Kruger

rayamarie — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:39:00 GMT

So my trip began as any should; hungover. Also compounded by my fear of turbulence i was the recipe for flying success. But i've always said never let your fears hold you back. Travelling is in my veins. Its my drive, my inspiration, my solace.

I haven't allowed myself to get excited about this trip. So it feels surreal. I'm still pinching myself. I would honestly think this was a dream if it wasn't for all my insect bites that are so bloody itchy!

I flew South African Airways, impressed by their speed and efficiency. When i arrived at Johannesburg i was overwhelmed (in a good way) to see so many Africans. I was the minority. I kind of liked it. Interesting to see when the roles are reversed. I guess i was so fascinated coming from mainly white suburbia.

Had my Aussie Dollars changed over by a woman with very hairy arms. Took a taxi to my hostel in Emmarentia for 450r. Haha. Later found out it should be 250-350r. At least i can cross getting gypped off my list. They might've needed it more than i did. To be fair i should've been more organised, i usually am.

As i rode in the taxi i could feel the warmth of the African air contrasting with the large grey skies and strobe-like lightning. I observed extensive security measures, heavy duty gates, barbed and razor wire. A lot of fences. I also noticed how green this place is. Unlike much of Australia. Most of the roads here are of a better quality than Americas.

As i write this im lying on a freshly made white bed in an empty dorm; listening to the rain. This time i'm going to keep a travel journal especially as my trip is so long and diverse. I want to look back at this and be able to revisit each and every place through my writings.

On the early morning drive through Joburg to Kruger some places are run down, people walk along the freeways and it came to me; this would be the perfect place for a zombie uprising.

There's also a ridiculous amount of signage in the city. Heaps.

It took about 6 or 7 hours to get to Kruger. It is about 2 million hectares! Unfortunately theres been flash flooding recently. Several roads were swept away.

Managed to see the big 5. Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo. Named the big 5 for the dangerous nature and the difficulty in hunting them. Sadly the hippo doesn't count as he spends 80% of his time in water.

There were only 2 other people in my group a sydney guy and a tassie girl. Learn something new everyday...she told me theres a tasmanian dialect!

The night drive was long but we did get to see a couple special things. A baby Elephant drinking from its mother, a young hyena, several nocturnal birds and a Janet.

We were staying at Satara Camp for a couple nights and went to Thornhill Lodge for one night. Its a private game reserve and very beautiful. The roads there were a bit gnarly though. A lot of the private reserves have a agreed to drop their fences and joined together. This extends the reserve to approximately 200 hectares. There were 7 or 8 owners who started the original agreement in the early 90's i think and theyre aiming to expand.

While i was in Kruger i remembered a childrens book about animals and limpopo. I'll have to google it.

Writings From A Faraway Place...

Kruger