This is part 1 of a 2-part photo essay.
In late November 2008, I embarked upon a 5-day safari of Kruger National Park in South Africa.
My camera was a standard point-and-shoot, Canon Digital IXUS 860 IS (aka PowerShot).
Because fencing marks the perimeter of the park, there is an abundance of wildlife, including the Big 5. I managed to see them all, except a leopard, which is considered the hardest to spot. There were also a few cheetah running around, but I didn’t see them either, as they are often stationary during the midday heat. I saw a white rhinoceros on my last day, however it was too far back in the brush to capture clearly on camera.
Giraffes were a common sighting
A herd of elephants enjoy a swimming hole in the distance
Breakfast was the same every morning - scrambled eggs, ham, and a mix of mushrooms, tomatos, and onions
Lizard eating scrambled eggs (someone fed him to get a better photo)
Elephants were often seen feeding, but not usually this close to the road
The view from our 4x4 safari truck
Why did the chameleon cross the road?
Monkey
A map of central Kruger Park
Yawning hippo - catching this was pure luck
The rare flightless dung beetle at work
A pride of male lions takes shade from the midday sun
______
Photo Credit: All photos are by David Lee, and may not be used without express written consent.
Article Series - Photo Essay: Kruger Park Safari
- Photo Essay: Kruger Park Safari 1
About the Author:
Dave is the author of 1526 posts on Go Backpacking.
Dave (Editor-in-Chief) blogged his way around the world from 2007-2009, and then started Travel Blog Success to teach others how to do the same. When not writing, he can be found salsa dancing in Medellin. Follow him on Twitter @rtwdave or look for him on Google+
The Travel Blog Success community offers practical resources and personal support to help you build a better travel blog.
Whether you treat blogging as a hobby, or dream of building a location independent business, you'll learn what's required to create a name for yourself in the online travel world.
Benefits of Joining:
- Personal support from Dave, including site critiques and tips on negotiating advertising deals.
- Ability to learn from others' mistakes, and save yourself time, energy and money.
- Chance to network with other travel bloggers of all levels, from around the world.
Categories: Adventures, Photos, South Africa
Post tags: Africa, blogsherpa, kruger park, Photos, safari, South Africa, wildlife
12 Comments
I don't know if I'm more horrified that they have Carling Black Label beer in South Africa, or that you drank it. Ugh.
Oh yea, the pictures are cool :) The dung beetle is quite neat and surprising. And that's a wicked elephant – so close!
I knew someone would recognize the beer I was drinking. I honestly can't recall the difference between most of what I've had to drink around the world. I remember Singha from Thailand and Bintang from Bali due to the sheer volume I consumed.
It was cool to see the dung beetles in action, which involves close up views of fresh elephant crap. They love the stuff.
The second part will be posted Jan 21.
Chameleon was crossing road too fast and didn't have time to change color :)
Love the big photos! I agree with Shawn that the dung beetle is pretty awesome. Wouldn't have expected that in a photo essay from Kruger.
Fantastic!!! This makes me miss Kruger terribly! I was lucky enough to spot the Big 5 all on my 1st day–so magical! LOVE your elephant shot. Can't wait to see Part 2. :)
Thanks Adam – appreciate the feedback on the Kruger Park photos.
The dung beetles were surprisingly cool to watch. On the safari, I learned to appreciate all of the wildlife, big and small.
Great pictures Dave :)
Whats wrong with Black Lable??? Beggars cant be choosers when its hot as hell and the beer is ice cold!
Hi Francois –
Thanks for checking out the safari photos. I do have my favorite beers, but they're not to be found in eastern South Africa. :)
These photos are great. What could possibly top them in part 2? Can't wait to find out!
These photos are great. What could possibly top them in part 2? Can't wait to find out!
12 Comments