This is our first day in Kruger park and everyone decided that we should be there early when the animals are most active. Therefore, Launch time was 6Am and everyone was in the van on time and chompin" at the bit. This was better than any zoo for we spotted wildlife everywhere. We came to find out that our first spotting of some of the herbivores became so commonplace that we later ignored them altogether. Not to say that we did not have some very exciting encounters further into the park. The entire list of all the species we spotted is listed at the end of the blog but some of the highlights include;
We spotted some wart hogs and Hugo informed us that they became Rhinos when they grew up, Heh, Heh. A beautiful blue bird, the Lilac-Breasted Roller which is also the national bird of Botswana. The photo does not do justice to the actual brilliance of the colors.
We stopped for brunch just after 9AM at a station in the park overlooking the river and home to many Hippo's and Crocodiles. On down the road we encountered a troop of Baboons and many of the Males were quite large and impressive. Their long fangs were even more impressive and we made sure that all our windows were closed.
One very distinct sight was a Striped Skaapsteker snake perched atop a roadside marker in the process of swallowing a Gecko. It finally fell off the sign just as the last of the Gecko slid inside. NO Folks, It was not the Geico Gecko! We were next visited by a couple of Vervet Monkeys which quickly became a decoration on our van. Again, we were careful not to open our windows to the little beggars. One of the most striking features of the males was their Blue Testicles. Su[supposedly the bluer they are the more desirable they become to the females, Hmmmmm!
Perhaps the most exciting experience hit us next. A pride of Lions were spotted traveling beside a stream which paralleled the road. We followed them as they progressed along the stream and straight toward a herd of Elephants that we had previously encountered crossing the road - Directly in front of us, I might add. The Lions were downwind so the Elephants had not detected them. As the Lions came around a bend and spotted the herd they immediately dropped to a crouch and remained very still. Periodically one Lion would raise and watch the Elephants than crouch down but the pride was very alert. As a couple of Elephants came closer while grazing the big cats became visibly agitated and some of the pride moved forward in a stalking posture along the edge of the stream. They were possible seeking to bring down one of a herd of Impala that was watering at the stream along with the Elephants.
Some of the closer Elephants finally got wind of the Lions and went into a defensive mode charging the pride but stopping just short of actually engaging them. One of the cats got a bit too close to a baby Elephant and Mama went full bore after the Lion and boy did that cat scat - quite comical. We watched this standoff for about 45 minutes until the Lions disappeared and the Elephants mosied back into the bush.
We had another surprise as we meandered further along the road - A large pond with Hippo heads bobbing up all around as the Crocodiles were sunning themselves on the banks. Dem Crocks were Biguns! We then stopped at a restaurant in the park for lunch and discovered around 50 bats hanging in the top of the cabana. Sort of interesting and cute to me but to others in the group.............Back on our own Safari we passed many very large termite mounds and many Rhino "toilets". We were told that Rhinos return to the same spot every time they need to relieve themselves. Believe it or not but we did come across many "dump sites" that all looks suspiciously similar. Another surprising animal was a Steenbok - the only deer in Africa that is a meat eater as well as a herbivore. They are not predacious but will scavenge when the opportunity presents itself.
In all we were in the park for eleven hours and almost overwhelmed by the sights and sounds we experienced during this first day.
We returned to the lodge to refresh ourselves and get ready for the Birthday party. Today is Jenifer's Birthday while mine is tomorrow and Jumpers is on November 1st. I had purchased a couple of bottles of Champagne and we all enjoyed a glass or two and some toasts to great times and good friends. Hugo grilled Pork and Lamb chops as well as skewered chicken. This was combined with salad, Papaya and a kind of vegetable sandwich resembling a grilled cheese.
After dinner Jennifer and myself were presented with a birthday cake, birthday cards and a gift book on Kruger Park. We ended the party around 10:30 as we will be ready for a 6AM departure on Sunday.
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