Game Drive 27 Jan (Kruger Gate - Numbi Gate)

After the rain and flooding that caused havoc with the Park’s infrastructure a week ago, I decided to take a drive this morning.

I was at the Kruger Gate just after 05:00 and a queue of safari vehicles were already ahead of me. Entry was easy - took a lil longer - I was like no. 20. Today there seemed to be more safari vehicles than visitors driving themselves, and many of them were empty.

With a few minutes there was already a traffic jam at a lion sighting - I wound my way through the mess and went to Lake Panic. It’s full, colourful and the highlight of my day was capturing a malachite kingfisher before and after a successful catch!

Stopped at Skukuza briefly and then drove to Afsaal. In rained lightly in places. Saw Elephant twice.. all the animals seem to be enjoying the abundance of water. Muddy roads, puddles and small dams all over. Another lion sighting on the road to Afsaal, I didn’t stop.

Came across some ground hornbills, a lizard buzzard, lots of impala (they still look wet), wildebeest and zebra. Woodland Kingfishers calling from Skukuza to Pretoriuskop, (they’ll seen be leaving for the equator).

All in all a nice drive, it warmed quickly and I decided to cut my drive in half. By 10:45 I was out the Numbi Gate and on my way home. The roads are in a far condition - both ways. A few potholes, and many have been filled with sand, as a precursor to proper repairs I hope.

If you can, please visit before the schools close again, the park is green, teaming with wildlife and there must be a hundred shades of green, impossible to capture digitally - something you need to SEE yourself to experience and appreciate.