Naomis Animal Facts-Trip to KNP

My First Trip to

Kruger Natl Park logo

The strong fair-headed man grasped my arms and lifted me into the old vintage car with my older sisters and brother. I had no idea where we were going, as I was very young, but every now and then when we would drive over a pothole, my small body would gravitate into the air letting me get a glimpse of what was on the outside of the old car.

The red sandy, humid wind would float into the old car's windows almost smothering us with the humid heat of over 40 degrees celcius.

After many hours of travelling the car suddenly came to a halt. Not a kind of traffic light or road sign halt, more of a 'we've arrived somewhere' halt.

I crept onto my haunches and looked out of the window only to see the dust still settling onto the long road we've left behind. I turned around to face the front of the car and there in front of me, I see the sight and feel the feeling that would forever stay vivid in my mind, heart and soul. The entrance gate to the Kruger National Park.

Every time I enter those gates my emotions starts running wild for what I am about to experience in the Park. This, in a nutshell is how I came to know of and develop my love for the African Bush.

If someone had to ask me to describe the African Bush to them, my recommendation would be, to close your eyes and have someone read the following passage out loud and clear, (it has more effect than reading it yourself!).

At the onset of entering one of the many gates to the Kruger Park, you are entering the African Bush which almost says 'enter at own risk'. You know there are wild animals about and you can almost feel their eyes watching you. But then again, a sense of adventure encourages one to look deep into the thick bush and trees for one's first spotting of any animal. You feel you are in a world which is almost forbidden, and yet you become a part of it. Your adrenaline gets pumping when you spot the first lion! There is so much excitement as everyone starts whispering and pointing, looking for ones camera to capture the moment, just in case no-one believes that you saw this magnificent animal. When the lion walks off into the thick bush, one is left with mixed emotions.

Taking a long cold shower after a long days drive is such bliss. Outside, the barbecue is set up for the night's meals to be cooked. Whilst sitting around the fire, your mind and soul comes to rest. You are succumbing to the African Bush with all it's sounds and sights. The sun dissolves into an orange halo and the full moon hangs like a ripe tangerine over the African Sky. Taking a sip of an iced cold drink brings relief to your body. Camp lights flickering, smoke drifting lazily towards the sky. Sleep is solid, with so much fresh air.

Up early, the lonely cry of the African Fish Eagle touches your heart, this is Africa! The kitchen is where everyone congregates for that first cup of coffee (which by the way, tastes so different from home). Leaving the camp behind, a sense of excitement abounds once more to see what the Animal Kingdom has left for us to see from the night before. The morning sun filters through the trees with dew drops still on the flowers and leaves of the trees. Driving with the windows open to listen to nature is so rejuvenating, calming and peaceful. Midday settles in and it's time for lunch. A picnic site is pointed out and everyone scrambles to get a spot under the huge Jackalberry tree. Whilst enjoying your lunch, monkeys are doing their acrobatic displays in the trees.

Leaving the Kruger Park is always very sad for me. This is my home away from home. It's all about coming to your senses. There's no pressure of any kind. Whatever cares and worries you enter the Park with, are left at the gate for collection again or a solution.

There are many more descriptions one could give, but only so much space to write. So, let me introduce myself before I get too carried away.

My name is Naomi and what I have described to you so far is my passion and love in life. I am proud to have been part of a generation that carried the passion of the African Wild to my children. I truly hope that one day my grandchildren will also be able to experience the African wild. There are many people who are privileged enough to have experienced a number of memorable highlights in their lifetime. Mine is and always will be the African Bush.