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Stunning sunset drive to end by ellies at the waterhole .
Thank you so much for sharing .

From my side a to you, Dad and family and friends and a super .

At least the night drive was not yet over as you captured that gorgeous steenbok as well

Awesome view to the waterhole by night, Mel, and also here I can very well understand that you could have spent the whole night watching the ellies, especially on that very last night in paradise

Also for you and your Dad a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - Yes, we will see each other again in 2013 or at least still in 2012

Doggies and twice on the same day.

Amazing! We sat at different ends of the world once again
and watched the same things. Sooo happy you
got some ellies at Orpen.

Wishing you and dad all the best for 2013!
Only one more turn of the year...

Hey Mel!

That is really awesome seeing the comparison shots of your ellies vs. those spotted on the cams - just love it.
Sad that your time in the Kruger is coming to an end, but it gives you lots to look forward to in 2015...

Looking forward to the next chapter of your adventures

Hi Mel, I had to catch up from way way back, but really enjoyed it!

Love your sunset drive Love Love the dogs, just stunning!!!! Glad you got to see so many on your trip.

Also love the ellies in drinking in the dark, they look like giant gosts....

Hello everyone and Happy 2013!!

Bushbuddies, vinkie, hilda, barryels, Pumbaa, chirinda, Lionspoon, Melrockson and Super Mongoose
I thank you all for your lovely comments

But most of all I thank you for your patience

The Aussie summer is a very busy time for a herpetologist.
Then throw in Christmas and New Year and blow me down nearly a month has gone by since my last installment!

Also, from reading other TRs I learned that writing about the last hours in the park are very difficult
That is so true and may also be part of the reason I have been lagging behind...

But finally I made myself sit down and get this tough day done!

Final morning at Orpen

I didn't sleep much that night. I couldn't believe our 2 weeks in Kruger were nearly over!

To make the most of our last hours Dad and I were up and out the gate at 6am and off down the H7 to Satara for breakfast

It was a very quiet drive all the way to Nsemani Dam but there we saw our last maribous


Then just before Satara a little cutie was there to say goodbye


And I had to settle for this last Impala Pic of the Day


Dad and I had our favourite brekky of toasted ham, cheese and tomato sandwiches at Satara.
And as much as I enjoyed those sandwiches there was a deep kind of ache in my gut knowing there was only an hour and a half left before we had to check out of Orpen by 10am

So we quickly finished our sarnies and were back out on the H7, wondering what our last sightings would be

Oh wow, a jackal!



Our last warties


And then an ellie roadblock to end our Kruger adventure

It was a breeding herd with mum and her little calf leading the pack



YAY!! I got a decent pic as they ran through the gap in the cars!


And this is my last photo taken in Kruger National Park


We got back to our unit at 9.50am with 10 minutes to leave
It was a sad rush and after handing in the keys and going through the gate we were once more in the "outside world".

Oh how I just wanted to be back in Kruger.......

Hi Mel!

Oh that is sad - puts a pit in my tummy, those "last" pictures
But think of it this way - it isn't a last at all, you still have 2015 to look forward to

I have REALLY enjoyed your Kruger adventures, and can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip

Ah Mel, I know the feeling so well. I am so pleased that you and your dad will be returning again. I really look forward to another meeting.

I know for sure that you will be back ing Kruger one day

Thanks for a fantastic report Mel with some awesome sighting during your last hours in the park - Love the jackal and the baby ellie - Sigh

Hopefully we will be able to meet some day in our beloved Kruger

Greetings to your Dad as well

The last drive - I can relate to how heartbreaking it must have felt
at that time. BUT: Kruger treated you well and you had wonderful
sightings and encounters. AND: You didn't even have to go home yet,
but were due to experience some more of beautiful Africa.

Still can't wait to see the Karoo through your eyes (after mine had
failed me a bit, kind of ). And then... Addo

Last morning ....know that feeling all to well....

Really enjoyed your KNP TR Mel ...Thanks for sharing your wonderful stories and awesome pics.

Where is the road taking us from here ....... not the end of your adventures in SA.

Thank you melph68 and Dad for sharing all your wonderful sightings with us

Enjoyed it thoroughly and, I guess like all good things, it has to end but there will be many more

Nice last day ...wouldn't mind seeing that roadblock(wonderful little ellie)

Thanks for the wonderful trip report of Kruger ......I know someday you will return.....once South Africa(and Kruger) has gotten into your mind and heart it will never let you go.....

Now please show us the rest of the trip