossible to see after it crossed! Oh well. Like I said, I am still completely satisfied with my safari experience.

The rest of the big five were awesome. The lion. Can't top seeing these kings.

^^photo by Ellen^^

So close!

 ^^big yawn^^

 The elephant. Every time I was so happy to see elephants! And we saw lots and lots. They are awesome creatures. 


The rhino. These are all white rhinos we saw.

And the water buffalo. Their horns look like cool hairdos.

^^photo by Ellen^^

The other highlight was all the mamas and babies we saw. Our South African guide joked that since our safari truck was full of women we were drawn to all the mamas and babies! It was so cool. Circle of life! A highlight was after the first two days of safari, we had only been seeing male elephants (they venture alone a lot while the females stay together with the babies), so when our guide found the elephant breeding ground with at least 20 mama elephants and babies, it was amazing!

 Even the ugly animals had cute babies! This is a warthog baby and a hyena baby. Looks like a puppy. 

Our guide said this impala baby was less than 8 days old! It was hobbling around just like Bambi. Adorable. 

And some other highlights. It was too hot for the hippos to get out of the water. 
Trouble making monkeys. Drama to watch as usual!

^^photo by Ellen^^

 Those beautiful zebras. Incredible colors.

This is the kudu. Check out those horns. Magnificent!

And some wildebeest, impala, and zebras all hanging out together.

Just an incredible experience seeing so many of the magnificent animals God has created. No zoo will ever compare after getting to experience these animals in their completely natural surroundings. Kruger National Park is amazing!!

Hanging out with the Elephants!

I love African elephants!

I loved being able to visit an elephant sanctuary while we were there and learn so much about these magnificent animals. I learned so much about their behavior and social structure. This sanctuary was housing only two elephants because it's a smaller sanctuary. Casper was about 31 years old, and Kitzu was 15, a "naughty teenager" as our guide said haha. It was so interesting to learn that young elephants, particularly the males, need older males in their life to guide them and keep them in line, or they will act out in ways like destroying trees or structures. So while Casper was more chill, we had to be more careful with Kitzu since he was more inclined to just want to play. 

First we got to interact with them, and then we got to ride them for a little bit. We pet them, fed them, took a walk with them, and they gave us a "kiss." I don't have pictures of that but it looked like they had us in a choke hold since it was on our neck. Such a strange feeling! Riding bareback on the elephant was so fun. And any longer, I would have had some serious saddle sore ha. 

 Before we left, I got to give Casper one last hug. I didn't want to say good bye. I love these majestic creatures. I never got tired of seeing them on safari, and we saw lots!

And here's the video of me feeding Kitzu


Love them so much!

The Panorama Route, South Africa

Before our afternoon safari at Kruger, we spent the morning doing "the panorama tour" and it didn't disappoint. Absolutely gorgeous scenery!  The three stops we made along the tour were The Three Rondavels/Blyde River Canyon, Lisbon Falls, and God's Window. 

^^Overlooking the Three Rondavels. Can you see me??^^

It is called the Three Rondavels because the three formations I am looking at resemble rondavels aka the traditional African hut. 

It's just so pretty! A short walk from that is this beautiful view from the Blyde River Canyon.

Next up: Lisbon Falls. I loved this spot too. Such a beautiful waterfall overlooking the valley. I thought it was funny that our South African guide kind of made it sound like it wasn't that good of a waterfall, which made me expect like a trickle or something. But is was beautiful. 

 God's Window was our last stop, and the name was definitely bigger than the view. It was pretty: in the distance you can see Kruger, but after the first two stops, it wasn't as cool ha.

At all these places were little souvenir/"curio" markets, and the people running them were just so nice. They bargained a little, but I just felt bad trying. I bought a mask for Victor simply because the girl was so nice asking me to come look at her store. Hope you like the mask, Victor ;)