It’s a question every aspiring safari-goer might ask themselves – how will I react when I finally see the magnificent animals we’re looking for in the wild?
It’s impossible to forget your first African safari. From the incredible burnt orange sunsets, the countless wildlife connections, friendly locals with big smiles and hearts and spectacular scenery that only Africa can deliver.
An African safari was always top of my bucket list and when a close friend decided to get married in Kruger National Park, I jumped at the perfect opportunity to visit this incredible continent.
On passing through the National Park’s entrance gates, we were soon met with buffaloes, rhinoceros’, impalas and elephants; essentially making the transfer from the airport our first official safari and ticking off three, of the ‘Big 5’ list before our official arrival!
The excitement on the bus was contagious. The sound of cameras snapping through the windows with our patient bus driver more than obliging to our ‘stop the bus’ requests (perhaps yells) at every movement from the surrounding bushland. We were eager and ready to safari!
What are the ‘Big 5’?
The ‘Big 5’ on an African safari are lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos. Luckily for us, we were able to spot all five during our three-night Kruger safari.
Even the elusive leopard, which can be hard to find in the wild, was spotted while we were on our first attempt. We also discovered leopard tracks early one morning in front of our hut – both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
How to get to Kruger National Park
From Australia, Qantas flies non-stop Sydney to Johannesburg Airport with onward connections to Nelspruit Airport with South African Airways.
South African Airways fly non-stop from Perth to Johannesburg Airport with same-day onward connections to Nelspruit Airport. Codeshare flights with Virgin Australia will get you to Perth.
Arrival into Nelspruit Airport
The air gateway to Kruger National Park is Nelspruit Airport; approximately a one-and-half hour drive to the entrance gates of Kruger National Park.
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African Elephant
One of the great creatures of the jungle is the African Elephant. Such gentle and trusting animals, they walked past your safari Land Rover just as curious of us, as we were of them. While no aggression is normally displayed, they are fiercely protective of their young and a time when safe distance is required.
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Giraffes
High on my must-see wildlife list was the giant of the jungle, the giraffe. While not as trusting as the elephant, they are certainly easy to spot among the treetop canopy. We were lucky to spot on a couple of occasions, this adorable mother and her two, not so little, calfs. There is just something about those big dark eyes and long eyelashes of the baby giraffe that leave you in love.
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Hippopotamus
Just sitting in the river, this yawning baby hippo had us all captivated. Although considered Africa’s most dangerous animal, they are simply adorable with their baby fat rolls and intriguing looks on their face.
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Zebra
We thought the zebra had escaped our cameras until the very last safari when we spotted four zebras grazing on the side of the road.
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Leopard
Ever elusive, they do say leopard sightings are rare on safari. Fortunately for us, within ten minutes of our first safari, we spotted this beautiful female feasting on a kill by her side – which we were glad not to have witnessed!
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Impala
These creatures are simply mesmerising and completely adorable with their long eyelashes and deer like qualities. Travelling in large numbers for protection, the impala can be spotted in large numbers on every game drive and a favourtie meal selection for lions.
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Rhinoceros
With poor eyesight, the rhino is very timid and shy. Staying upwind makes it easier to get closer, but we were all happy to view from a distance. The baby rhino may be one of the cutest creatures on earth.
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African Lion
Most active after dark, lions generally sleep or rest through the heat of the day. We spotted this small pride waking late in the afternoon, ready for the evening’s hunt.
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Buffalo
With horns that look like a party hat, the buffalo has an ugly cuteness about them. We were lucky to be able to watch from a safe distance a buffalo stampede through the bushland in search of water – a loud, dusty and impressive sight.
The People of South Africa
Warm, welcoming and full of spirit, the people of South Africa sing from the heart. Play the video below for the energised welcome we received at the wedding reception.
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African Sunsets
Well, these just speak for themselves. One of my happy places.
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